Open-book exams sound like a dream at first—no memorising, right? But here’s the catch: they test your understanding, not your ability to search. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you don’t need to prepare as thoroughly. But trust me—these exams can be more demanding because they expect deeper thinking and faster navigation through your notes.
So how do you approach them strategically?
Start by organising your resources. Create a summary sheet or ‘map’ of your notes that tells you exactly where to find key concepts, formulas, and case studies. Colour-code sections, add sticky tabs if you’re using physical notes, or use digital bookmarks if online. The goal is speed and clarity—you want to be able to access information in seconds, not minutes.
Secondly, don’t rely on flipping through notes mid-question. The time will fly. Practice answering past questions without checking your materials, and then use your notes to double-check and improve your answer. Think of your notes as backup, not a crutch.
And finally, focus on developing strong critical thinking and application skills. Open-book exams often ask you to evaluate, compare, or apply knowledge to new scenarios. Just having the textbook won’t help unless you’ve already built a solid foundation.
So while the format might seem easier at first glance, those who treat it casually often end up rushing and overwhelmed. Prepare like it’s closed-book—but revise smartly, not excessively. Master the material, then learn how to navigate your tools efficiently.