6 Habits That Will Set You Up for Oral Exam Success
There’s no official study guide for the CIPHI oral exam — and that can make it hard to know where to start. But how you prepare early on has a huge impact on how confident and ready you’ll feel when the real exam arrives.
Here are six habits worth building from day one.
1. Practice Talking Out Loud
The oral exam isn’t written, so don’t study like it is. Get used to saying your answers out loud, even if it feels awkward at first. Speaking your thought process trains your brain to think clearly under pressure.
2. Always Ask: “What’s the Risk?”
Every scenario comes down to one key question: What’s the risk to public health?
Start training yourself to go beyond what's wrong and think about why it matters. Risk-based thinking is the foundation of strong, real-world answers.
3. Use the 3-Question Health Hazard Framework
When you spot a hazard, ask yourself:
Has anyone been exposed?
How can we help those exposed?
How can we prevent anyone else from being exposed?
This structure keeps your responses focused, clear, and aligned with public health priorities.
4. Practice Prioritizing
This exam isn’t just about knowing facts — it’s about knowing what matters most. Ask yourself: “What’s the biggest risk?” and “What needs to happen first?”
Learning to prioritize is what sets confident answers apart.
5. Track What You Don’t Know
The things that stump you are your biggest learning opportunities. Keep a running list of concepts or topics you’re unsure about. This helps you study more efficiently and prevents last-minute gaps in understanding.
6. Study With a Partner (If You Can)
Practicing with someone else sharpens your thinking and helps you stay accountable. Even one focused session a week with a classmate can make a difference. And if you're prepping solo, remember: there is support available.
Want more support as you prepare?
Download the free CIPHI Oral Exam Strategy Guide or book a free coaching session to see how PHI Ready can help you feel confident and ready.