The review day for your NP boards is more than just another study session. It’s the final checkpoint before walking into the real thing. Whether you’re taking a live prep course or doing a structured review session with others, being prepared helps you stay focused and calm. There’s a lot on your mind already with questions to solve, notes to skim, and concepts to lock in. The last thing you need is the added stress of forgetting something important at home.

That’s where this simple checklist comes in handy. Knowing exactly what to bring can keep you grounded and cut down on last-minute decisions. Whether it’s study tools, personal items, or small things that keep you comfortable throughout the day, having everything ready will help you make the most of your review time and go into your actual exam with confidence.

Create a Packing Checklist That Keeps You Focused

Putting together your essentials before a review session might seem small, but it can have a big impact on how your day flows. You’re not just packing for comfort. You’re setting yourself up for focus and peace of mind.

Here’s what to include:

• Government-issued photo ID: Some review sessions require check-ins. Even if they don’t, having it on hand is smart.
• Registration or confirmation emails: If your review requires sign-ins, this paperwork helps you breeze through the process.
• Printed or digital schedule: Knowing what topics are being covered allows you to plan breaks or focus your attention.
• High-yield notes: Bring them in a compact notebook or binder that’s easy to flip through. Keep it light so you’re not overwhelmed.
• Flashcards: Stick with the most important ones you haven’t mastered yet. This is your quick-hit mental warm-up.
• Snacks and water: Pack filling, low-mess options like granola bars, trail mix, or a banana. Staying hydrated and fueled boosts focus.
• Comfortable clothing: Bring a thin jacket or sweater. Temps inside review rooms often vary, and chilly arms can be distracting.

That one thing you always wish you had mid-study session? Add it to the bag. Something as small as gum, hair ties, or an extra pen can save the day.

Organize Your Study Supplies For Quick Access

Digging around in your bag for a charger or flipping through a giant binder wastes time and builds frustration. Organizing your study supplies before review day helps you move quickly, especially during breaks or during pre-session review time.

Structure your materials in a way that matches how you think. If you’ve been using color-coded sections or tabs during your prep, keep using them now. Stick to a compact system instead of carrying your entire library of notes.

Helpful go-to items include:

• Flashcards or summary sheets that list high-yield content
• A pen and notepad for jotting down key reminders from the session
• A printed practice quiz or mock test for break-time drills

If you prefer digital tools, fully charge your tablet or laptop. Bring your charger, a backup battery, and headphones if you use videos or audio content for review.

Some students plan study blocks during review day, just like they do at home. Even if the session is structured, bringing a couple of pre-created mock exams or personal study plans can give you direction during free time. One person we spoke to always brings an old quiz she did poorly on. She says going over it with fresh eyes on review day shows her what to avoid on the real test.

Spending even ten minutes setting up your materials before you leave can make the review day feel more under control. When your tools are ready and easy to find, it’s easier to stay on task.

Personal Care and Comfort Items to Pack

A long study day can wear you out fast. Being physically comfortable makes it easier to stay focused through each part of the review. The clothes and personal care items you bring should make you feel good, not distracted. Go for soft fabrics, relaxed fits, and layers. Comfort doesn’t mean sloppy, but there’s no reason to sit stiffly in clothes meant for a job interview.

Think about what you’ll need throughout the day for basic care. If you wear glasses, pack a case or cleaning cloth just in case. A small pack of tissues, lip balm, or hand sanitizer can be handy depending on the room setup. If you use medication, bring it along with water or whatever you need to take it. You don’t want to shuffle through your study materials trying to find that one thing at the bottom of your bag.

Here’s a list of comfort-focused items that can help you stay relaxed and ready:

• Extra sweater or wrap
• Reusable water bottle
• Healthy, easy-to-carry snack like a protein bar or fruit
• Personal medications or supplements
• Glasses or contact lens supplies
• Travel-size deodorant or breath mints
• Small first aid pouch with band-aids, pain relievers, or allergy meds

These things might seem minor, but skipping them can take a toll. Someone once told us they left their jacket at home to keep their bag light. They spent the second half of their review freezing and distracted by how cold the room was. Don’t let that be your experience. Be ready for whatever your review day setting throws at you.

Stay Mentally Ready With Positive Habits

What you bring in your bag can support your focus, but what’s going on in your head matters just as much. Review days are long and intense, so it helps to start with a calm and positive mindset. Reducing stress before the day starts can keep your brain clear. Start your morning with whatever routine helps you feel centered, like a few minutes of silence with your coffee or a short walk.

Pack one or two things that help you reset when your brain gets overloaded. That could be headphones and a calming playlist for your break, or a paperback book you’ve read a hundred times. It’s not about checking out. It’s about giving your brain a breather so you can come back strong.

A few ways to stay mentally balanced during your review:

• Use a relaxation app to guide deep breathing or light meditation
• Bring earbuds and listen to calm, non-distracting music during downtime
• Walk or stretch during longer breaks to release tension
• Avoid cramming right up until a lecture starts, which can create a rushed feeling
• Hold back on caffeine if it makes you jittery or unfocused

Also, keep your phone use under control. A quick scroll can turn into a total focus drain. Try using do-not-disturb mode and checking your phone only during scheduled breaks.

Bringing a calm mindset into the session gives you more energy for the real exam later. If your nerves pop up, that’s totally normal. The goal isn’t to feel perfect. It’s to stay grounded and clear enough to get the most out of the day.

Packing Confidence for Review Day Success

Being prepared goes beyond flashcards and notes. It’s about staying warm, hydrated, calm, and comfortable just as much as remembering screening tools or DSM-5 criteria. This checklist keeps the stress low and supports your focus.

You’ve worked hard to build your knowledge. Now it’s time to create the right space for that knowledge to show up. From your ID and flashcards to your snack and playlist, each item you pack plays a part in helping you stay steady.

What you bring can shape how your review day experience feels. Walk in with confidence and know that you’ve set yourself up for success. You’ve got this.

With your NP boards review approaching, make sure you’re fully prepared by exploring our live PMHNP review course. It’s built to give you practical tools and real-world strategies so you can step into your exam with clarity and confidence. At NP Exam Coach, we’re here to support your goals every step of the way.