1. Know the exact rules for your open-book exam
Before anything else, get clear on what is allowed and what is not. Open-book does not mean “anything goes”.
Check:
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Is it fully open-book (any notes and books) or are there limits?
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Can you use printed notes only, or digital files as well?
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Can you access websites and online journals, or only your own materials?
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Are you allowed to work offline only, or is normal internet use permitted?
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Is there any rule about word-for-word copying or how to reference?
Most of this will be in your assessment brief, on your VLE (Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, etc.) or in a guidance email from your lecturer.
If something is unclear, ask. A short message to your tutor is better than guessing and breaking a rule without meaning to.
It’s also worth reading general exam advice from official sources like UCAS on preparing for assessments and exams, so you understand what universities expect in terms of honest, independent work.
2. Build “exam notes”, not a second library
In an open-book exam, too many notes can be just as bad as none at all. You don’t have time to read a full chapter every time you see a question.
Instead of saving everything, build one clear set of “exam notes”.
A simple way to do it:
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Start with your module outline or contents page. Use this as your structure.
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For each topic, write a short summary in your own words:
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Put formulas, definitions, case names or key articles on one or two summary pages.
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Note the page numbers or slide numbers where details live, so you can find them quickly.
Think of your notes as a map, not a full textbook. They should help you find the right place fast, not force you to read everything again.
3. Practise using your notes before the real exam
Most students build notes but never test them. Then, in the exam, they realise they can’t find anything.
Once your notes are roughly ready, do a few short practice runs:
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Pick one past question or sample question.
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Set a timer for a realistic amount of time (for example, 20–30 minutes).
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Answer the question using your notes as you would in the real exam.
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Pay attention to how often you stop to search for things.
If you keep losing time:
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Your notes may be too long. Cut them down.
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Headings might be unclear. Make them more obvious.
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You might need a simple index or contents page at the front.
The aim is to reach a point where you can find most things in a few seconds, not a few minutes.
4. Learn the material, don’t rely on last-minute searching
Open-book does not cancel the need to actually understand the module.
Markers can tell when an answer is:
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copied from slides or a textbook
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full of quotes but short on explanation
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technically correct but doesn’t really answer the question
To avoid this, treat revision almost the same as for a closed-book exam:
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Read and summarise key topics in your own words.
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Make sure you can explain main ideas without looking.
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Do some questions without notes first, then check and improve your answers using your materials.
When you understand the content, your notes become a safety net, not a crutch.
5. Plan your time and stick to it
It’s easy to lose track of time in an open-book exam. You feel “safe” because your notes are there, so you read and read… and suddenly half the exam is gone.
Before the exam, work out:
During the exam:
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Spend the first few minutes reading the paper and deciding which questions you will answer.
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Note down roughly how many minutes you can spend on each question.
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Stick to that plan, even if you feel you could say more.
It’s better to finish all required questions with solid, clear answers than to write one “perfect” answer and leave another blank.
6. Answer first, check details second
One of the best habits for open-book exams is to think before you search.
When you see a question:
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Read it slowly and underline the key words (for example, “explain”, “evaluate”, “compare”).
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Close your notes for a moment and think:
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Jot down a tiny plan in bullet points:
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Then, open your notes to fill any gaps or check a name, definition or number.
This keeps the answer your own, and uses your notes for support only. It also stops you falling into the trap of copying whole sections just because they look impressive.
7. Use short quotes and references, not chunks of text
If your exam allows you to refer to textbooks, articles or cases, do it briefly and clearly.
Good use of open-book material looks like:
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naming an author or case when it strengthens your point
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using a short phrase or definition, then explaining it in your own words
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pointing to a key model and applying it to the scenario in the question
Weak use of materials looks like:
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copying half a paragraph from a PDF
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listing lots of names without explaining any of them
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dropping quotes in with no link to the question
As a rough rule: if someone removed your books and notes, your answer should still make sense. The extra material should support your thinking, not replace it.
8. Keep your writing clear and to the point
With notes and books in front of you, it’s tempting to throw everything in. Markers, however, are still looking for:
Simple tips:
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Use short paragraphs, each with one main idea.
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Link your points back to the question wording (“This matters because…”, “This explains why…”).
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Avoid long, copied sentences full of jargon. Use plain language where you can.
You don’t need to “sound academic” to get marks. You need to be accurate, focused and clear.
9. Look after practical details so you don’t lose silly marks
Open-book exams are often online, so there are a few practical things to protect your marks:
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Check you know how to save your work on the platform you’re using.
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If you have to upload a file, label it clearly (for example, “StudentID_ModuleCode_Exam”).
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Save copies as you go, especially in longer exams.
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Leave a few minutes at the end to check you’ve:
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answered all required questions
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saved or uploaded the correct file
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clicked “Submit” and seen some kind of confirmation
Many students lose marks not because of bad answers, but because they submit late, upload the wrong file, or forget a question. Treat these basic steps as part of the exam.
10. When to ask for extra support
If you’ve tried revising, built notes and still feel lost with open-book exams, it’s okay to ask for structured help.
Some students prefer one-to-one guidance on planning, timing and using notes properly. If you want support like that, you can read more about our online exam help, where UK-based experts help you prepare in a way that fits your course and university rules.
