This page allows us to share tips for study techniques and taking the CPLP exam. Be sure to check the candidate bulletin for the most current content and for the official CPLP position.

Studying:

• You might want to create flash cards.  An easy method is to xerox the glossary pages reducing to 75% or so.  Then separate each entry and using gluestick or tape, adhere to one side of a 3x5 card. If you build your cards early, you can add additional topics as you go through the content that might not be covered in the glossary. It's also helpful to code the cards with the module name in case you want to cross-reference them later.
• You might prefer to take the study pages (that provide a word document with the objectives for each module) and add space between the objectives and then note the answer to the objective.  This helps reduce the "review" time for a module.
• The Knowledge Checks in each module are not always well-written or clear as to why the answer key indicates that answer is correct--especially on true-false.  The good news is that there are NO True-False on the CPLP exam.  The CD-rom tool provides feedback on why the answer is correct or not.

Test-Taking:

• It is a 150 question exam to be taken in 2 1/2 hours.  The screen displays remaining time.
• Exam weighting varies by module (i.e., Designing Learning 15%, Career Planning & Talent Management 6% - See Knowledge Exam Content Outline of the Candidate Bulletin.)
• Exam objectives are listed in Knowledge Exam Content Outline of the Candidate Bulletin.
• CPLP Pass Rates and Pass/Fail Requirements from the Test Schedules page for Candidates. 
• A practice test is on the Candidate Bulletin.
• The CPLP exam uses multiple choice question format with standard 4 options.  Only one answer per question is correct.
• In general, there is usually only one question for any topic-headed section in the guides.
• There seemed to be an emphasis on understanding the different types of analysis and when to use them.
• Many questions will be written focused on application.  They'll provide a scenario and then ask "what's best next action?"  Personally, I kept wanting to answer "none of the above" but that was never an option.
• It may be that information on the exam is not in the study materials, so having a breadth of knowledge beyond the materials is good, though if you study the materials, you should pass the exam.
• Although the modules are not presented in order, all questions from a module are clustered together.  This may help in answering one you are not sure of.
• You will be able to review any questions prior to submitting exam.  It will even let you "tag" the ones you want to review before submitting. 
• Even if you are not sure and want to go back and review a question, pick an answer first.  That way if you run out of time, you have 25% chance of getting credit for that question.
• If you absolutely don't know the answer, pick C (or letter coming up most frequently).  The exam seemed to have had the typical bias found in many multiple choice designs-despite being "randomized."  Note: you may want to check the summary page, because if the exam can randomly scramble the answers, this bias may not be the same for your version as mine.
• Standard recommendation for test anxiety--when feeling panicky, close eyes and take 4 deep slow breaths, then return to the exam.  If needed, add some positive affirmation statements following the breaths, like "I know the material.  I am eager to demonstrate my knowledge."
• There will be a few questions where you must calculate a number (Module 4).  Be prepared to add, divide, multiply, and subtract by hand on scratch paper. 
• One suggestion shared from peers--When you first sit down, but prior to launching the test and starting the timer, make notes (data dump) of that info you kept trying to drill in and struggling with.  Then you can start test and have the notes made on the scratch paper during the exam.  Just leave room for calculating numbers for Module 4 questions. 

Timing:

It is important to make sure you have time for the work-product when you select your test window.  You can actually request delaying the work-product to a later window, but it adds $225 for the privilege. 

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