How To Study for CLEP Exams

You know that CLEP exams are very important in obtaining course credit without entering a classroom and can definitely speed up the time it takes you to earn that degree. You also know how to register for them. Now it's time to learn how to study for them.

Some suggestions on studying for CLEP exams include the following -

Read the "Knowledge and skills required" section of each CLEP exam description to learn what you're expected to know, then find suitable resource materials.

- Contact a local college that offers a course that is comparable to the CLEP exam you plan to take - use that textbook to help you prepare. Compare that textbook's table of contents to the "Knowledge and skills required" section to make sure it covers the same material. You can rent that textbook from the library or buy a used one to help save on costs.

- Ask your librarian for other resources to help you prepare for the CLEP exam you wish to take - videos from National Geographic and Nova, as well as audio language tapes and computer software, may be useful.

- Enroll in a preparation course offered by an adult school or university in your area.

- If you know of others who have taken CLEP exams, ask them how they prepared for the exams.

- It is suggested that you take breaks after studying intensively for 20-30 minutes rather than studying for long periods of time, as you're likely to retain that knowledge better.

- Some advice from CollegeBoard.com on answering multiple-choice questions on the exam include paying close attention to the directions, pacing yourself, reading the entire question and all answer choices before answering, not taking too much time on any one question, and making educated guesses, as you will not be penalized for incorrect answers.

- Some advice from CollegeBoard.com on writing essays for the Freshman Composition, Literature, or English Composition with Essay exams include determining in what order to answer the questions, estimating how much time you can give to each question, noticing whether a question wants you to give an answer that briefly describes the solution or for the answer to go into a detailed description of the solution, and using the scrap paper to organize your thoughts before writing your essay.

You will receive your exam score after the completion of the exam, except when taking the English Composition with Essay. The test is scored on a 20-80 scale. In the test software, you can indicate which college, employer, or certifying agency that you want to receive your CLEP test scores. If you don't know at the time you take the exam, you can leave that item bland and request your CLEP transcript, but this will cost extra, so try to decide where you want the scores sent to by the time you take your exam.

If you decide to not have your scores reported, you must alert the administrator BEFORE you complete the exam. You will be asked to confirm this in the test software. Once you have seen your instant score report, you CANNOT cancel your scores.

Knowing how to study for CLEP exams can greatly improve your chances of passing them and earning course credit that much quicker, leading to you earning your degree more quickly.