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Open-book & take-home exams

Understand what open-book exams really are and how to best prepare for them
What to expect
How to prepare
Personalise
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Demonstrate your ability to find and apply information through open-book exams.

Open-book exams let you answer questions with access to informational resources, including:

  • your own notes
  • readings, reference materials and textbooks
  • equipment like calculators, drafting tools etc.

Lecturers set open-book exams to test your ability to find knowledge and apply it towards problem solving. You’ll usually find open-book exams in courses where you need to reference complex course content to deliver well-structured arguments and solutions of your own.

See also

Don't fall for these misconceptions about open-book exams. 
  • Open-book exams are not an easy option.

    Answering questions well requires more than just copying information straight from texts. For example, having access to a textbook can help you remember a fact or formula, but just getting that fact correct won't get you good marks.

    Open-book exams are designed to reward you for your ability to locate, apply and use information appropriately.
  • The biggest misconception about open-book exams is that you don't need to study.

    In fact, you should study just as you would for any other exam. Having access to your notes and textbooks might mean you don't have to memorise as much information, but you still need to apply the information effectively, especially if the exam is under time.

    Make sure you’re fully familiar with the content and materials of your course so you can quickly find and use the relevant information in open-book exams. If you don't study, you'll lose time finding the right information or relearning course material during the exam.
  • You can't copy chunks of text directly from textbooks or notes. This is plagiarism.

    In open-book exams, you are expected to do more than just reproduce information from the resources made available to you. You must demonstrate your ability to find, interpret and apply information to the exam questions. You’ll usually need to reference as well, just as you would for any other assessment.
  • Take only what you need.

    Don't get carried away and overload yourself with materials and resources for open-book exams. Stacks of books won't necessarily guarantee a better performance, and you won't have time for extensive reading. Too many materials can end up distracting you and crowding your workspace. Carefully select your materials and organise them for quick referencing.

Depending on your faculty or school, question types and the form of open-book exam may vary.

There are two main types of open-book exams:

1. Timed exams
  • Usually, timed exams have a set date and time when everyone must sit the exam, either in-person or online.
    • Some timed exams offer you the flexibility of when to sit the exam, but still limit the amount of time you can spend on your attempt.
  • In many courses, timed exams will limit the quantity and/or type of materials you can use during the exam. Other courses may allow unrestricted access to your notes and resources.
    • Always check the instructions provided carefully.
2. Take-home exams
  • Usually, take-home exams give you a set of questions you can 'take home' and answer over a day or few.
    • This is a common format in courses that assess your ability to solve complex problems.
  • Most take-home exams allow unrestricted access to your notes, course resources and other information.
    • Check your course guide or talk to your lecturer to ensure there aren’t any specific restrictions on resources.

❗ Please note:

Regardless of the exam format, your answers must be your own work, and you must attempt them by yourself without help from others.

Unless you have specific instructions that say otherwise, you must not use generative AI for open-book exams.

Tips for open-book exams
  • Study as you would for other exams

    When you’re confident and familiar with course content, you waste less exam time hunting down information.

    Be selective about your resources

    Too many notes and texts will overwhelm you and clutter your exam workspace. Carefully select what you take with you.

    Practise with past exam papers

    Check if your course makes past exam papers available, or if there are any sample questions provided. The Library also has a collection of past exam papers you can access.

  • Read exam instructions carefully

    Check how much time you’re given, what areas the exam will cover and what resources and materials you can take into the exam.

    Don’t anticipate specific questions

    Preparing model answers will hold you back from answering the given question. Instead, prepare examples for each course concepts.

    Eat well and get adequate rest

    If you don’t take care of yourself, you’ll risk getting sick, feeling tired or losing concentration while completing your exam.

  • Don’t copy long chunks from resources

    Markers aren’t looking for extensive information; but rather your ability to apply knowledge and provide your own well-constructed answers.

    Avoid over-answering

    With lots of materials available, it can be tempting to waffle on. Remind yourself what the question is really asking and be concise.

    Use your time wisely

    Target the questions you’re confident with first. Minimise the time you spend thinking about or searching for answers.

Easy-to-check notes and resources save your time during open-book exams.

Make clear notes to help you recall course content.

  • Review the subject to get a good overview.
  • Identify key concepts, topics and information.
  • Use clear headings to organise your notes.
  • Make brief and legible notes using dot points.
  • Summarise dense information with keywords.
  • Consider how concepts are connected. A map format may help with this.

Prepare your resources to find information quickly.

  • Use tables of contents and index pages to locate relevant sections in the books you plan to use.
  • Bookmark useful chapters or pages with post-it notes or tags.
  • Prepare brief summaries (e.g. in margins of texts) to provide a quick reference.
  • Prepare a list of key information (e.g. formulae, key definitions etc.) likely to be used.
  • Use an index card per text to list relevant page numbers of texts and key topics. Use one card per book.

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