Which Test Prep Book To Choose?

They say not to judge a book by its cover....

You've decided to take a CLEP test, you've picked one out, and you're gearing up to study. But which study book should you choose? There are a multitude of options. Type "English Composition CLEP Study," for example, into Amazon.com and you'll find almost thirty results! That can be a little overwhelming.

Well, you'll be happy to know that every CLEP test has at least one study book made specifically for it, so you won't have to scramble to find a suitable textbook or Dummy's guide (which I've had to do for several DANTES tests)! Here's a rundown of the top test-specific study guide makers:

Research and Education Association (REA): These guys are clearly the industry leaders. I use their books every time I can! With up-to-date books on every single CLEP topic (with the exception perhaps of French and German languages), written by qualified professionals, they provide complete, expert, well-written products--most of which now come with practice tests on CD to simulate the actual test-taking experience! There are usually two or three practice tests for every study book. Baseline: If you're looking for a reputable, solid study guide, look no farther

Comex Systems: This is another pretty popular publisher, but their most recently published book was in 2010. I've had less experience with this publisher than with REA, but have used Comex to pass a couple of CLEPs. Some reviewers say that a Comex book is OK, but needs supplementary information, while others insist that it's all you need. There are frequent reports of the book's questions not lining up with the questions on the actual test. I was personally frustrated with the small number of practice questions. Baseline: Comex guides are usually good for studying a test's general content, but not so great for preparing for the test itself.

The #1 thing you must look for in a test prep book is a multitude of positive reviews! There are quite a few "ripoff" book series out there purporting to be professional guides, when they're really poorly-written and unhelpful. Don't fall for these! Go for the ones that have solid reviews from people who have actually passed the CLEPs you want to pass.

Of course, there are other guide makers (Ace the CLEP, CLEP Exam Secrets Test Prep, Jack Rudman, Perfect Score Software), and this isn't a comprehensive list. But really, why would you go with a lesser-known book when the "big guys" are so good? The lesser-known books aren't necessarily cheaper than the better-known ones, so there's really no excuse not to buy the quality, well-reviewed guides!

                                                                                                Happy CLEPing!

My Personal Record

As you know, I have the tendency to overstudy. Not everyone has this problem, but I can tell you that it can be debilitating. Spending a month on a test that others pass in one week is almost a sure way to pass, but it can also put you way behind on your goals. 


So a couple of weeks ago I determined to pass the Human Growth and Development CLEP as quickly as possible. 

• Tip #1: Never aim low! Set a high goal and do your best to reach it.

I didn't have a study plan mapped out, though, so my goal of "as quickly as possible" was intangible and therefore hard to quantify.

• Tip #2: Create solid, realistic goals. A goal is specific and measurable. Read about dreams, resolutions, and goals here.  Download this worksheet called The Power of Goals by Dan Miller.

Just Take the Pretest!

This is for those who might doubt the Power of the Pretest:

1. For those who have the tendency to--shall we say--overstudy.

I know what it feels like: you've been studying for days or weeks, beating your brains out over your textbook, trying to absorb algorithms, lists, functions, processes, rules, etc. You've finished the book, you've read over your notes, and you're still not sure you're ready.

This is where the pretest comes in.

The pretest is a God-send and a lifesaver, and whenever I study for a CLEP or DANTES that doesn't have one (these are fairly few and far between) I get horribly nervous. The preliminary test can be a fantastic tool to decide if you're really ready to take the real thing or not. 

Sometimes I'm so unsure of myself that I don't even want to take the pretest until I've burned all the information possible into my brain. If you've ever been like that, don't be! Just take the pretest, even if you're not confident. A personal example: I was studying for the Natural Sciences CLEP (science = not my thing) and even after reading two books was feeling very shaky on my knowledge of chemistry. I took the test, was terrified the whole time, and ended up with a 63!  

2. For those who have the tendency to--shall we say--understudy.

Free Flash Cards for Your Memory

209., a photo by d3b...* on Flickr.

It's something we learned in kindergarten: flash cards are great study tools. That goes for CLEP tests too! Decide where your weakest areas are, find out the right questions and answers, and then burn them into your brain with a hot iron, a.k.a. flash cards.


It can be a pain to write everything out on index cards, but with the wonder of the internet you can learn from others and make flash cards of your own for free online!


Here are some of the top helpful, free websites:

The Wonders of the Portfolio

Get credit for your awesome trip to Europe! 

Tourists are weird., originally uploaded by another sergio.

Here's a little freebie not exactly related to CLEP: the portfolio. This is one great way for "nontraditional" students to get college credit for life experiences.

Basically, a portfolio is a package of written documents (charts, or even videos) that show your extensive knowledge of a subject learned outside the classroom. For example, say you did an internship at a local preschool--you might get a few college credits if you write a nice report, include some good photos, testimonials, and are very convincing about how much you learned.

If you really get into this, you can get college credit or a convincing résumé for tons of things, and you'll be looking everywhere for chances to learn. This can develop an interesting way to look at life: like a constant learning opportunity. Instead of saying, "Oh, that's an inconvenience," or, "I don't have time for that," you can dig deeper for the value in almost everything! The next time the chance for an activity comes up, think twice about its worth. On the surface it might just look like a fun time (example: being in a little theater production) but maybe it's more than that (a couple of credits for a drama class).

For more information on making your own portfolio, check out: www.edtech.kennesaw.edu

Transferring Your Scores

OK, so you've studied hard, passed your CLEP tests with flying colors, and now you're ready to transfer them to the college of your choice. Congratulations! 

This is the place I'm at in the college journey, and at first it can be a bit confusing. First of all, it's good to know on the front-end that you'll be paying $20 per official CLEP transcript and $30 per official DANTES transcript. It's a hefty fee--especially if you've racked up a lot of credits--but very, very worthwhile!

There's just a simple form to fill out for each of these programs:

• Here's the CLEP transcript request form.
• Here's the DANTES transcript order form.

You just put in your information, enclose the money, and send it off to Na-Na Land where the little pink pixies take care of everything. 

                                                                                                   Happy CLEPing!

Hip, Hip, Hooray!

I'm free to apply to Thomas Edison State College! This is a step in the right direction and I'm excited about continuing with the enrollment process.


As I keep moving forward with my college I'll continue to post information and tips on CLEPing, so that you can save time, save money, and pursue your dreams!