Interviews with past test takers
​Three individuals shared their insights on how they successfully navigated the study process, managed all the complex information, and tackled the exam. During this online focus group, they were able to discuss what worked and what didn't work for them, providing valuable advice to help you with your studying journey. ​
What surprised you most about the 2024 NCS Exam?
Sophie B: I was surprised by the number of questions on bracing and AFOs. It was throughout the test, not just in the cases on stroke. I felt prepared for this topic, but I was surprised at how often it appeared on the test. There were questions on decision-making and how to choose the right AFO or KAFO in brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord injury. I was also surprised at how many vestibular questions there were.
Lisa F: What surprised me most about the NCS exam was the degree that it was a clinical exam. Almost all of the questions asked about real practical questions, and how it would apply to the patients and there were very few questions directly asking on the theory of neurology, anatomy or rehabilitation.
Samantha L: I was surprised that we needed to know the details of ASIA scoring (American Spinal Cord Injury Association), and other details such as bowel and bladder management. I was also surprised at the number of questions on early mobilization.
What did you use as your primary means of studying?
Sophie B: I used a combination of the NCS Exam practice book by Shepherd & Adams, and the Medbridge course. I also spent a lot of time reading research articles on the topics that I had the least experience.
Lisa F: I was part of a residency which had strong guidance and mentorship throughout the process, so that was my main focus in preparation. For each topic, I tried to know the best available research. I did also test myself with practice questions.
Samantha L: I studied by taking the Medbridge course, then tested myself with the Shepherd NCS Exam practice question book. I alternated those two resources by first watching the module on a topic on Medbridge, then followed it up with testing myself with the practice questions from the Shepherd & Adams book. I kept alternating as I went through each topic and I felt that kept me on track. Anything I didn't know from the practice questions I made sure to read the explanations, or I went back to the course and re-learned it.
When did you start studying for the NCS exam? In retrospect, was it too early or too late?
Sophie B: I started studying in October. I think in retrospect I would have liked to start a bit earlier, but I think no matter how early I started I would have still felt like I needed more time. It's just that type of test.
Lisa F: I began studying lightly and very generally in July, but I didn't get into a serious routine until October, when I pivoted to daily and consistent studying. It was a good pace for me, but some of the first topics were a little foggy by the time I got close to the test date, so maybe it was a bit too early in retrospect.
Samantha L: I started formally studying on my own in September. It felt early at the time, but in retrospect I had more time to review at the end.
How many hours per week did you spend studying?
Sophie B: 6 hours per week.
Lisa F: I really was studying all day because I was part of a residency and I was constantly being challenged and asked questions by my mentor, but when I got home each day I studied too. I made sure to put in about 4-6 hours per week.
Samantha L: It varied from week to week based on my energy level and what was going on in my life at the time, so on some weeks it was only 4 hours, and on other weeks as much as 8 hours. I did most of my catching up on weekends.
What advice would you give someone who is beginning their journey of studying for the NCS exam?
Sophie B: My best advice is to pace yourself. A little bit every day. Start early even if it is causally studying, then build from there. Break your studying into parts. Try not to think about all the other topics you need to learn, just take one topic at a time.
Lisa F: One of the best things I did was to use the "study at work," methods (found in Chapter 1 of the the NCS exam book), so I was able to learn throughout the workday while I was treating patients. Before I used that method, I used to get home from work and I would try studying but feel so exhausted from working all day, which of course is a challenge because you're not at your best at that time.
Samantha L: Once you get past the anatomy and physiology, remember to use updated study resources - I initially signed up for an online study course, but quickly saw that the information was from years prior and not updated every year. It was fine, but I wouldn't use it as the only means to study. It's important to know the research and know what is needed each year for each exam. In addition to the courses, make sure to use the published checklists and read the advice specific for the current exam. Make sure to also read all the recommended articles on the reading list from neuropt.org.
How did you manage the large volume of information needed to learn?
Sophie B: The amount of information was a bit scary for me when I first started studying. I used the study plan in the NCS Exam book to pace myself because it allots a few weeks per topic so I knew if I was ahead or behind and it took some of the stress out. I also spent a lot of time reviewing, even if it was just a few minutes each day. This helped me retain the information that I had already learned earlier.
Lisa F: One topic at a time. I started studying early and just told myself that if I make sure to devote as much time as needed to learn a topic, then that would be enough. I had some late nights of studying in order to stay on track, but then I was sure that I knew a topic before moving on to the next.
Samantha L: I started with the major topics first, then moved on to minor topics. This lowered my anxiety because I knew even if I started to run out of time as the test approached, I had at least studied the topics with the most questions. I also started first with a topic I was familiar with (stroke), then I went right away to topics I was unfamiliar with such as spinal cord injury.
All three of you passed the NCS exam, but when you finished taking the test, how confident were you that you passed?
Sophie B: Not confident at all. In fact, I called my husband on the road and told him that I was sure I failed. When the actual score came out I ended up doing quite well, but the nature of the test just makes you feel that way.
Lisa F: I wasn't sure if I passed. I knew some of the answers, but for a lot of questions I chose my best guess so I left the test unsure.
Samantha L: I couldn't tell if I passed and I just told myself to wait until the results came out.