Hey folks, Two questions: First, I see many mentions in posts here regarding "quality" practice tests. Any ideas where I can find them, what books, web sites, etc? Second, I have the official CLEP guide but it only has one test per section. Does this qualify as a "quality" practice test? Thanks in advance!
If you follow the outlines and know the material in the CLEP study guide you won't have a problem with the tests. They even tell you what percentages the topics will make up. Use books or the Internet to supplement what you don't know. As far as practice tests, I didn't use any. I will recommend the COMEX systems books. They were great for test prep.
I've had good results with the College Board Official Study Guide. Target somewhere between 50-75% on those and you're probably ok for a pass.
What I'm saying is "know the content" and you'll be fine on the tests. The practice tests can help you find were you are weak. After repeating the practice tests you'll know the answers, but does that really help you. The best practice is learning the content the exam expects you to know by reading if you don't know it.
IMHO -- this is a waste of time and defeats the purpose of the diagnostic test -- with the exception of those tests where the practice examples are the test bank (such as radio operator licensing). I've found the best prep method to be this: 1) review the exam content guide and review any material you think you may be weak on. 2) use a good practice test as a diagnostic on where you stand. 3) review the areas that the diagnostic shows you weak. 4) use a different practice test to reasses where you are. 5) repeat until you're testing fairly high. This though is just my method. "Know the content" isn't the only thing you need. While I may know that "the salinity of sea water changes as the ambient temperature fluctuates..." this knowledge only lets me answer one test question -- and it's not a very useful one at that. Now, if I understand why this happens and under what specific circumstances and what impact these changes have -- then I can answer test questions about it. For this kind of knowledge, you must understand the underlying concept as well. The other important thing about these tests is vocabulary. I may know that the green anole lizard can change color slightly in keeping with his surroundings but, if I don't recognize the words melanophores or chromotaphores how will I answer questions about ontogenetic color change in the Anolis carolinensis. So, in addition to "Knowing the content", you must also understand the particular vocabulary. Vocabulary review is a simple matter of reviewing the glossary of several good texts. Understanding underlying concepts requires some learning -- not just memorization of facts and "content". This is though -- just my opinion.
