4 Strategies from Sports Psychology You Can Use to Boost Your CIPHI Oral Exam Performance
Passing the CIPHI Oral Exam isn’t just about what you know, it’s about how you perform under pressure.
Elite athletes don’t rely on talent alone. They train their mindset, routines, and recovery systems so they can perform when it matters most.
Strong CPHI(C) candidates can do the same.
Here are four proven sports psychology strategies you can adapt to your own exam prep to stay calm, focused, and confident on exam day.
1. Visualization
“Visualization is a crucial part of my training. I visualize my routines and see myself executing them flawlessly.” – Simone Biles
Just like athletes visualize every shot, every step, every play, you can visualize every answer, every pause, and every recovery.
Add visualization to your practice routine:
See yourself in the exam room, calm and confident
Hear yourself delivering strong, focused answers
Feel yourself executing your game plan - and nailing it
When you visualize, your brain treats the experience as if it’s real. By rehearsing these moments in your mind, you’re priming yourself to walk into the exam thinking: I’ve been here before, and I know what to do.
2. The Pre-Shot Routine
Watch a pro golfer before they take a shot — each has a unique ritual. Some take practice swings, others tap their shoes, some fiddle with their gloves.
The details don’t matter. The key is that they do the exact same thing, the exact same way, every single time. This “Pre-Shot Routine” trains the brain to recognize the cue: It’s go time!
You can create your own pre-exam routine:
A few deep breaths
A phrase you repeat silently
Clicking your pen three times
Do it every single time you practice so it becomes automatic. On exam day, that little ritual will ground you, cut through distractions, and help you perform on command.
3. Celebrating Successes
In sports, players celebrate small wins - a base hit, a great play - because our brains are wired to repeat success.
You can use this too.
Next time you nail a practice question:
Give yourself a fist pump
Smile and say “Yes!”
Treat yourself to a small reward
Celebrating builds confidence and reinforces the habits you want to repeat under pressure. And when you’re working with a coach or study partner, don’t skip the high-fives - those moments of recognition matter.
4. Practicing In-Game Conditions
Athletes don’t just drill skills - they scrimmage to prepare for the real game.
For the CIPHI oral exam, that means simulating the experience with a mock oral exam:
Practice managing time across a full 75-minute session
Learn smooth transitions between questions
Build mental stamina for sustained focus
Identify strengths and pinpoint areas for improvement
Think of a mock as a rehearsal, not a test. It’s your chance to refine your approach, reflect, and build confidence before the stakes are real.
Final Thought:
Adopting these four sports psychology strategies — visualization, pre-shot routines, celebrating wins, and practicing in-game conditions - will help you approach the CIPHI oral exam like an elite performer.
Want to put these techniques into practice?
Download the free Strategy Guide or book a free coaching session and get the tools, feedback, and confidence you need to succeed.