Your success using InstantCert

[sanantone]

I think most of the forum has used the subscription at one point in time, but just know that you are studying material, not being given the actual test questions (for some reason, there have been people who seemed to think that they were getting the actual exam questions???). Using the member's feedback section is THE GOLDEN GEM of being a member here, because that's how you can swap study tips and study resources.

I forgot to add, that the material is in a flash card format. For me, I'm terrible at memorizing, so even though I call this place home, I relied a lot on videos and books that explained info as opposed to bullet type info. That said, in all my time here, I can tell you it all boils down to your own learning style. No matter what style works best for you, you should be able to get suggestions from other members. (if you're looking for a video, etc.)

That's a good point on the different learning styles. When I recall information, I actually recall a picture of the text I saw. With this learning style, the flashcards are great. I'm also okay when I'm doing chapter tests. But when I read a whole book on microbiology, I did not feel comfortable taking the ECE. It was just too much information for me to recall. I really wish there were flashcards for more of the ECEs. I do have to say that a couple of Annenberg video series helped me with Intro to Psychology and US History I. The US History CLEP wasn't really about recalling facts; it was about understanding events in the context of the times.

[walternc3]

Personally I found the flashcards rather time consuming and my internet connection is slower where I'm at. I copied and pasted all the flashcards for each DSST/CLEP I took into an excel document and then printed them out. It took a boatload of time to do but it enabled me to take the notes with me wherever I went and I could highlight them too. I only used instantcert except for the micro/macroeconomic exams which I bought a book for and watched Khanacademy videos on. The copying and pasting, printing, highlighting and then recopying by hand allowed me to retain enough information to pass all my DSST/CLEP/TECEP in the span of four days while on vacation in California (24 exams total). Instantcert worked well for me. The exam specific feedback was also super helpful and it's well worth the money if you want to pass tests fast. Then again, I'm good at multiple choice tests so your mileage may vary.

[ShotoJuku]

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The IC-Flashcard Exam Prep System

Second-To-None!!

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[marianne202]

Obviously, everyone learns differently and has different experiences to pull from when doing these exams. That being said IC is a great starting point for your studying. The flashcards to cover the main content and concepts, the exam feedback gives you great ideas for additional study resources. If you need additional resources to understand certain concepts there is usually lots of additional help here. The other main point of IC is the family support! If you have spent any time around these forums you know that the support and guidance is second to none. For most people pursuing a degree through this non-traditional route comes with lots of fear of the unknown and bucking the norm, but this friendly supportive environment has helped many people overcome those fears to become successful and in many cases pursue higher educational degrees than they ever planned when they arrived here. Honestly, in today's society it is hard to find more value for your $20 than IC. Good luck and welcome to the community!

[sklineho]

I've passed every test I've taken and InstantCert played at least some role in every one of them. It's especially useful for social science and history stuff or any subject that requires a lot of concepts and ddefinitions. But it's also useful even for math.

[cookderosa]

Obviously, everyone learns differently and has different experiences to pull from when doing these exams. That being said IC is a great starting point for your studying. The flashcards to cover the main content and concepts, the exam feedback gives you great ideas for additional study resources. If you need additional resources to understand certain concepts there is usually lots of additional help here. The other main point of IC is the family support! If you have spent any time around these forums you know that the support and guidance is second to none. For most people pursuing a degree through this non-traditional route comes with lots of fear of the unknown and bucking the norm, but this friendly supportive environment has helped many people overcome those fears to become successful and in many cases pursue higher educational degrees than they ever planned when they arrived here. Honestly, in today's society it is hard to find more value for your $20 than IC. Good luck and welcome to the community!

That is SUCH sound advice. Marianne is exactly right, and I also should have said WELCOME to the forum! (shame on me!)

[EI2HCB]

InstantCert, Does what it say's on the tin! It provides flashcards which summarize and condense information that you may previously been exposed to and assists memorising it. It requires dedication and hard work but so does everything of value

[2pass]

I will be taking the substance abuse DSST on Thrusday and have studied with IC as well as the Wise Owl guide to DSST subtance abuse. Do you have any pointers for success/ I get very anxious when testing so hopefully I can overcome that and pass this test. Thank you for any recommendations you may have.

[walternc3]

If you get anxious while testing breathe slowly from your diaphragm. It's where your upper chest doesn't move but your belly is moving while you breathe. It's difficult to be anxious if you do this. Google it.

[sklineho]

I will be taking the substance abuse DSST on Thrusday and have studied with IC as well as the Wise Owl guide to DSST subtance abuse. Do you have any pointers for success/ I get very anxious when testing so hopefully I can overcome that and pass this test. Thank you for any recommendations you may have.

That DSST is one of the ones where InstantCert is most spot-on. The flashcards should be more than enough but check out freeclepprep's list of Wikipedia links too but the IC flashcards should get you through it.

That test has a lot of common sense questions. I actually enjoyed studying for it, you'll do fine.