Let\u2019s state the obvious: we sell Qbanks for SPEX board review<\/a>, but a Blueprint\/Rosh Review Qbank might not be the best fit for you, and you might need more personalization. BoardVitals or Exam Master might be a better fit for your SPEX exam prep. In fact, you might not even need a Qbank and would benefit more from Mometrix flashcards or a do-it-yourself program. This article will discuss the key decision criteria that will help you answer your most important question: Which <\/em>board review<\/a> is right for me?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Some individuals do not use a Qbank for their SPEX exam preparation. However, whether you’re studying for the SPEX or looking for an internal medicine board review, consider these questions if you think you may be able to forgo a Qbank: <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you answer these questions, consider the many options available to you along the spectrum of your investment of time and money, such as the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Picture yourself in each of these settings: Sitting at your desk, googling \u201cacute pancreatitis\u201d on your computer as you self-study for the SPEX exam. Or, answering hundreds of curated questions from your smartphone between shifts or at a cafe. You might picture yourself in all three scenarios. You need to be ruthlessly honest with yourself about what is best for you<\/strong> as you consider these options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you believe you still need a SPEX Qbank, read on. If you’re studying to become an ENP or are looking for a good pediatric board review, the SPEX exam can be a good starting point for general medical knowledge. If not, you can save time and click on another SPEX board review article on the web.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you\u2019ve determined you need a Qbank, you have many options when it comes to SPEX exam prep. You need selection criteria that provide the best outcome for you, not the marketer. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Hint: It\u2019s all about the content<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High-quality content should be the primary decision criteria (nobody selects low-quality content, at least not intentionally). Your challenge begins here. Every Qbank company claims to offer high-quality content in different forms, such as \u201cclosest to the boards,\u201d \u201cmeticulously crafted,\u201d and \u201chigh yield.\u201d When it comes to preparing for your SPEX exam, what is the definition of high-quality content that suits your<\/strong> needs? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every SPEX Qbank you consider should provide content around these building blocks:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the Qbank you are considering for your SPEX exam prep does not meet these basic requirements, you should quickly eliminate it from your consideration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately, most SPEX Qbanks create questions around these building blocks, but that may not help you to make your selection. You need to dig deeper to determine which type of content works best for your SPEX exam prep by asking the following questions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Again, you are in the best position to determine what you need from the content for your SPEX exam prep\u2014whether that\u2019s something that just scratches the surface or something more comprehensive that provides multiple viewpoints. This is analogous to ECG interpretation. Can you make a diagnosis looking only at a rhythm strip or the limb leads, or would more info from the precordial help you better interpret the ECG? If you only need the rhythm strip, consider a basic SPEX Qbank. If you need 12 leads, select a comprehensive SPEX Qbank that provides the context and reinforcement to gain a deeper understanding of each topic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019re making a big investment in time and money, which impacts your career, your patients, and your livelihood. The only way to assess the content is to experience it yourself. Sign up for a free trial<\/a> for each Qbank that you are considering. Yes, you\u2019ll probably get a few extra emails now that you shared your contact info, but the hassle of unsubscribing from the companies you don\u2019t select will be outweighed by the confidence you gain by making the right decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If these SPEX Qbanks aren\u2019t already on your evaluation list, you should add them. Check out the following (listed in alphabetical order to avoid bias<\/em>): <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep an open mind during the evaluation. Your due diligence will pay off. Once you get into study mode for your SPEX exam, you want to eliminate the time, energy, and distraction of questioning your Qbank decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve signed up for the free trial<\/a> and are evaluating content based on what you need for a successful outcome. What else might you consider as you work through the content? These attributes will enhance or detract from your SPEX exam preparation, providing a \u201cWow\u201d experience or an \u201cUgh\u201d experience. Remember: you\u2019ll be viewing hundreds, if not thousands, of questions. Small details matter when you repeat something over and over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you like the way you experience the content? As you answer questions and read the explanations, take time to look at the buttons<\/strong>, fonts<\/strong>, colors<\/strong>, white space<\/strong>, and page layout<\/strong>. The software doesn\u2019t need to be flashy. Rather, it needs to be highly functional so it doesn\u2019t distract you from the content. The interface should be seamless and intuitive. After taking 10 or 20 questions, the software should become \u201cinvisible\u201d so you can focus on learning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are time-saving features built into the platform? See if you can name your exams<\/strong> for better organization and retrieval. Check if you have the ability to search your answered questions<\/strong>. You can save precious time by being able to search your questions, answers, explanations, and images. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Does the application function quickly<\/strong>? A three-second improvement in performance might not seem like a big deal, but when you multiply that by thousands of questions answered and explanations reviewed, that can add up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n View the SPEX exam practice questions on the devices you plan to study on. If the Qbank offers an iPhone or Android app, take the time to download it<\/strong> to your phone or tablet. Will you be studying when you are not able to connect with Wi-Fi (e.g., on a clinical shift with tight IT firewalls or on the subway)? If so, make sure the Qbank you use has an \u201coffline\u201d mode. You want to prepare for all the situations and slices of time that you\u2019re able to study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You need to evaluate customer support in the same way you evaluate the content. SPEX Qbanks offer a wide spectrum of support options: <\/p>\n\n\n\n Test them out by sending a support ticket. Do you receive a response<\/a>? Do they publish customer support feedback? You will find varying levels of support and can determine whether their support model suits your needs.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Learning technologies continue to emerge, advance, and disappear. They all center around learning and test theories combined with high volumes of data and vast computational power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the classic learning techniques<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Test theories<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n While reviewing SPEX Qbanks, you might find the term \u201cadaptive learning<\/strong>.\u201d You\u2019ll see it in other forms such as smartbank or prescriptive learning, and it can be defined in many ways. Adaptive learning originated in the K-12 market. Companies are testing this technology in the graduate medical education (GME) market to determine whether these concepts can improve outcomes. If you value this feature when it comes to your SPEX exam prep, ask more questions about the underlying technology and algorithms incorporated into the product. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As you review the learning and testing theories, you\u2019ll see that many of these concepts can be applied to your SPEX exam preparation with or without a technology assist. Technology can be helpful, but it also can be a distraction. Good practice will always beat theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Qbanks can offer lots of data to help you identify your unknown unknowns<\/a>, self-remediate, and predict your score. Check out their performance dashboards to see what tools you might use to streamline your SPEX exam preparation time.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Basic information should include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Enhanced information includes additional data:<\/p>\n\n\n\n How are you doing relative to your peers who are preparing for the same SPEX exam? Did the majority of examinees miss the same question? Or are you in the minority that missed this particular question? Many individuals find this data motivational. Others find it a distraction. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that we\u2019ve covered the major factors to consider during your free trials, it\u2019s time to create your grid. This decision needs to be right for you, not a marketer.<\/p>\n\n\n Download the Special Purpose Exam Qbank Comparison Matrix<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are the steps we recommend taking to complete an effective evaluation using the Special Purpose Exam Qbank Comparison Matrix:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will note that we included cost and company culture at the bottom of the matrix. You can use these as tiebreakers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We rarely complain about paying too much for something that is high quality\u2014a product that delivers on its promises. We also know what it feels like when we purchase something cheap that disappoints. That\u2019s why we place costs near the bottom of the criteria list when it comes to SPEX exam prep. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Are CME credits included? Is there group pricing or military discounts? Do a web search with the product name plus \u201cdiscount\u201d to see what\u2019s available so you save money where you can. If price is the most important criterion for you, calculate the cost per question and skip the evaluation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do a web search on the company. Who leads it\u2014a physician or business operator? Does leadership include experienced educators, faculty, and former program directors? Individuals who have dedicated their lives to fostering the success of others on their medical education journey? Or is the company led by venture-funded marketing gurus?<\/p>\n\n\n\n When you purchase a SPEX exam Qbank, you not only invest in your personal success but also in the success of others. Your money goes towards the cost of producing and supporting the product, the livelihood of the company\u2019s employees, and the company\u2019s profits. Does the organization align with your values<\/a>? Do the profits flow to shareholders with dividends, to customers through more innovation, to the medical community with scholarships and grants, to programs that eliminate disparity in education<\/a>, to initiatives to help eliminate the world\u2019s most pressing health crises<\/a>? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now it\u2019s time to make your decision. At this stage, your head and heart (some say gut) should be aligned. Enjoy the purchase of your SPEX exam Qbank and prepare to conquer this next milestone in your career. We\u2019re cheering for you.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Do You Really Need a Qbank to prepare for the SPEX exam? <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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Content, Content, Content<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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Basic or Comprehensive Content<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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Where the Rubber Meets the Road<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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SPEX Qbank Free Trial Evaluation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Software Design and Technology <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Customer Support<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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Learning Technologies<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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Predictive Analytics, Peer Comparison, Performance Analysis<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
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The SPEX Qbank Comparison Matrix<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
![\"Special](\"https:\/\/www.roshreview.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Special-Purpose-Exam-Qbank-Comparison-Matrix@2x-791x1024.png\")
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Comparing the Costs of SPEX Qbanks<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Company Culture and Values<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
Decide and Act<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n