CLEP Test-Taking Tips

Regardless of the type of the test you are taking, there are always going to be strategies involved that can help you master the exam just a little bit better. For you, that strategy may involve wearing your lucky boxers or pounding a Red Bull right before the test. There are also standard tips that can maximize the effectiveness of your studying and improve your score. Here we'll focus on CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests, which are computerized exams used to earn college credit without actually taking college courses. Below are the some valid tips you can use for your next CLEP exams:

1. Find out information about the CLEP test!

There is nothing worse than going into one of the English CLEP tests with grammar on your mind and finding out that you should have studied literature instead. Rather than making assumptions, try to get a detailed explanation of the different CLEP exams offered and find out which one you actually need to study for. Each CLEP exam covers different material, so just be sure you know what is required.

2. Thoroughly prepare for your CLEP!

Although the process of preparing for a CLEP may seem daunting, there are many different CLEP prep courses they can provide you with valuable insight and knowledge in a short amount of time. You can actually complete some CLEP prep programs in just a couple days, and a lot of them are readily available online. The people who run these programs stay up to date on CLEP exams and the material involved, so they are often your best source for current testing information.

3. Don't take too long on one question!

You only have 90 minutes to take each CLEP test, so you can't focus too long on one question. If you find out that you don't know the answer, skip it and come back. Try to get through as much of the test as possible before you start thinking really hard on something that you don't know. It's usually better to get 60 easy questions correct and skip over or guess on questions that are the most challenging than to focus all your time on get 20 hard questions right and miss valuable points from easy questions.

4. Guess if you aren't sure about an answer!

Most CLEP tests are multiple choice. Even if they are unsure of the correct answer, students can often eliminate one or two answer choices. Then, if the student remains unsure of the correct answer, he or she can guess. Scores are calculated based on the number of correct answers so there is no penalty for guessing on CLEP tests.