Acing Your ACLS Test: Study Tips for Success

New ACLS guidelines mean that professionals seeking initial advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certification – and even those looking to recertify – have to learn a new set of skills and strategies. Brushing up on important study skills can help you successfully navigate this new information as you approach the ACLS exam. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

Getting ready for your ACLS test
HowtoStudy.org offers the following tips to help you prepare to take an ACLS certification exam.

Get organized. Invest in a calendar and plan study time into your day. Planning a routine can often help you make time for studying and be more focused when you spend time with ACLS test materials.
Prepare your study environment. Look for a location where there are few distractions, like TV, phones or lots of activity. Ask family members or roommates to respect your study area and make it a “no interruption” zone. Make sure you have adequate desk space and lighting, you’re comfortable and you feel like you can focus.
Set some goals. Whether you plan to study for a period of time every day or you set a goal to focus on one ACLS module a week, setting goals is an important part of studying success.

ACLS tests: taking in the information
Dartmouth University’s Academic Skills Center offers the following tips for making the most out of study time.

Study in chunks. Studying in 20 to 50 minute time periods, and taking five to 10 minute breaks in between study periods, will help you learn and retain information more effectively.
Use daylight hours. If you’re able, study the materials that require the most concentration earliest in the day. Daylight hours are often more conducive to concentration.
Spend more time on difficult material. Rank the difficulty of material and spend the most time on the material you find most challenging.
Study actively. Ask yourself questions and review your notes regularly.

Effective ACLS testing
According to “Study Guides and Strategies,” an online study resource, the following activities can help you approach tests – such as the ACLS certification exam – with confidence.

Stay relaxed and confident. Remind yourself that you’re going to do well. If you’re anxious, take a few deep breaths to relax.
Read directions carefully. Although this may seem obvious, it’ll help you avoid careless mistakes.
Answer questions in strategic order. Flag questions you are unsure about and review before submitting the exam for grading.
Check your answers. Again, this may seem obvious but it will help you avoid careless mistakes.

Health Ed Solutions’ ACLS course incorporates the American Heart Association guidelines.