Prepare yourself emotionally. Starting your studies with a good and confident attitude will help you successfully take in information and commit it to memory. Stay positive and tell yourself that you will not fail. Positive thinking will help reduce stress and anxiety so that you will be able to focus on studying.
Make a study schedule. Plan to study at least a couple of hours a day. Begin studying several weeks in advance of the board exam; the more that is required on the test, the more time you need to give yourself to study. Use old tests and schoolwork to determine your weakest areas and spend a great deal of time studying those areas. Take breaks during the study time, but keep distractions limited. Stick to the schedule you set--the hard work will pay off.
Check with your teacher and on the Internet to see if there are any sample tests offered. Sample tests will give you a general idea of what to expect. Some fee-based sample testing services will evaluate your work and help you find areas that you can improve upon. Whether you use a free or fee service, it is important to use a sample test. By using a sample test you can go into the board exam with an idea of what to expect, which will help reduce anxiety.
Set the date and location for your board exam. Some board exams are offered only a couple times a year, while others are offered more frequently. Make any travel arrangements and book rooms at this time, if needed. Avoid the stress of waiting until the last minute; it can cause you to lose focus on the board exam.
Get plenty of rest the night before the test. Avoid studying or thinking about the test, just relax and do something fun that will take your mind off of the exam. Stay away from caffeine and sugar as it can cause anxiety. On the day of the board exam wear comfortable clothing, arrive early and use the restroom. Smile and tell yourself that you are going to pass the board exam.