6 of my Best CNSC Exam Study Hacks

CNSC Exam Study Hacks: Proven Tips for Exam Success

Preparing for the CNSC exam can be daunting, but with the right strategies and resources, you can boost your confidence and increase your chances of success. Whether you’re just beginning your study journey or fine-tuning your knowledge before test day, these study hacks will help you make the most of your preparation time.

Use the Calculator & Know Your Numbers

Yes, the exam provides access to a digital calculator—but don’t rely on it for everything. You’ll need to memorize essential clinical nutrition calculations to save time and reduce stress on exam day. Use my CNSC study guide to master the following:

• BMI and Ideal Body Weight (IBW)

• Energy and protein needs for various disease states

• Basic nutrition support calculations, including macronutrient percentages

• Holliday-Segar method for pediatric fluid requirements

⭐ In my CNSC Exam Study Guide & Course, you’ll learn all the other numbers and calculations you need to memorize, as well as what you don’t have to bother memorizing.

Solo vs. Group Study

I recommend a mixture of solo and group studying for best results. During solo studying, focus on specific, challenging topics. Use active recall techniques and spaced repetition. Drill flashcards. During group sessions, teach concepts to each other using the teach back method, and do practice quizzes together. If you assemble a group, 2-4 people is an ideal number. Meet once at the beginning of your study window to hone in on your study plan, once in the middle, and once right before the exam (and then meet for a celebratory happy hour when you pass!🥂)

Speak It to Keep It: Verbal Study Techniques

Speaking out loud is a powerful memory aid. Verbalizing key terms, definitions, and concepts can enhance your ability to retain and recall information. Teaching the material—even if it’s just to your dog—boosts comprehension and retention.

Bedtime Reviews (but keep it brief)

A short (I’m talking 5-10 minutes max) review of flashcards or summary notes right before bed can enhance memory consolidation. However, avoid cramming—too much mental stimulation can disrupt your sleep. I also recommend looking at some charts and graphs right before bed, and thinking about them as you drift off. You’ll be surprised how much you remember in the morning. There is one rule, though: no phones, scrolling, reading, or TV after this quick study session (this will only distract your brain).  Just review the information, and lights out. 

Answering Exam Questions: Strategy Over Speed

Have a plan for the exam. You’ll get a 15 minute break between Part I and Part II. You cannot go back to Part I once you’ve taken your break. My recommendation is to go through Part I at a moderate speed, skipping and flagging any questions where you are not at least 75% sure of the answer. Then, go back and take another stab at the flagged questions. Sometimes, another question will jog your memory.

On your second pass, try not to change more than 5 of your original answers (the answers you were pretty sure on). Often, our gut answer is best. If you feel strongly you need to change the answer (and you could stand up and justify why), do it. For the remaining flagged answers where you still have no clue, you’ll have to guess.

Eliminate and Guess Strategically.  If you’re unsure, eliminate 1–2 obviously wrong answers, then make an educated guess.

Not All Answers Are Created Equal. Some options may be factually correct, but don’t fully answer the question. Read carefully, and always match your answer to what the question is truly asking.

“Best” Answer vs. “First” Step

Some questions will ask for the best answer, while others want to know what you would do first. These are not always the same! Stay grounded in clinical reasoning and patient priorities when making your choice.

💥 Embrace Strategic Failure

Strategic failure is where you choose one specific topic that you find impossible to commit to memory, and you stop trying to learn it. Instead of wasting your time trying to learn the ins and outs of micronutrient toxicity levels or acid/base balance, just drop it. Focus on the big picture. Memorize a few sample questions or scenario-type questions, and leave the rest on the table. The exam is designed so you can get several questions wrong and still pass. And, chances are, there will be <5 questions on the exam with any particular theme, so you won’t miss much. And no, you can’t say ditch all the pediatric content 🙃 Sorry. It has to be pretty niche for this to be a workable strategy.