How do you know you are ready to take the CLEP test?

[malorimer]

It would take a long time to get every question right on this thing... so at what point do you think it's safe to take the CLEP test? I'm working on History right now...

[dr504]

I would say if you are like me, you will never think you are 100% prepared. I have successfully taken two CLEP exams, both using freeclepprep.com. I decided I was ready when I was consistently scoring in the 90's on his incredibly well designed practice exams.

DR504

[GoodYellowDogs]

I scored 75% on practice tests and then always passed with flying colors on DSST, CLEP, and Uexcel.

[jgbenjamin]

Here's my formula for passing a CLEP test: go through the questions (one section at a time) filling in the blanks until IC says 90%. Try to get 90s in each section three times. Like go through them in consecutive order one day--score in all sections at 90 or 89 and above. Do the same the next day. And then go through once more on your test day (still making in the 90s or 89). It may take a while to reach 90 (for FA I've been studying 2 weeks and am finally seeing a 89 today), but you will see your scores rising steadily. You CAN pass it! Don't be conceited, but do be confident-- do your best and you'll stand the test.

One last thing: if you want to pass with a comfortably safe margin, I would recommend using the official CLEP practice guide. You don't have to study it but just go through once answering the questions and if you don't know an answer look at the answer key and make a mental note-and yes, if you have to look for every other question that's not a good sign but anyways I'd go through this test as a last prep step. The questions in the college board CLEP guide should look familiar to you. and pay attention to the guide's test description like no. of questions and time allotted. If you have something that looks tight on time. Take your time and study a few more days. By the way, it's a good idea to peek at the official CLEP guide test description in the guide right now without bothering about the actual content, so that you can have a feel for the difficulty and will know when you are ready. I've passed a total of 6 CLEPS (visit my profile and testing history), so hopefully you can breathe easier.
BEST WISHES, malorimer

[Leherself]

I tend to just go for it. I find that the more I put a test off the more worried I get about it. I set out my study plan using the specific exam feedback thread, execute it, then take the test. Usually I spend less than a week prepping for a single test. If the sample questions in the exam guides (dssts, uexcel, teceps) look like no brainers, sometimes I don't do more than an hour or two of study (this happened with the Environment and Humanity exam - I looked at the sample questions, thought it looked like a piece of cake, and was right).

I don't generally use textbooks or buy specific exam guides unless there are very few resources for an exam. I don't take practice tests unless they're prepared by the same people who make the actual tests, and even then I'm just looking for the answers and explanations and use those as a study supplement. I don't take practice tests for scores. I found with excelsior exams sometimes you'd see the exact same question on an actual exam that had been on a practice exam.

Mostly though, I just don't worry too much about failing. Worst case, I have to retake something or take an alternate. Whatever. I'd mich rather do that than get bogged down for months worrying about whether or not I'm ready. I never actually feel ready for a test but I've earned more than 90 credits from exams and I've yet to fail one. Go figure.

[malorimer]

Wow, Thank you all for the advice! It has given me some hope hahah