J. Preparation for the Examinations

It is the responsibility of each candidate to ensure that s/he is adequately prepared prior to attempting the Examination. The NEB does not provide any instruction or tutoring to assist candidates in preparing for the Examination. However, as a partial aid for Examination preparation, we provide a suggested bibliography here. This list proposes a number of titles, which could prove useful in preparing for the Examination. It is not a complete listing, however, and the NEB recommends that candidates consult as many veterinary sources as possible prior to the Examination.

Tips on Preparing for the CPE

• Language Skills are very important. Candidates must ensure that a lack of proficiency in English or French does not hinder the successful completion of the CPE.
• Read the CPE Manual of Administration. If there are any parts that are not clear, contact the NEB office for clarification. Familiarise yourself with each section in detail, as well as the general information.
• Self-assessment of Skills. Identify sections or stations for which experience or training may be required.
• Obtain Experience. Having determined areas for improvement, spend sufficient time gaining experience. Experience required by the CPE can be of two types: non-veterinary, such as animal handling, and veterinary. For example, the non-veterinary experience may be gained by working or volunteering on a farm.
• Practice Working Under Pressure. Practice skills until they are performed quickly. Memorise the steps involved in doing a physical examination in order to effectively work through the process in the prescribed time. Practice speaking about a simulated patient, covering all of the required steps outlined in the CPE Manual of Administration.

Candidates are instructed not to visit examination sites prior to appearing for the CPE in order to obtain clinical experience. Indeed, candidates are not permitted to communicate with Examiners prior to or following the administration of the exam. For this reason, you must seek your experience away from the examination site. The site may, however, have visual teaching materials in their library that may be available to CPE candidates.