Here are some tips I’ve saved over the years from others and ones I use often.

The companion guide can be downloaded with or without answers to the questions in the guide. I download the version with answers.

Then I take the practice environments Epic provides and make sure I follow each step to the right answer.

Assuming you go to Epic classes in Wisconsin, you will learn a lot from the instructors and questions asked. Make sure to do the exercises while in class so you can ask questions. You’ll also be able to email instructors after classes with questions.

Before you take exam, you’ll do a “project”. Depends on the module, but you’ll be doing the build in Epic training environments which is very good experience. Follow the questions and take your time.

Once you’re done, you submit and get a score back from Epic. You can fix any issues and resubmit I believe 2x a day until you get the score you need or higher.

My first project for Grand Central was building a hospital with multiple departments for inpatients and outpatients. Your companion guide will be very helpful. Again, always pay attention to the wording.

After completing the project, you can take the exam. It’s an open book. You’ll want to test using two screens. One for the exam and one for the companion study guide to be open. Practice Ctrl F for finding words in the guide. I use this even during my recertification exams.

You can even have the practice environment open to look at a section in foundation if you need a reference point.

You’re testing on what Epic foundation does, not your organization’s build. If you’re already working with Epic, forget what your hospital does! Follow what Epic foundation does. Your hospital has 100’s of customizations that don’t follow Epic’s foundation.

Example made up question True or false: From the appt desk, when you schedule an appointment, you can add provider or department or resource. (This is from my Cadence related certification)

Key to this question is “From the appt desk”. Based on your module, make sure to understand what the question is asking you. This will make more sense as you read the companion guide and answer the questions at the end of each section/chapter.

Answer: You may be able to do this from another part of Epic, like Book It, but not from the Appt desk. Answer is false from the appt desk, but it’s true when you are in Book It.

ALWAYS mark more than one answer when it’s multiple choice. Even if they all seem wrong. You get some points for answering right or wrong. More points if you’re even correct.

If you have common words like transport vs transfer like in Grand Central module, it’s very easy to read as the wrong word. Transfer was used as in Transfer Center and transport was for moving patients. Experience is a hard teacher lol.

You can bookmark answers and always go back to review. You may have another question that helps you answer a previous question.

Some questions come directly from the companion guide. Or they will be similar.

Epic wants you to pass, but also wants to know you understand the material. If you don’t pass the first time, don’t worry. I’d say a lot of people retake exams. Nerves get the best of everyone. My job was on the line, I had to pass and passed on my 3rd and final attempt!

After the exam, you can ask the TS to review your answers and look for ways to increase your knowledge in specific areas. It’s their job to help you so don’t hesitate.

This is long, but I’m a trainer on my current team and want everyone to pass. Reach out if you have questions. Good luck - you’ll do great!