Build your schedule
Set your exam date, workload limits, and pacing preferences.
Example data table
Use this as a quick reference for realistic inputs.
| Scenario | Timeline | Tests | Study days/week | Max tests/week | Review after | Buffer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6-week sprint | Start today → Exam in 42 days | 10 | 6 | 2 | 1 day | 2 days | Best for quick score jumps with recovery. |
| 12-week steady plan | Start today → Exam in 84 days | 12 | 5 | 1 | 2 days | 3 days | Ideal when content gaps need time. |
| Weekend-focused | Start today → Exam in 70 days | 8 | 3 | 1 | 1 day | 2 days | Pick Sat/Sun as preferred test days. |
Formula used
- Estimated test time (minutes) = Questions per test × Minutes per question
- Weeks available = ceil((days from start to last scheduled day) ÷ 7)
- Even spacing index = round(i × (N−1)/(T−1)), where T is tests and N is candidate dates.
- Difficulty ramp = linear scale from start to end difficulty across tests.
- Score gain per test (optional) = (Target − Baseline) ÷ Tests
The scheduler also enforces your weekly test cap by shifting overflow tests forward to the next available study day.
How to use this calculator
- Enter your exam date and a realistic start date.
- Choose how many practice tests you can complete without burnout.
- Set study days/week and max tests/week to protect recovery.
- Turn on review days to capture mistakes and create an error log.
- Use subjects and weights to bias the schedule toward key areas.
- Press Generate schedule. Results appear above the form.
- Export your plan using Download CSV or Download PDF.
Calibrating test volume
A realistic plan starts with time math. Multiply questions per test by minutes per question to estimate a single test block, then add review days to protect focus. Many learners improve faster with fewer full-length exams and more targeted sets. Use the weekly cap to prevent stacking two heavy tests in one week, especially if you work or study full-time. If fatigue rises, reduce tests and increase review quality. Consistency beats occasional late-night marathons.
Spacing for retention
Even spacing matters because memory strengthens when practice is distributed. The scheduler selects candidate study dates between your start and exam window, then spreads tests across them rather than clustering early. If the exam is close, the spacing tightens automatically while still reserving a buffer near the end for light review and rest. Aim to keep at least one non-test day between long sessions.
Using review days effectively
Review days are not “redo the test.” They are for analyzing missed questions, rewriting key rules, and creating a short error log. When you choose one or two review days after each test, the plan inserts deliberate recovery while keeping momentum. Keep review sessions shorter than the original test and end with a small drill on the top three mistake types. Track timing errors separately from concept errors to target fixes.
Subject weighting and weak spots
If your exam covers multiple areas, weighted subjects help you spend more tests on what moves your score most. Enter subjects as “Name:weight” and give higher weights to low-accuracy domains or high-value sections. The schedule rotates subjects using the weights to avoid repetition while still returning often to the biggest gaps. Recalculate weights every two tests using your latest results, not intuition.
Interpreting the output schedule
Each row shows the date, activity type, focus, question count, estimated minutes, and a difficulty ramp. Early tests build accuracy; later tests increase pacing pressure. Compare baseline and target scores to see an optional “gain per test” number, then treat it as a pacing guide, not a guarantee. Export to CSV for editing or PDF for printing. After exporting, highlight test days and plan meals, sleep, and quiet study blocks.
FAQs
1) How many full-length tests should I schedule?
Most candidates do best with 6–12 full-length tests, depending on the exam date and recovery needs. Use the weekly cap to avoid back-to-back tests, then add shorter drills on non-test days.
2) What should I enter for minutes per question?
Start with the official pacing target if you know it. If not, use your recent timed practice average. Updating this value improves the estimated minutes so you can plan realistic sessions.
3) Why does the schedule include review days?
Review days convert mistakes into learning. They protect your energy, reduce repeated errors, and help you build an error log. Keep reviews focused on missed concepts, patterns, and timing choices.
4) How do subject weights change the plan?
Weights bias the focus field across tests. Higher weights appear more often while still rotating to prevent repetition. Use heavier weights for weak areas or high-scoring sections that impact your total most.
5) What does the difficulty ramp do?
The ramp increases difficulty over time so early tests emphasize accuracy and later tests build speed under pressure. You can keep start and end difficulty equal to maintain a constant level.
6) Can I edit the schedule after exporting?
Yes. Use CSV to adjust dates, add notes, or change question counts. Use PDF when you want a clean printout. If you change major inputs, regenerate to refresh spacing.