Students can take the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) assessments to obtain college credit in place of enrolling in a course. You can save time, money, and get credit for prior knowledge by taking CLEP examinations.
What is the College Level Examination Program ?
The College Level Examination Program or CLEP, allows students to earn college credit for introductory level courses by passing subject-specific exams with satisfactory scores. College level examination program is administered by College Board, the same corporation that administers the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) required for seeking entrance at nearly all undergraduate institutions and colleges.
The College Level Examination Program is a credit-by-exam program that evaluates a student's understanding of basic college-level subject and allows them to subsequently receive college credit. College level examination program offers 34 exams that cover introductory level college course material. At 2,900 colleges and universities in the United States, you might obtain three or more college credits with a passing score on one CLEP exam.
Each institution awards credit to students who achieve the minimum score required by the college for that exam, which varies by site and exam and is normally between 50 and 60 out of a possible 80. Many people take CLEP tests because they are convenient and less expensive ($90 on average, but prices vary by institution) than a semester of study for equivalent credit.
Key Fats of College Level Examination Program
- The College Board developed and oversees a group of standardized tests known as the College Level Examination Program.
- Students who pass their CLEP examinations will probably graduate months sooner than other students.
- Approximately 2,900 universities grant CLEP credit.
- CLEP offers 34 different multiple-choice tests covering subjects like business, languages, math, and science in 90-120 minute time slots.
- Unlike the AP exam, the CLEP can be taken by adults going back to school because it does not need a related high school subject.
How the College Level Examination Program Works ?
The CLEP is a group of standardized tests created and administered by the College Board. Nearly 2900 institutions accept the College Level Examination Program, and more than 1,800 test center's offer universities and tests.
Depending on the college's policies, a student may receive one to twelve college credits for passing a qualifying exam. By passing a CLEP exam, students can reduce their tuition costs, omit pointless classes, and graduate more quickly.
Students who have learned a subject through independent study, on-the-job training, or other techniques can benefit from CLEP because they do not need prior academic experience in the subject area to sit for an exam and get credit. The majority of exams last 90 to 120 minutes and are made up of computer-based multiple-choice questions.
Prior to signing up for, preparing for, or sitting for any tests, students should confirm with their university's policy on providing credit for particular CLEP exams. If students pass CLEP examinations in such topics, institutions may in some situations exempt them from the general education requirements without actually awarding credit hours.
Who is Eligible for College Level Examination Program ?
CLEP tests may be the best option for you if you want to gain college credit while saving time and money. CLEP Benefits is for everyone. Anyone can earn college credit through college level examination program, whether they're in high school or already in college.
Anybody can take a CLEP exam at any CLEP testing center, including adult learners, high school students, college students, military service members and veterans, and professionals seeking continuing education credits.
Students who want to take a CLEP exam with remote proctoring need to be one of the following :
- The age of 13 or older
- Located in the United States (not including U.S. territory) or be DANTES-funded.
Who cannot take a CLEP Exam ?
It is forbidden for anyone who worked on the development of CLEP test study materials to take a CLEP exam. This comprises :
- People who are involved in the design or delivery of courses, workshops, or tutoring programs (whether they are public or private, paid or volunteer), with the goal of preparing students for CLEP tests or other exams used for the same reason as CLEP exams.
- Teachers in high schools engaged in any CLEP-related instruction, study, or test-taking activity.
Additionally, for at least a year after the CLEP exam date, anyone who has taken a CLEP exam is not allowed to engage in any CLEP-related activity including instruction, preparation, or administration. Anybody who violates this rule will be permanently banned from taking any more CLEP exams.
Types of CLEP Exams
CLEP tests include a wide range of topics that are frequently covered in introductory college courses. In their first or second year of college, students take a lot of these introductory and survey courses.
CLEP offers 34 examinations in subjects including American government, English literature, Spanish language, business, history, science, math and more. Each of the current CLEP exams is listed below :
- American Literature
- Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
- American Government
- Biology
- Calculus
- Chemistry
- College Algebra
- College Mathematics
- College Composition
- College Composition Modular
- English Literature
- Financial Accounting
- French Language: Levels 1 and 2
- German Language: Levels 1 and 2
- Humanities
- History of the United States I
- History of the United States II
- Human Growth and Development
- Introduction to Educational Psychology
- Introductory Psychology
- Introductory Sociology
- Information Systems
- Introductory Business Law
- Natural Sciences
- Precalculus
- Principles of Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Social Sciences and History
- Spanish Language: Levels 1 and 2
- Spanish with Writing: Levels 1 and 2
- Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648
- Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present
CLEP Test Availability
Over 1,800 colleges and universities, numerous military sites, and testing facilities at homes with remote proctoring all offer CLEP tests. Most testing facilities charge a registration or administrative fee per student or test. The costs vary between exam facilities, but they often fall between $15 and $40. Exams are given in a lab-style setting using a computer. After the exam is over, the final results are immediately accessible.
Most CLEP exams are multiple-choice tests, graded on a scale from 20 to 80. Most institutions award credit for a score of 50 or higher, however various institutions may have different definitions of what constitutes a passing score. The quantity of credits you would obtain for each test is determined by the schools. Test results will be sent to whichever school the student specifies, according to CLEP administrators.
How Much Does a CLEP Exam Cost ?
CLEP examinations only cost $93 plus the administration fee for your test center, as compared to hundreds of dollars per course credit at a college. The CLEP tests are free to U.S. military service members and some veterans. For some exams optional essay portion, there is an additional $10 fee.
How to Register for CLEP Exams ?
Now that you are aware of the availability and costs of CLEP exams, find out how to register for a college level examination program test :
- To view available exams, go to the official CLEP website.
- To find out how many credits you can receive for a given exam at your college or university, use the Search Institution Policies tool.
- After choosing the exam you want to take, visit the individual exam pages or utilize the CLEP Registration page to choose the examinations you want to buy, then click "Add to Cart."
- To complete your purchase, click "View Cart and Checkout" when you are ready. The Shopping Cart will be opened for you to review your exam purchases.
- Following confirmation of your exam purchases, click "Register and Checkout" to access or create a CLEP account (via the My Account portal).
- Make sure to give your full name exactly as it appears on the government-issued ID you'll use to enter the testing facility when enrolling for an exam. Don't forget to mention your military status if you are a DANTES-funded examinee.
- You can print your registration ticket once you've finished registering and paying for your exam (you will present this ticket at the testing center along with your ID).
Create an account in the My Account Portal :
Exam registration is only possible online using the My Account portal with a CLEP account. Your full name, address, date of birth, email address, gender, and the month and year that you graduated from high school are all needed to create an account. You will create an account user name, password, and security question throughout this process.
How to Schedule a CLEP Exam Appointment ?
You must contact your preferred testing center to schedule a CLEP exam appointment. It's crucial to remember that you must register for the exam before making an appointment. The My Account portal (clep.collegeboard.org) gives you the option to choose your desired testing location and have the location's details printed on your registration ticket when you register for your exam there. To locate a center, you can use the "Find a Test Center" tool.
When are CLEP Exams Offered ?
Exam dates for CLEP exams are chosen by each test center, and they are offered continuously. CLEP examinations do not have any set registration deadlines, but you must take an exam within six months of purchasing it and receiving a registration ticket.
It is advised that you book your exam appointment as soon as you register in order to avoid missing that 6-month limit. To determine the expiration dates for your registration tickets for your exams, log into your account through the My Account portal.
CLEP Exam Dates
Once their scores are available online, students who take the College Composition exam will be notified via email, usually 2-3 weeks after taking the exam. By checking in to the CLEP My Account Registration Portal using the same credentials you used to register, you can view your scores. Click on My CLEP Account and then My CLEP Exam Scores after logging in. On the My CLEP Exam Scores page, you can print a copy of your results by clicking the Print button located above the score table.
For the academic year 2024-2025, scoring dates as well as those for when results will be made available to students and sent to institutions are listed in the table below.
College Composition CLEP Scoring Dates 2024-2025 :
|
Last Date for
Transmission from Test Centers |
Exam Scoring
Date |
Score
Availability on CB Portal for Test Takers |
Scores Mailed
to Institutions |
|
July
8, 2024 |
July
10, 2024 |
July
14, 2024 |
July
22, 2024 |
|
July
25, 2024 |
July
27, 2024 |
July
31, 2024 |
August
8, 2024 |
|
August
12, 2024 |
August
14, 2024 |
August
18, 2024 |
August
26, 2024 |
|
August
29, 2024 |
August
31, 2024 |
September
5, 2024 |
September
13, 2024 |
|
September
12, 2024 |
September
14, 2024 |
September
18, 2024 |
September
26, 2024 |
|
September
23, 2024 |
September
25, 2024 |
September
29, 2024 |
October
7, 2024 |
|
October
7, 2024 |
October
9, 2024 |
October
13, 2024 |
October
21, 2024 |
|
October
24, 2024 |
October
26, 2024 |
October
30, 2024 |
November
7, 2024 |
|
November
7, 2024 |
November
9, 2024 |
November
13, 2024 |
November
21, 2024 |
|
November
25, 2024 |
November
27, 2024 |
December
1, 2024 |
December
9, 2024 |
|
December
9, 2024 |
December
11, 2024 |
December
15, 2024 |
December
23, 2024 |
|
December
19, 2024 |
December
21, 2024 |
December
25, 2024 |
January
23, 2025 |
|
January
2, 2025 |
January
4, 2025 |
January
8, 2025 |
January
16, 2025 |
|
January
20, 2025 |
January
22, 2025 |
January
26, 2025 |
February
2, 2025 |
|
February
6, 2025 |
February
8, 2025 |
February
12, 2025 |
February
20, 2025 |
|
February
20, 2025 |
February
22, 2025 |
February
26, 2025 |
March
6, 2025 |
|
March
10, 2025 |
March
12, 2025 |
March
16, 2025 |
March
24, 2025 |
|
March
27, 2025 |
March
29, 2025 |
April
2, 2025 |
April
10, 2025 |
|
April
10, 2025 |
April
12, 2025 |
April
16, 2025 |
April
24, 2025 |
|
April
21, 2025 |
April
23, 2025 |
April
27, 2025 |
May
5, 2025 |
|
May
8, 2025 |
May
10, 2025 |
May
14, 2025 |
May
22, 2025 |
|
May
26, 2025 |
May
28, 2025 |
June
1, 2025 |
June
9, 2025 |
|
June
9, 2025 |
June
11, 2025 |
June
15, 2025 |
June
23, 2025 |
|
June
26, 2025 |
June
28, 2025 |
July
2, 2025 |
July
11, 2025 |
|
July
10, 2025 |
July
12, 2025 |
July
16, 2025 |
July
24, 2025 |
|
July
21, 2025 |
July
23, 2025 |
July
27, 2025 |
August
4, 2025 |
|
August
7, 2025 |
August
9, 2025 |
August
13, 2025 |
August
21, 2025 |
|
August
21, 2025 |
August
23, 2025 |
August
27, 2025 |
September
5, 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CLEP exams?
Multiple-choice tests called CLEPs are created by college professors. They determine the exam's passing score and base the question on topics frequently covered in introductory college courses.
How to take CLEP exams?
A CLEP exam can be taken in a testing facility or at home with a remote proctor. You must be at least 13 years old, reside in the US, and have a testing space that satisfies the test's technical criteria in order to be eligible for remote proctoring. The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) may allow students to take exams abroad.
Which universities accept CLEP exam credits?
CLEP credit is accepted by thousands of colleges and universities. On the CLEP website, the College Board provides a useful tool if you're unsure whether your college will accept this credit. To check if your school is included, select your state and school from a drop-down menu.
What is a good score on the CLEP exam?
For each CLEP exam, the American Council on Education (ACE) suggests a credit-granting score of 50.
What is the highest possible CLEP score?
20 being the lowest and 80 being the highest. The score that displays on your score report is the scaled score.
Is the CLEP test hard?
Your personal strengths and limitations will determine that. The simplest CLEP exam for one individual could be the hardest for another because the tests are subjective.
Can I take a CLEP exam at my local high school?
High schools also have the option to host CLEP examinations and turn into CLEP exam centers, in addition to accredited CLEP testing facilities. The high schools may decide to forego the administrative charge, which is advantageous for the students. Students who attend certain schools can still choose to receive an Instant Score Report, which is handy for them.
Can I CLEP the whole of a degree?
Although passing CLEP exams won't provide you a degree by itself, it is conceivable. You must locate a university that will let you transfer the credits you earn from CLEP exams if you want to receive a degree from that institution.
How much time is needed to prepare for a CLEP exam?
Studying for a CLEP exam could take a few weeks to a few months, depending on your learning preferences. The more time you have to study, generally speaking, the better. Keep a calendar and schedule an hour or two every day or every other day for studying.
What is CLEP credits?
CLEP tests cover typical foundational-level college subject and assist students in obtaining college credit in a less expensive manner than through more conventional means. Only specific individuals with prior expertise or understanding in the subject matter of a college course, such as business, are eligible for CLEP credits. This prior experience or knowledge could have been acquired in a variety of ways, including taking advanced classes in high school, finishing non-credit courses, engaging in independent study, completing coursework online, reading textbooks, or even receiving on-the-job training.
What do I need for the CLEP exam?
To take a CLEP exam, you must arrive at the testing location with a current, government-issued physical ID that includes your signature and a photo.
How many CLEP exams can you take?
The number of CLEP general examinations you can take, from 1 to 5, is entirely up to you. The most appointments you can make in a single day are four. You must take the CLEP general examinations before earning 60 college credits.
Is the CLEP test multiple choice?
Although some examinations correspond to full-year or two-year courses, most CLEP exams are meant to match one-semester courses. The majority of questions have a multiple-choice structure.
A CLEP exam consists of how many questions?
The College Composition exam consists of 50 multiple-choice questions that must be solved in 55 minutes and has a total testing period of 125 minutes. 70 minutes are allotted for writing 2 essays.
How long the CLEP scores are valid?
Technically, CLEP credits never expire. However, the College Board only stores a copy of your CLEP transcripts for 20 years following the exam. Therefore, you probably won't be able to use those credits if your college hasn't received your CLEP transcripts before then.
Can you take a CLEP exam twice?
Yes, Within three months of the initial examination date, you cannot retake an exam with the same title. If you retake the test within three months after the first, your administration will be deemed illegitimate, your score will be thrown out, and you'll lose any test money you paid.
Where Can I Take CLEP Exams?
Your youngster can take a CLEP exam at one of the more than 2,000 CLEP testing facilities. Your child will need to get in touch with an authorized CLEP test center to make an appointment after registering for a CLEP exam online. To locate a testing location close by, use the Test Center Search tool. Exams for CLEP are offered all year long. The locations of test center's can include high schools, college campuses, independent testing companies, and military sites.
How to calculate CLEP score ?
For each correct answer on CLEP tests, you earn one point. For incorrect or skipped answers, no points are deducted. This means that on a CLEP exam, you should try your best to respond to every question.
When can I take CLEP exams?
Exams for the CLEP are offered continuously. Exams can be given on any day of the year, save those when systems are being maintained. (All test center's will receive this information on maintenance dates). There are no set dates for administering the exams.
Where Can I Find Resources for the CLEP Exam?
You can use your existing knowledge toward a college degree by taking CLEP examinations. Although you may have a solid grasp of the subjects included on your chosen CLEP examinations, it's a good idea to brush up on the important ideas you might encounter on test day.
How are CLEP scores sent to colleges and universities ?
A college or university-provided email address receives the data through an anonymous server at ETS. A URL in the email allows access to the encrypted file. The data is available for 330 days.
What are the benefits of taking CLEP exams ?
Students might gain two main benefits from taking CLEP tests. The program enables students to get a degree while saving time and money. Additionally, it enables students to receive credit for knowledge they already possess via prior experience or independent study.
1) Saving money :
Saving money on your college education might be a huge benefit. CLEP tests cost $90 in addition to facility fees. Even with those prices, the exam is much less expensive than a typical college course.
2) Saving time :
By taking CLEP tests, undergraduate students can cut their time to completion by up to ten months. Those enrolled in an associate degree program can cut their time down by up to 4.5 months. Not only may you finish your degree faster, but you might also be able to jumpstart your graduate studies. This implies that introductory classes will take up less of your college experience.
3) Get credit for your prior knowledge :
Instead of taking courses that cover material you already know, invest your time (and tuition money) on learning something fresh and intriguing. If you enjoy history, you might be able to ace the test and skip the introductory-level college course. In a similar vein, you can receive credit for your proficiency in French, German, or Spanish.