5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Taking the Board Exam

Taking the board exam can be one of the most stressful experiences in your career.

I wish someone had told me what really matters beyond just studying.

Let me share the 5 things I wish I knew before taking the board exam, so you can prepare smarter and avoid the mistakes I made.

Here are the five things I wish I knew before taking the board exam, and why they matter more than you might think:

1. Studying Hard Isn’t the Same as Studying Smart

Back then, I believed that the more hours I put in, the better I’d perform. So I pushed myself—8 hours a day, sometimes more. But guess what? I was burning out. I wasn’t retaining as much as I thought.

Here’s what I learned:

• Quality beats quantity. Studying for 2 hours with full focus is more effective than 6 hours of half-focused cramming.
• Active recall works. Don’t just re-read notes. Test yourself regularly.
• Spaced repetition is your friend. Don’t review everything in one go. Space it out over days or weeks to retain info better.
• Make your own reviewer. Writing summaries in your own words helps you understand better.

If I had known this sooner, I would have stopped wasting time re-reading the same books and started practicing with mock exams earlier.

If you’re looking for more structured exam strategies, don’t miss our guide on How to Pass the Civil Service Exam on Your First Try | 10 Tips.

Many of the tips there are practical and useful for board exam takers too.

2. Rest and Sleep Are Non-Negotiable

One of the biggest mistakes I made was pulling all-nighters a week before the board exam. I thought sacrificing sleep meant gaining more study hours. In reality, it ruined my focus and memory.

Here’s the truth:

• Sleep helps you retain information. It’s during sleep that your brain processes what you’ve learned.
• Lack of sleep causes mental fog. On exam day, I struggled with concentration—not because I didn’t know the answers, but because my brain was tired.

If there’s one thing I wish I prioritized more, it’s rest. So as early as now, build a routine. Sleep at least 7–8 hours daily and avoid burnout. You’ll thank yourself when you feel sharp and energized on the big day.

3. Practice Tests Are Just As Important As Studying

Another one of the things I wish I knew before taking the board exam: It’s not enough to read your books. You need to simulate the actual exam experience.

Here’s how:

• Take timed mock exams. This helps you manage time and pressure.
• Review your mistakes. Don’t just score yourself—understand why you got an answer wrong.
• Expose yourself to different question formats. Some board exams are tricky with how they phrase questions.

I realized too late that I could’ve boosted my confidence just by doing more mock tests. Reading helps you understand the concept. But practicing helps you apply it.

If you’re unsure whether you’re really ready, you might want to read this helpful checklist: 5 Signs You’re Actually Ready for the Exam.

It will give you peace of mind—or show you what to improve.

4. Mental Preparation Matters More Than You Think

People talk a lot about study strategies—but rarely about your mindset. And yet, this was one of the most powerful things I learned.

I went into the exam room feeling like I was going to fail. I doubted myself. And that panic? It clouded my judgment on questions I actually knew the answer to.

So here are some things to know before the exam that help with mental preparation:

• Visualization helps. Imagine yourself passing the exam and how that feels.
• Affirmations work. Say things like “I am prepared” or “I’ve done my best” to counter exam anxiety.
• Talk kindly to yourself. Avoid self-criticism—build yourself up instead.

You don’t need to be a genius to pass the board exam. But you do need confidence and mental clarity.

5. Logistics Can Make or Break Your Exam Day

This one’s practical—but so important. I was so focused on studying that I completely forgot about the small things. Like:

• Where’s the testing center? I didn’t check it in advance and ended up getting lost on the way.
• What time should I leave? I underestimated traffic and almost arrived late.
• What should I bring? I forgot a valid ID and had to rush to find someone who could bring it.

Take it from me—don’t leave this stuff to the last minute. A few days before the exam:

• Double-check your exam venue, time, and seat number.
• Prepare your pencils, calculators (if allowed), IDs, notice of admission, etc.
• Plan your route and time allowance to get to the site early.

You can be fully prepared mentally and academically—but if something goes wrong logistically, it can throw everything off. Avoid unnecessary stress by planning ahead.

Bonus: What You Do After the Exam Matters Too

Once I submitted my answer sheet, I felt a wave of relief. But that relief turned into anxiety the next day. I kept replaying the questions in my head, doubting my answers, overthinking everything.

Here’s my advice:

• Don’t dwell. What’s done is done. Overthinking won’t change the results.
• Keep your routine. Whether you pass or fail, life goes on. Stay productive and grounded.
• Celebrate the effort. You’ve done something huge—acknowledge that.

Waiting for results can be tough, but remember: taking the exam itself is already a major achievement.

Once you’re done with the exam and waiting for the results, you can check them on the official Board Passers Portal (BPP) PH.

This is your go-to site to find board exam results for 2025 and beyond.

Final Thoughts

There you have it—the 5 things I wish I knew before taking the board exam, plus a bonus tip you didn’t ask for but probably needed.

Here’s a quick recap:

1. Study smart, not just hard.
2. Prioritize sleep and mental rest.
3. Use practice tests to your advantage.
4. Prepare your mindset as much as your notes.
5. Handle the logistics early and carefully.

The board exam isn’t just a test of knowledge—it’s a test of endurance, strategy, and emotional balance. If you’re feeling nervous right now, that’s normal. But now, you’ve got an edge.

Remember these things to know before the exam, and you’ll walk in with more confidence—and a much better shot at passing.

Good luck! You got this.

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