With the recent changes to the PEBC Evaluating Exam format (now 150 questions in 3.25 hours), effective test-taking strategies are more important than ever. Even with extensive knowledge preparation, your approach to the exam itself can significantly impact your performance. This article presents 10 proven strategies to help you navigate the PEBC EE efficiently and maximize your chances of success.

Before the Exam: Preparation Strategies

1. Simulate Exam Conditions

One of the most effective ways to prepare for the PEBC EE is to practice under conditions that mimic the actual exam:

• Take full-length practice tests (150 questions)
• Time yourself strictly (3.25 hours total)
• Use a computer for practice tests when possible
• Take breaks only as allowed in the real exam
• Practice with the passEE app's Exam Simulation mode

Regular simulation builds stamina and helps you identify your optimal pace. The passEE app offers full-length practice exams that mirror the actual PEBC EE format.

2. Master the Exam Blueprint

Understanding the exam content distribution is crucial:

• Review the PEBC EE blueprint thoroughly
• Know which topics are weighted more heavily
• Focus your final review on high-yield areas
• Identify your personal weak areas through practice tests

During the Exam: General Approach

3. Strategic Question Navigation

With the computer-based format, you can navigate questions strategically:

• Answer easy questions first to build confidence
• Flag difficult questions to revisit later
• Use the review screen to track your progress
• Ensure all questions are answered before time expires

Remember that all questions are worth the same number of points, so don't spend excessive time on difficult questions at the expense of easier ones.

4. Maintain Awareness of Time

With 150 questions in approximately 3.25 hours:

• You have about 1.3 minutes per question on average
• Check the time after every 25 questions
• Aim to complete the first 75 questions in 90 minutes
• Leave 15-20 minutes at the end for review

If you find yourself falling behind, slightly increase your pace and be more decisive with your answers.

Multiple-Choice Question Strategies

5. Read Questions Carefully

Many errors come from misreading questions:

• Identify what the question is actually asking
• Pay attention to negative phrasing (e.g., "Which is NOT...")
• Look for qualifiers (e.g., "most appropriate," "least likely")
• Note patient-specific factors in case-based questions

6. Use the Process of Elimination

When unsure of the correct answer:

• Eliminate obviously incorrect options first
• Look for subtle differences between remaining options
• Compare similar options to identify the most precise answer
• When down to two options, re-read the question for clues

7. Watch for Common Distractors

Be alert for these common types of incorrect options:

• Partially correct statements
• True statements that don't answer the question
• Options that contain familiar terms but are used incorrectly
• Options that mix correct and incorrect information

Time Management Techniques

8. Use a Three-Pass System

Consider this efficient approach to the exam:

• First Pass: Answer all questions you're confident about (60-90 seconds max per question)
• Second Pass: Return to flagged questions that require more thought (2-3 minutes per question)
• Third Pass: Review any remaining difficult questions and check your answers if time permits

This approach ensures you capture all the "easy points" before spending time on more challenging questions.

Test Anxiety Reduction

9. Use Stress Management Techniques

If you feel anxiety building during the exam:

• Practice deep breathing (4-7-8 technique: inhale for 4, hold for 7, exhale for 8)
• Use positive self-talk and affirmations
• Take a 30-second mental break if needed
• Focus only on the current question, not on your overall performance

10. Trust Your Preparation

On exam day:

• Avoid last-minute cramming
• Trust your first instinct unless you have a clear reason to change
• Remember that you've prepared thoroughly with quality resources
• Maintain perspective - you can retake the exam if necessary

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to internalize these strategies is through consistent practice. The passEE app provides over 3,500 practice questions in a format that mirrors the actual PEBC EE, allowing you to refine your test-taking approach before exam day.

With the recent changes to the PEBC EE format (reduced to 150 questions), practicing with realistic simulations is more important than ever to develop the right pacing and approach.