CLP encourages you to prepare for the Certified Licensing Professional examination by using resources such as those listed in the handbook. Plan your review methods well in advance of the examination. Think about the study method that is best for you (e.g., individual review, study group, class) and the types of materials that are most helpful (e.g., textbooks, audio or video programs, outlines, memory aids).

Candidates also have access to practice exam options to help them prepare for the exam and identify the domains where you should focus your study efforts.

Take a course to refresh your knowledge. CLP, Inc. does not offer a preparation course. However, courses offered by other industry organizations address the content areas tested on the exam. It is important to note that these courses do not "teach to the test." The course organizers have access to the same information regarding the exam that candidates do. View the Industry Prep Courses page for more information.

Test-Taking Tips

• Budget your time well. Because you will have three (3) hours to complete 150 questions, you will want to complete more than half (75) in less than half the time. This is because you will want extra time after completing the full examination to review questions you either skipped or questions you may have marked for review. Also, allow time so that every hour you can take a minute or so to relax your eyes and stretch your neck and hand muscles.

• Read each question carefully, focusing on what is being asked. If you are uncertain about the answer but nevertheless want to give a tentative answer at the time, mark the test question to indicate that you want to review the test question and your answer if time allows. Go back to questions marked in this manner after completing the entire test.

• Read all options before selecting your answer. Always select the best choice.

• Do not over analyze or try to “read into” a question. Questions are not written to be tricky. Do not assume additional information beyond what is given in the test question. All information necessary to answer the question will be given in the text of the question or scenario.

• Remember that this is a national test. Questions will focus on licensing practice across the United States, including knowledge of how the international environment impacts U.S. practices. The questions will be based upon an accepted knowledge base. Don’t be limited by thinking only about your organization’s policy or your clients. Choose options that you know to be correct in any licensing setting.

• If there are questions including the words “not,” “except,” or “least” answer these with particular care because you will be looking for the exception. These questions involve a reversal of your usual thought patterns.

• Pay close attention to key words such as “best,” “most,” “primary,” or “usually.” These words indicate that other options may at times be correct, but given the wording or situation in the test question, you must judge which option is the best.

• Skip difficult questions and come back to them later. Questions on the test are not ordered by difficulty (i.e., they do not go from easiest to hardest). Also, content areas (the domains) and topics are addressed randomly in questions throughout the test. You may find one question near the end of the test that may lead you to recall information that applies to another question that appeared much earlier.

• When guessing, do so by the process of elimination. Treat each option as a true or false statement, and eliminate those that you would not select. Narrow your choices and then make an educated guess.

• Answer every test question, because there is no penalty for guessing. Go through the entire test, answering the questions you believe you know and skipping the difficult questions. Leave time at the end of the testing period to go back to the questions you skipped or want to review. If you are running out of time, leave a minute or so at the end to complete all of the blank questions randomly. Remember, you have a 25% probability of answering a question correctly by chance alone, so don’t miss any!

• If reading English is difficult for you because English is not your primary language, maximize your time by reading and answering all the shorter questions first. After completing all of the short questions, go back and attempt to answer the longer questions.

• Review the suggested resources listed in the CLP Candidate Handbook.