How Successful Are Prep Course Agencies?

Prep course agencies are a popular way to help you on the journey to get different types of licenses or certifications. While these courses aren’t the ones actually providing any licensure, they are designed as helpful methods to prepare you, educate you, and give you that edge you need to pass the tests or exams required. These courses are typically very user-friendly, have high-quality instruction and materials, and are an affordable option to fast-track your success. So, just how successful are prep course agencies? It depends on some different factors, but we’ll dive into the benefits and some interesting info to get the scoop.

Know That Test Prep Is Different for Every Situation

While the discussion below outlines some of the advantages and positive impacts of test prep, it’s important to note that test prep and prep courses can vary depending on a wide range of factors. These include the type of test, the material on the exam, the test prep course itself, individual learning and test-taking styles, and much more. If you’re looking to get a teaching license, for example, test prep results can be different from another subject or field. Test prep results can also vary by state. If you are looking for how to get a contractor’s license in NC, the testing can be different than getting a contractor’s license in SC, GA, or FL, even though they are all southern states.

Given that there are so many factors, test results after utilizing a prep program can vary widely. Specific stats on test prep courses are also limited. That said, there are some general advantages and info. To note.

Short-Term Courses Can Provide Big Benefits

Most prep course agencies are typically shorter or compressed courses, and these can have a unique benefit. According to one study on compressed courses, they actually had a higher success rate than long-term courses. So, for people worried about trying to complete a short-term test prep course, those worries can be set aside; 4-6 week courses can be just as successful as trying to learn information over a longer period of time.

Prep Courses Can Reduce Anxiety and Tap Into Cognitive Skills

Everyone, students and adults, alike, can suffer from test anxiety and deal with worry and stress when taking any sort of exam. Educator Emily Frietag found that research showed that test prep had a number of benefits. These include reducing anxiety, helping people tap into their cognitive skills to solve problems, and understanding your test-taking style in order to prepare and feel at ease when taking the exam. While some strategies focus on hype, Frietag found that these are less effective; prep courses that focus on the material that needs to be learned could have a big benefit.

Familiarity With the Material and Testing Could Lead to More Successful Results

According to information from ACT.org, test prep can have varying results, but overall could be successful in a variety of ways. Specifically, being familiar with the material, the type of test, and even understanding the test-taking instructions, can all lead to more successful test-taking. By being more familiar with the material, people can put their thoughts and energy into carefully and accurately answering the questions and not feel surprised or frustrated with taking the test itself.

Practice Tests Are Helpful in Retrieving Information

Another key benefit of test prep courses is the ability to utilize practice testing. Some research suggests that practice tests can help with retrieving information. Rather than feeling stuck on the day of an exam or test, people who have taken practice quizzes on the material beforehand are better able to remember the information. The result could be a more successful test.

Testing Can Generally Be More Successful With Prep

According to a set of studies on commercial test prep, a variety of factors come into play. However, the consensus was generally that any type of prep, including prep courses was helpful when it came to the success of testing. While studying material individually can be done, most test-takers benefit from more structured, focused material that helps them prepare for the specific information.

Prep Your Way to Success

While stats are limited and there isn’t as much info available in regards to test prep for every situation, there are studies that suggest test prep is a helpful step when it comes to being successful. By taking steps to be prepared, knowing as much as you can about the test, and even being in tune with your learning style, you can do your personal best.