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Live Hard, Study Hard: Studying for the CIH Exam without Sacrificing Your Life
Presented by:
Megan Canright, MPH, CIH
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• This exam is very difficult
• You cannot cram for this exam
and be successful
• Seriously… even if you have a
photographic memory,
cramming will not get you a
passing score
• Comprehensive understanding
of concepts is key
Overview
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• Step 1: Decide your exam date
• Step 2: Calculate a reasonable amount of
time to devote to studying each week
• Step 3: Determine your strengths, start with
your weaknesses
• Step 4: Approach studying one day at a time
• Remember, stick to your commitment; don’t
let studying take over your life!
Overview
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• You need a hot date…with your exam
• Set your goal well in advance, I suggest at
least six months
• Things to consider:
– How much experience do you
have?
– Do you have expertise in some of the rubrics?
– Will you need a prep course?
– How are you with numbers?
– Does your S.O. know about this??
Step 1: Set a date!
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• Most of you have other things to worry about
– Job
– Family
– Solo time
– Social life? (maybe not)
• Determine a REASONABLE amount of time
you can devote to studying, each week (~10
hours)
• Work an “off-day” into your schedule
• We’re not talking Outliers here, Bill Gates
Step 2: Set aside some time
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• Why? If you don’t….
– You’ll burn yourself out
– You’ll burn your friends and family out
– What should be a positive experience will turn
sour
– You don’t have to prove that you’re smart, we
already know you are
– This isn’t high school; the days of needing
straight A’s to get into college are over
– It’s called work-life balance, people
Step 2: Set aside some time
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• You’re an overachiever, aren’t you?!
• Commit to a time; stick to it; don’t go into OT
• How to avoid OT:
– Take the first/last few minutes to get organized
– Stick to your study plan
– e.g., first hour: concept review, second hour:
practice problems/equations
– Tackle only one or two major concepts per
session
– Don’t get distracted, isolate yourself
Step 2: Set aside some time
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• Before your study sessions:
– Inform your boss/S.O./family of your dedicated study time
– Don’t overdose on coffee or No-Doz
– Relax…maybe a little yoga?
• During study sessions:
– Turn your phone, t.v., pager off
– If you are frustrated, take a break or move on and return to
it later
• After your study sessions:
– Relax…again
– Do something fun to take your mind off the exam
– Get plenty of rest
Tips for a Balanced Session
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Step 3: Strengths/Weaknesses
• Where are your strengths?
– What have you studied before?
– Are you a math freak? Science nerd?
– What comes easiest to you?
– Be confident in what you already know!
• Set them aside…focus on your weakest
areas first
– Rank your weakest concentrations
– If you study your weakest areas first, you’ll
have plenty of time to seek help, if needed
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• Stick to what you’ve committed
– This presentation doesn’t give you a hall pass
• You’ve set aside regular study time for a
reason – do it, don’t overdo it.
• If you need help, there are plenty of
resources available (see other presentations)
• Taking on too many subjects at once will
make you study-crazy
• Keep this exam in perspective…
Step 4: One Day at a Time…
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• This exam is one of the most important
steps you’ll take in your professional career
• Your family and personal time are the most
important things in your life, don’t sacrifice
them
• You can take the exam over again
• If your kids or friends disown you, who are
you going to celebrate with when you pass?
Step 4: One Day at a Time…
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• Congratulate yourself!
• Get a massage
• Throw yourself a party (pity parties count!)
• Take your significant other out on a thank-
you date
• If you passed… put your study materials
away – don’t burn them! – Keep them for reference, trust me
• Decide whether you want a stamp or
embosser
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