Exam Strategy & Test-Taking Skills

Question 1

What is the best approach to answering NCMHCE case-based questions? Read the case carefully

Answer 1

identify the most pressing clinical need

Question 2

What does IG/DM stand for in the exam structure? Information Gathering (IG) and Decision Making (DM). IG tests how well you collect information

Answer 2

DM tests your ability to apply clinical judgment.

Question 3

What is the most common mistake test-takers make on the NCMHCE? Not distinguishing between gathering information vs. making a decision in the case scenarios.

Question 4

How should you manage your time during the exam? Allocate 1-2 minutes per question

Answer 4

flag difficult ones for review

Question 5

What is the best way to approach differential diagnosis questions? Compare the client’s symptoms with the DSM-5 criteria

Answer 5

rule out medical causes

Question 6

What does the exam prioritize when assessing responses? Ethics

Answer 6

safety

Question 7

How do you determine the best next step in a clinical case scenario? Consider **risk level

Answer 7

severity

Question 8

What should you do if you’re unsure about an answer? Eliminate answers that are **ethically inappropriate

Answer 8

irrelevant

Question 9

How can you identify distractor answer choices on the exam? Distractors often contain **extreme language (always

Answer 9

never)

Question 10

What is the best way to prepare for the decision-making sections? Practice mock case scenarios

Answer 10

time yourself