Hello everyone. I’m planning to sit for the Spring 2026 exam and intend to join a study group. I’d love to hear what else worked well for you - resources, study strategies, routines, or tips you wish you’d known earlier. I would also appreciate some clarification regarding the exam format. Can the exam be taken remotely from home, or does it require going to a testing center? For context, I’m in Nigeria. Thanks in advance!

The study group is such a help, Ogo! I took Marie Herman’s years ago,  well worth the investment. Unsure how the exam is done nowadays, mine was in person and proctored but that was a few years before Covid. Perhaps someone else can contribute to advise. Best wishes & good luck !!

Thank you so much, Maria. Glad to know I'm on the right track with study groups. I'm keeping fingers crossed and hoping someone can advise on remotely taking the exams.

Check out the IAAP CAP study groups https://www.iaap-hq.org/general/custom.asp?page=StudyGroups 

When I was sitting for my exam in 2009, I found a study group in Texas which had recorded its sessions and posted them in the IAAP library (I don't think we have that anymore.). I would listen to the sessions for a couple hours each day and took notes. I took a PD class one time, and the facilitator said you retain 70% more content if you write it in your own hand. However, back in those days they just provided you a bibliography of the textbooks which they drew the information from. I was able to find some of the books on Google library and read them. I'm really glad to see they have developed a study guide because back in my day, you were very much on your own. I would concentrate on one section of the exam at a time and would spend about two hours a day on it. I don't recommend spending hours at a time because it can become overwhelming. Good luck! 

Welcome aboard Ogo! I hope you found a study group that worked for you. I have a study group that started recently, but you could still join if you wish. All the sessions are recorded so you could join that way rather than the live sessions, which would be middle of the night for you. IAAP also has some study groups they have recently launched run by Brenda Van Meter and Debra Bullis. I am sure you will be able to find one that works for you. I do suggest you do so quickly if you are planning to sit for the Spring 2026 exam. Feel free to reach out to me by email if it would be helpful (iaap@mrhenterprises.com). 

Thank you, dear Natalie for your helpful comment and Marie for your guidance. I think one reason I'm still holding on joining a study group is the little to no knowledge I have regarding the structure of the exam - whether it can be done remotely from home or at a testing exam. But I'm thinking I may get all my answers in a study group so I may as well just now before it is too late. Thank you so much!

The exam can be done at a testing center or virtually. There are specific criteria for the virtual exam. Please reach out to certification@iaap-hq.org. They will be able to assist you.