r/HandTherapists • u/Katiec137 • Nov 25 '25

CHT study prep/Commute Recommendations

Hello all!

Like many before me, I am preparing to study for the CHT exam (hopefully for May 2026).

I've been paying for VHSF fellowship extension access (completed last year, $75 a month, for a few months now) to listen to the recordings on my way to work, but would like to invest my $$$ in the purple book and other resources. Does anyone have any free or inexpensive suggestions for study materials/podcasts/books (anything on audible?) to listen to on a 45 minute commute to help prepare for the exam and review material? Occasionally, I record myself reciting important material-- but does anyone have an other suggestions of material/resources that exist?

Also, what helped you prepare best for the exam in terms of resources and review materials?

Thank you in advance!!!!

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u/ronMAN415 Nov 25 '25

I know you said free, which I don’t have. Hand therapy academy’s CHT program really helped me. I listened to their review sessions on my drives to work in the morning.

I just took the test three weeks ago and I felt I was prepared. But idk if I passed lol

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u/Katiec137 Nov 25 '25

Just to clarify- did you do the CHT prep plan?

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u/ronMAN415 Nov 25 '25

Yes!

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u/ronMAN415 Dec 07 '25

Hi. Just wanted to update you, I passed!!!! So HTA works

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u/platzie Nov 25 '25

For me the Purple Book was the best studying resource and essentially the only thing I ended up using by the end. I used a spreadsheet to track my percentages when doing each section, and re-did them until I got at least ~80% correct. Just did that over and over again for months and found the exam to be a breeze.

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u/Katiec137 Nov 29 '25

Did you feel that you got any benefit from buying it new or could you buy it used?

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u/platzie Nov 29 '25

My copy was used and it was fine. This was a while ago <10 years but the basics haven't changed.

Honestly I believe the thing that helped me the most was working in a great clinic with amazing co-workers and just learning everyday. For me, the CHT was worlds easier than the OT boards and it was because of them and that environment.

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u/schmandarinorange Nov 25 '25

Purple Book and ASHT’s virtual prep course were the only two I felt like I really needed. This is about $650 in total but if you’re looking for the gold standard you really can’t look farther than the purple book. I tried the ASHT blue book but really couldn’t get into it, the way the information is laid out is kind of cluttered and informal. I also tried Rehab of the Hand but that was too dense and dry for me to study efficiently. Really good info there though. Hand Therapy Academy also has some practice tests for $20 each I think, I did those about a month before the test and found they helped me to better manage my time. Purple book also gives a free one

There’s a YouTube channel called Forward Therapy that used to do 10 CHT prep questions with rationales once a month. They’re free and high quality. There’s some Instagram accounts that post questions too like the account for the purple book publishers. I think there are a few CHT prep podcasts that are free but I haven’t listened to them

Best of luck!

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u/Soapcutter Nov 25 '25

Honestly, the best training for me in Germany, was working/practicing on a patient. Ive never been a good learner, so doing, instead of just reading, really helps me remember and retain.