I've got a 98 vulcan classic 1500. I need to adjust the headlight it's aimed to low. I know where the adjustment screws are but which one do I turn or do I turn both. which way do I turn (clock wise or counter) to raise the headlight beam?

 

If the screw is located below the midline of the headlamp housing, counter-clockwise should lower the beam, assuming the screw HEAD is facing the fuel tank. To raise, screw clock-wise.
Most headlamp adjusters stay with the X/Y/Z axis of screw orientation.
But, sitting at my desk at work, I may be wrong.

 

It has two screws on the front of the headlight cover ring. neither is centered. One is about 4 oclock the other is about 7 oclock.

 

I'd probably just pull up to the garage after dark and begin adjusting with the bike running. You'll figure which screw does what after a couple turns. One is up-down; the other is right-left. Check your manual. Keep thumb and forefinger close to screwdriver tip so it doesn't "come out" and scratch your retaining ring.