There are many resources and services on which students may draw as they prepare for standardized tests, including:
Courses: Many test preparation courses are designed to expose students to the breadth of topics tested on the relevant exam and guide them through the process of studying.
Flashcards: Index cards imprinted with information used as a study aid to reinforce memory retention.
Mind Maps: Mind maps allow students to visually organize relevant concepts and information, showing relationships among pieces of the whole.[2]
Mock exams: Mock exams are practice exams that help students prepare for the real exam. They are intended to give students a clear indication of the structure and content of the actual exam, as well as a snapshot of their current performance.[3]
Study groups: Studying as group facilitates collaboration and exposes students to different perspectives on the material.[4]
Study Guides: Various organizations and individuals produce published materials that students can incorporate into their preparation.
Tutors: A tutor is a person with whom students work one-on-one to improve academic performance, in this case on an exam.
Resource providers
Most companies and educators that offer test preparation services also offer traditional (hard copy) such as books and printed materials and technology or online-based learning tools, such as content accessible on hand-held devices such as smartphones, tablets and laptops. So do most test makers, publishers of self-help, instructional and educational materials, and makers of hardware and software.
Texas Instruments - technology company that offers test-maker approved calculators and a variety of test preparation and test-taking tools
Criticism
Some test-preparation programs have been proven to help students improve test scores, [6] but others may have little effect.
Test preparation for the SAT and the GMAT is a highly lucrative field.[7]
A lot of people have criticism towards exams and testing in the primary and high school environment, the number one type of testing in Australia that receives criticism is NAPLAN. Parents and teachers have put forward numerous cases stating the stress it is having on children and how pointless it is.[8]
