Free vs Paid Exam Prep Apps: What You Actually Get

There are hundreds of exam prep apps. Here's how to tell a good one from a bad one, whether it's free or paid.

What every good prep app needs

• Up-to-date questions. Exams change. Check that the app names the current year or exam version.
• The real exam format. Mock tests should match the real number of questions, time limit and pass mark.
• Explanations. Knowing why an answer is right is how you learn, not just memorise.
• Progress tracking. You should be able to see which topics are weak.

When free is enough

Free practice is great for finding out where you stand. If you're already scoring well, a few free mock tests may be all you need.

When paying is worth it

If you're starting from scratch, or you keep missing the pass mark, a full question bank, unlimited mocks and a mistakes review usually save you time. That matters when a failed attempt costs you another fee and another wait.

Watch out for

• Subscriptions that are hard to cancel
• Apps that ask for permissions they don't need
• Question banks that don't say which exam version they cover

At OfBuilder, every exam app has free questions and a free mock test on the web, so you can try before you download.

Browse all our free tests at ofbuilder.com/free-tests.