Getting Started On The Right Track

[cookderosa]

The advice above sounds very good. I am in a situation similar to Kevin and would like to jump in and take my first CELP. To that end, can someone tell me (us):

- What is the best way to study/prepare for a CLEP? Buy some textbooks? Research online? etc.

- In general, how long should a "CLEP newbie" need to study/prepare to take a CLEP test? 1 week? 2 weeks? 1 month? I realize it depends on lots of different factors but again, *in general* how long?

Thank you.

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I don't know if you know this, but this forum has a $20 monthly study program that you can join, but it is not required and may or may not be the best prep tool for you. I tried the flash card system (this one) and found I did better using a second hand text book or streaming videos. There are any number of methods- additionally, there are specific "CLEP Preparation" books you can buy. I tried a few, but liked the ones put out by REA the best. There are Sparksnotes (like Cliff notes) as well as all the free web resources you could ever want. Unlike taking a class, you get to maximize your learning style and develop your own personal study program.

As for length of time- I almost always started studying before I set a test date. For me, I needed to know what I was up against. If you have an hour or two per day, that is nearly 10-15 hours of study time per week- thats REALLY a lot and you should probably be able to study for any of the more simple exams in about one-two weeks. (perhaps even in a few days of serious cramming) That said, I always gave myself two or three weeks, and a bit more on the ones where I was learning everything for the first time.