Study Tips
It’s important to note that we don’t all study the same way. These tips worked for me, but it’s important to find a study method that works best with your individual learning style.
- Look for free resources at your local library, such as study guides.
- Schedule your CLEP exams in advance as a motivator to keep your studies on-track.
- Taking multiple exams? Look for overlap in subject areas. (For example, US History I and US Government have overlapping content, so studying for both simultaneously may save you time.)
- Use multiple study resources for each exam. Your mileage may vary, but I found that no single study resource covered everything I needed to know. It’s best to pull from a variety of resources to ensure your bases are covered.
- Get your hands on as many practice exams as possible, particularly ones that offer explanations following each question. Practice exams do more than gauge readiness, they can help you identify knowledge gaps.
- Got a question wrong on a practice exam? Research it! Don’t just get questions wrong, and move on. Make sure you understand the correct answer.
Check out my list of favorite study resources and guides for CLEP.
Test-Taking Tips
- You’ll have the opportunity to take a deep breath. Use it. When you sit down to take your exam, you’ll be asked to read through a series of on-screen disclosures before the clock begins. Take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and get your heart rate down before you begin.
- You’ll feel like you’re failing. That’s normal. Out of the 19 exams I took, I felt like I was failing every one of them during the exam. Don’t be discouraged. You’re likely doing much better than you think you are.
- Never ever skip questions. You don’t lose points for incorrect answers, so it’s important to at least guess.