I signed up for the instant cert academy

[rusteelorcin]

So basically all that's provided to us is the flash cards? A question is asked and i need to fill the answer but since i do not know the content i cant fill out the answer? what's the proper way to prepare for a test using just instant cert? What exactly I'm i paying $20.00 a month for?

[annegirl]

You're paying $20 dollars to use the flashcards. What you need to do is go through them until you can enter the correct answer in the box. Be sure to read the explanations after each question. If you don't understand or know something you will want to google it or read up on it from other sources. IC is a way to help narrow your study approach to what will most likely be covered in the tests.

[peace123]

You are also paying for access to the specific exam feedback section of the forum, which I find just as valuable as the flashcards.

[rusteelorcin]

You're paying $20 dollars to use the flashcards. What you need to do is go through them until you can enter the correct answer in the box. Be sure to read the explanations after each question. If you don't understand or know something you will want to google it or read up on it from other sources. IC is a way to help narrow your study approach to what will most likely be covered in the tests.

So in other words I'm still going to have to get a textbook for some tests? i'm thinking about doing Principles of Marketing next and i went through the flashcards i got my 1st answer right then after that it was nothing but incorrect answers and i got frustrated.

[annegirl]

So in other words I'm still going to have to get a textbook for some tests? i'm thinking about doing Principles of Marketing next and i went through the flashcards i got my 1st answer right then after that it was nothing but incorrect answers and i got frustrated.

That's why you go through the flashcards multiple times. If you knew all the answers the first time you wouldn't need to study!

The only test I used a textbook for was biology. Like I said previously, if you go through the flashcards 4-6 times and look up the things that you don't understand you will probably be good to go. If you feel the need you can add a textbook to the mix. I just never felt that I needed it.

[P00057870]

Most folks don't worry about knowing the answers at first, just reading through the materials a couple of times first, looking at the answers, and trying to learn the theories contained there. Think of it as a textbook without all the filler BS just so they can charge you more than $100 per textbook at a college.

Then google what you don't understand.

Also, people have mentioned the Specific Exam Feedback forum -- and for my money that has been more than 50% valuable -- and all the other information that people share here.

To get to that can be confusing. After you sign on the first time, there is another box to the right, top of the page. Sign in there a second time. The selection of 3 areas is now expanded to 4. When you click on the last one, you can do a specific search on this forum by exam name or subject. This is where others who have gone before share golden information on what to study, suggestions for books from the library (free), free online videos, other books that are lots cheaper than college textbooks, etc.

Why take the time and money to reinvent the wheel when the plans are right here?

Judy

[rusteelorcin]

OK guys sorry i was just frustrated I'll give it a go again going to schedule my principles of marketing exam for 15 days from now, I understand what to do now.

[annegirl]

OK guys sorry i was just frustrated I'll give it a go again going to schedule my principles of marketing exam for 15 days from now, I understand what to do now.

Sure. It's a different way to study, but in my experience it is very effective.

[tmcpherson13]

So basically all that's provided to us is the flash cards? A question is asked and i need to fill the answer but since i do not know the content i cant fill out the answer? what's the proper way to prepare for a test using just instant cert? What exactly I'm i paying $20.00 a month for?

I signed up for InstaCert a little over a month ago and found the flashcards to be more irritating than helpful, however the forum is an absolute goldmine. The people on it are insightful and very helpful.

What I have found to work best for me, at least so far is to take a Peterson practice exam. After the exam I go through the answers and further research the concepts I am lacking. Then I came back to the flashcards and the experience was much better. For me having the multiple choice answers gave me something to work with and didn't leave me staring at a blank line trying not only to guess the correct answer, but to guess the exact word.

This is my first post as I just recently got started, however due to the great advice on this forum I passed CLEP Analyzing and Interpreting Literature and DSST Intro to Computers last week and I have another CLEP this week.

Good Luck

[JanusthePhoenix]

To tell the truth, I almost never try to answer the flashcards. I just click through them to learn the material that will be on the test, then I go take it. I use IC more like a study guide than flashcards. It took me a while to train myself to ignore the big bold "WRONG" message, but after that it was fine.