Summer Reading: Tips for preparing for the CCDS exam
By Fran Jurcak, MSN, RN, CCDS
Once you have met the two-year minimum work experience requirement required to sit for the Certified Clinical Documentation Specialist (CCDS) credential exam, it’s time to study. Start by reviewing CCDS Exam Candidates Handbook for information on applying to sit for the exam as well as the process for taking the test. The following are a few additional tips that many successful candidates have used to earn their certification:
- Discuss with peers and supervisors
- Join a study group
- Visit the CCDS discussion board on the ACDIS Forum
- Start studying early like a few months prior to sitting for the exam
- Review a new content area each week
- Spend extra time studying areas where you feel less confident
- When reviewing practice questions multiple times, make sure you understand the concept and don’t just memorize an answer
- Take a day or two to prepare your mind and body for the exam
- Get a good night’s sleep and eat a good meal before taking the exam
- Leave plenty of time to arrive for the exam
Once you are set to begin the exam, take a deep breath, exhale, and let your knowledge and experience guide you through successful completion of the certification.
Editor’s note: This article is an excerpt from the “CCDS Exam Study Guide,” by Fran Jurcak, MSN, RN, CCDS. To read more about certification, visit the ACDIS website, here.