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BOC Exam Resources and Study Tips

Develop a Study Plan to Lessen Gaps in Knowledge

Understanding the resources available for BOC exam preparation can make a marked difference to candidates preparing for the BOC exam. Below we provide an overview of BOC resources and study tips that can assist with exam preparation. Keep in mind, no matter what resources are used to prepare for the BOC exam, these should all be used as a way to identify gaps in knowledge. By understanding knowledge gaps, candidates can develop a study plan to lessen these gaps before taking the BOC exam.

BOC Exam References

The “BOC Exam References” provides a list of the materials used to support the exam items. Every item on the exam is referenced twice to the materials listed to ensure consensus exists on each item.

Study Tips:

  • Use “BOC Exam References” to ensure the resources you are using to prepare are the correct editions or on this list.
  • When possible, borrow books from instructors, classmates, friends, etc. from this list when preparing or learning. It is not necessary to buy every book/reference on this list.

BOC Self Assessment Exams

Taking the BOC Self Assessment Exams (SAEs) in “Test” mode will give candidates a realistic view of the layout and format of the BOC exam. When used correctly, SAEs can be a powerful resource to help candidates prepare for the BOC certification exam.

Study Tips

  • The BOC SAEs mimic the testing system and question formatting of the certification exam.
  • This resource can help candidates build confidence going into the exam as they are aware of what to expect from practicing with the simulated exam experience of the SAE.

SAMPLE EXAM QUESTIONS

View the sample exam questions to practice how to read and understand item/question instructions. This is not a study guide.

Study Tips

  • The sample exam questions will have bold and/or italicized instructions. Look for these instructions first.
  • Thoroughly review question instructions (clarifying if a question is multi or single select is essential).
  • Practice using the question flag that’s appropriate to your style.
    • Will you review the flagged question every 20 questions?
    • Will you review the flagged questions just at the end?
    • Are you flagging all questions you are not 100% sure about?
    • Are you flagging only questions you are unable to answer at first glance?

BOC Practice Analysis

The BOC Practice Analysis (PA) identifies essential knowledge and skills entry-level Athletic Trainers (ATs) possess within defined domains and tasks. In addition to being the blueprint and guide for the BOC exam, the PA is a great resource that has many other useful applications, integrating into many facets of the athletic training profession.

Study Tips

  • Develop and narrow an exam preparation plan by using the PA.
  • The PA defines that exam questions have a weighted distribution across all five domains of athletic training. You can find the weighting of domains table in the free “Content Outline for Practice Analysis.”
    • For example: Combined, domains two and four of the PA make up over half of the questions presented during the BOC exam, so focusing part of a candidate’s exam preparation on domains two and four could be beneficial.
  • The full version of the PA includes “knowledge of” and “skill in” statements for each task statement. As candidates navigate the PA, they can identify which statements they are strong or weak in subjectively (or objectively using the SAE exams). By understanding this information, a candidate’s study plan could incorporate strategies to fill gaps and address weak areas that directly correlates to the PA.
    • For example: A candidate may identify that they are lacking knowledge of “environmental conditions that pose risk (e.g. heat).” Candidates could fill this knowledge gap by scheduling time to review heat-related illnesses.

 

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