Preparing to take the NARM Examination

Getting ready to take the NARM exam? NMI offers its very own NARM Practice Exam.

With NMI’s practice exam you will learn valuable tips from your own exam results. After you have completed the exam, you have the option to schedule a 1:1, 50-minute session, with the Academic Director to go over your results, review any specific exam questions or areas you’d like more help with, and learn valuable tips and tricks for exam day. This 1:1 sessions will help you identify areas to focus your study as well as improve your test taking skills.

The outline of the NARM exam is explained in detail in the Candidate Information Bulletin published by NARM. Read over the breakdown of questions as it will tell you exactly where to focus your studies. NARM questions have to be supported by 2 peer reviewed text. Be sure to reference the most current list of reference books to study on the NARM site (listed in the NARM CIB). We recommend reading through Heart and Hands as an overview, then focus your studies on Varney’s or Myles Midwifery.  Many students find it helpful to make flash cards.

Take time to review the test-taking strategies and resources below.

Practice Test Tips

  • Remember to read the questions carefully.

  • Look for conditional words such as, NOT or EXCEPT in the questions.

  • Read ALL of the answers and eliminate the incorrect answers before you chose the best answer from the remaining choices.

  • If you tend to read very fast or comprehension is more challenging then read each question 3x before responding.

  • Prepare for the test in advance. Use the NARM Candidate Information Booklet (CIB) test specifications and reference list as your guide.

  • Reconnect with your purpose and passion for Midwifery.

  • While studying, practice positive self-talk and take breaks to be in nature. This helps you to integrate the information!

Planning Logistics

  • Take a minimum of a few days off call before the test. You need to be rested and clear-headed for the test.

  • Take time to drive to the test site the day before.

  • If you have to travel far to the test site, consider getting a hotel room and arriving the day before.

  • Know the exact location of the test site, where to park, cost of parking, and walk to where the testing room is located.

  • Consider traffic or other issues that might affect your arrival time the day of the test.

  • Get some snacks for the test day, and have a lunch plan for the day of the test. Eat!

Day Before

  • Take a break from studying. You’ve got this!

  • Put gas in your car (or charge your car).

  • Do something calming and centering.

  • Eat 3 good meals and hydrate well.

  • Shut off / silence your phone- don’t risk getting woken up!

  • Go to bed early.

  • If sleep is an issue try mild herbs, tea, yoga, or meditation.

Day of the Test

  • Wake up and eat food.

  • Leave early to get to the test site.

  • Go to the bathroom before you go into the test site.

  • Breathe. Relax your body. Center and ground yourself.

Taking the Test

  • Read each question carefully. Answer the question only using the information provided. Don’t make assumptions.

  • Before answering, read ALL the answers. Eliminate obvious wrong answers and then choose the best answer.

  • Sometimes 2 answers will seem like they are right. Re-read the question and choose the question that best answers the question being asked.

  • Remember each question is worth the same amount. Don’t linger on questions you don’t know. Mark the questions you want to return to and keep going.

  • Make sure to take note when the questions have qualifying terms which affect how the question should be interpreted.

Additional Resources

Test Taking Anxiety?

Receive 1 : 1 Tutoring

After you have completed the exam, you have the option to schedule a 1:1, 50-minute session, with the Academic Director to go over your results, review any specific exam questions or areas you’d like more help with, and learn valuable tips and tricks for exam day. This 1:1 sessions will help you identify areas to focus your study as well as improve your test taking habits and skills.

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