How to prepare for open book vs closed book exams in Australia is one of those topics that confuses many students. Some exams are open book, where you can bring materials. Others are closed book, where you can’t. The preparation is different, and many students don’t realise this. I’ve done both types, and I’ve watched friends prepare for both. Some prepared well and did well. Others prepared the same way for both and struggled. The difference was understanding the differences and preparing accordingly.
Three years later, I’m finishing my Master’s at the University of Melbourne. I’ve done both open book and closed book exams, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. Some strategies worked well for open book exams. Others worked better for closed book exams. The difference was understanding the differences and preparing accordingly.
So here’s everything I know about preparing for open book vs closed book exams in Australia, based on what actually works.
What Are Open Book and Closed Book Exams Actually?
Let me start with the basics, because I got confused about this at first.
Open book exams allow you to bring materials into the exam. You might be able to bring textbooks, notes, or other materials. The idea is that you don’t need to memorise everything, but you need to understand and apply concepts.
Closed book exams don’t allow you to bring materials. You need to memorise information and recall it during the exam. The idea is that you need to know the material well enough to recall it without reference materials.
But here’s what nobody tells you: open book exams aren’t easier. They’re often harder because they test understanding and application, not just memorisation. Don’t assume open book exams are easy. They require different preparation.
Preparing for Closed Book Exams: Memorisation and Recall
This is what most students are used to, and here’s what works.
Memorise key information. You need to know facts, formulas, concepts, and other information well enough to recall them during the exam.
Practice recall. Don’t just read. Test yourself. Can you recall information without looking at your notes? Practice this regularly.
Understand concepts, not just facts. Even in closed book exams, understanding helps. If you understand concepts, you can work out details even if you don’t remember them exactly.
Review regularly. Don’t just cram before exams. Review material regularly throughout the semester. Regular review helps you remember.
But here’s what I’ve learned: closed book exams require memorisation, but they also require understanding. Don’t just memorise facts. Understand concepts, and memorisation becomes easier.
Preparing for Open Book Exams: Understanding and Application
This is different, and here’s what works.
Understand concepts deeply. Open book exams test understanding and application, not memorisation. You need to understand concepts well enough to apply them.
Organise your materials. You can bring materials, but you need to find information quickly. Organise your notes, textbooks, and other materials so you can find what you need.
Know where to find information. Don’t bring everything. Bring what you need, and know where to find it. Practice finding information quickly.
Practice applying concepts. Open book exams often have application questions. Practice applying concepts to different situations, not just memorising facts.
But here’s what I’ve learned: open book exams are often harder than closed book exams. They test understanding and application, which is harder than memorisation. Don’t assume they’re easy. Prepare thoroughly.
Key Differences in Preparation
This is important, because understanding differences helps you prepare correctly.
Closed book exams require memorisation. You need to know information well enough to recall it. Focus on memorising key facts, formulas, and concepts.
Open book exams require understanding. You need to understand concepts well enough to apply them. Focus on understanding, not just memorising.
Closed book exams test recall. Can you remember information? Practice recall regularly.
Open book exams test application. Can you apply concepts to different situations? Practice application regularly.
But here’s what I’ve learned: both types require understanding. Even in closed book exams, understanding helps. Even in open book exams, you need to know where to find information. The difference is emphasis, not a complete difference.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here’s what I’ve seen go wrong, so you can avoid these mistakes:
Preparing the same way for both. Don’t prepare for open book exams the same way you prepare for closed book exams. They require different preparation.
Assuming open book exams are easy. They’re not. They’re often harder because they test understanding and application. Prepare thoroughly.
Not organising materials for open book exams. If you can bring materials, organise them. Don’t bring everything and hope you’ll find what you need.
Not memorising for closed book exams. Even if you understand concepts, you still need to memorise facts and formulas for closed book exams. Don’t skip memorisation.
But here’s what I’ve learned: these mistakes are avoidable. Understand the differences, prepare accordingly, and don’t assume one type is easier than the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are open book exams easier than closed book exams?
Not necessarily. Open book exams are often harder because they test understanding and application, not just memorisation. Don’t assume they’re easy. Prepare thoroughly.
How do I know if an exam is open book or closed book?
Check with your lecturer or check the exam information. Exam information usually tells you what you can bring. If you’re not sure, ask.
What should I bring to an open book exam?
Bring what you need, but don’t bring everything. Bring textbooks, notes, and other materials that are useful. Organise them so you can find information quickly.
Do I still need to study for open book exams?
Yes, definitely. Open book exams require understanding and application, which requires study. Don’t assume you don’t need to study just because you can bring materials.
How do I prepare for closed book exams?
Memorise key information, practice recall, understand concepts, and review regularly. Don’t just cram before exams. Study throughout the semester.
Can I use my notes in open book exams?
It depends on the exam. Some open book exams allow notes. Others allow only textbooks. Check what’s allowed before the exam.
Final Thoughts
Preparing for open book vs closed book exams in Australia requires understanding the differences and preparing accordingly. Closed book exams require memorisation and recall. Open book exams require understanding and application. Both require study, but the focus is different.
Don’t prepare the same way for both. Understand the differences, prepare accordingly, and don’t assume one type is easier than the other.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes since landing in Melbourne, but each one taught me something. The biggest lesson? Understand the differences and prepare accordingly. Don’t assume open book exams are easy. Don’t skip memorisation for closed book exams. Prepare thoroughly for both, but focus on what each type requires.
If you’re still planning your study journey, check out my guides on how to study effectively in Australian universities and how to manage assignments exams and group work. And when you’re preparing for exams, understand whether they’re open book or closed book, and prepare accordingly. Both require study, but the focus is different.
