It is completely understandable why the vast majority of our students are so focused, and somewhat fearful, of their NMLS licensing examination. This exam will determine their fate as a licensed mortgage loan originator, should he or she fail (even by the slightest of margins) they must wait, at minimum, another 30 days before testing again.
Word has spread throughout the industry as to the difficulty of this exam, only helping to enhance pre-exam jitters and anxiety. On a daily basis we receive inquiries about preparing for the NMLS exam, everything from how many prep tests are enough to any techniques we can provide that will help with answering exam questions.
It is MTI's goal to have every student succeed and pass their licensing exam. We have compiled some of the best techniques and strategies to help students get fully prepared for the exam and enter their exam location with the full confidence and belief they will pass and leave a licensed mortgage loan originator!
Many of these techniques can be applied by anyone, regardless of the examination they will be taking.
- Spacing Your Study Times. In most cases students will have several weeks to prepare for their exam, it is quite rare that a student will take their exam just days after completing their coursework. Even though they may have weeks, some students try and cram for their exam just days before they take it. They would do better if they spent a little time studying every few days following the course. Spacing self-tests and study time every few days allows the brain to partially forget, and then re-learn the information, with powerful effects on memory.
- Changing Things Up With MTI's Preparation Tests. Shuffling different types of practice questions into an unpredictable order is a technique known as Interleaving. This is accomplished through the use of MTI's practice tests, provided to each student. Students often study in an orderly fashion that builds on the last item studied. Interleaving questions builds on a crucial testing skill: figuring out what kind of problem the question is asking.
- Try an Exam Wrapper. As you use MTI's practice tests, you will find they are immediately scored after completion and you have the ability to review. After completing a practice exam try also completing an exam wrapper. An exam wrapper is a set of brief instructions, printed on a piece of paper. The instructions will lead you through the process of reflecting on how well you prepared for the exam, how well you performed, and what you can do differently on the next test. If you find yourself struggling with obtaining acceptable scores, this method may help you to determine how to better prepare. CLICK HERE for an exam wrapper you can use with your preparation, or, as an example to build your own.
- Calming Your Testing Fears. Before a high-stakes exam, many people often experience a quickened heartbeat, sweaty palms, and/or butterflies in their stomach. These feelings may be interpreted as meaning, "I'm so nervous," which in-turn causes them to become more anxious. Many studies have shown that spending 10 minutes prior to an exam writing down, on any piece of paper, whatever comes to mind significantly helps to reduce the levels of stress and anxiety and allows for better performance on the exam. Some students will begin to feel their level of anxiety increase when taking the practice tests as well. If you have a high level of anxiety when test-taking, try this technique prior to the next practice test and compare your results against previous tests.
To some the thought of the NMLS licensing exam can be overwhelming and scary. Take full advantage of your preparation time and integrate some of these techniques, or additional tips we have shared. Allowing yourself adequate time to prepare and utilizing the preparation tools will provide you with an arsenal for triggering successful passing of your exam!
Do you have techniques you've used in the past that helped you prepare? Comment and share them.
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