CLEP:
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

What is a CLEP Exam?

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CLEP is a College-Level Examination Program that allows students to earn college credit by taking exams in 33 different subject areas, and each exam covers material that is typically taught in an introductory college course. Subjects include business, composition and literature, history and social sciences, science and mathematics, and world languages.

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The exams contain multiple-choice questions and take about 90–120 minutes to complete, depending on the exam subject.

 

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Why Choose CLEP?

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Save Money

For over 50 years, the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) has offered exams at a fraction of the price of a college course, saving you hundreds of dollars.

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Get Your Degree Faster

CLEP exams let you test out of introductory courses and move to more advanced courses sooner, saving time toward your degree.

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Taking CLEP exams can save you time and money by allowing you to earn college credit without taking (and paying for) a traditional college course. In addition, CLEP exams can help you fulfill general education requirements or allow you to focus on your major by placing out of introductory courses.

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If you're considering taking a CLEP exam, be sure to check with your intended college or university to see if they accept CLEP credits. Each school has its own policies regarding CLEP, so it's important to get the scoop before you sign up for an exam.

 

CLEP Exam Eligibility Requirements

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Everyone is welcome to take a CLEP exam at any CLEP test center, including high school students, college students, adult learners, military service members and veterans, and professionals seeking continuing education credits.

Students interested in taking a CLEP exam with remote proctoring must be either:

• 13 years old or older

• Located in the U.S. (excludes U.S. territories) or be DANTES-funded

 

Who Can't Take a CLEP Exam

Anyone involved in the creation of CLEP test preparation materials is prohibited from taking a CLEP exam. This includes:

• Individuals involved in the development or delivery of courses, workshops, or tutoring activities (public or private, paid or volunteer) that involves preparing candidates for CLEP exams, or for any other exams administered for the same purpose as CLEP exams.

• High school teachers involved in any CLEP-related instruction, preparation, or test administration activities.

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In addition, anyone who takes a CLEP exam is prohibited from CLEP-related activities such as instruction, preparation, or administration for at least one year following the exam date. Anyone who violates this policy will be permanently banned from all future CLEP testing.

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Is CLEP Right for You?

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If you're considering taking the CLEP exam, you might be wondering if it's the right choice for you. Here's what you need to know about CLEP and why it may be worth taking.

 

• It can save you a lot of money. College credits earned through CLEP cost a fraction of what they would cost if earned through traditional courses.

• It can save you time. If you pass a CLEP exam, you can move on to other courses and complete your degree faster.

 

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How to Register for CLEP

Registering for an exam and scheduling your test with a test center are separate steps. If you are in the military, your exam may be paid for by your military benefits.

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Follow the steps below to register for a CLEP exam and start earning college credits:

 

1. Select an exam.

Visit the CLEP exam topics page and choose the exam you want to take. Go to the page for that exam to see what the exam covers, what it costs, and the resources to help you prepare for it.

2. Add the exam to your cart.

From the exam page, use the Add to Cart button to put the exam in your shopping cart.

3. Sign in to your CLEP account.

To continue the checkout process, you will be asked to sign in to your account. If you don’t have one, you should sign up for a new account.

4. Review your personal information.

Enter your address and contact information. Make sure they're correct. You will also need to answer personal detail questions.
 

5. Select a preferred test center.

You can choose to take your exam at a physical test center or with remote proctoring. Once registration is complete, you must schedule your exam.

6. Choose where you'd like to send your scores.

Select the institution(s) where you'd like to send your two free score sends. If you'd like to send scores to more than two institutions after exam day, you must pay a $20 fee per institution.

7. Review your order and check out.

If you have a promo code or voucher, enter it in this step. Review the refund policy and information related to accommodations. Then, click Place Your Order.

8. Schedule your exam.

If testing at a test center, use the test center search tool to find a test center and contact that center to schedule your exam. If testing with remote proctoring, go to the Proctortrack website, set up an account, and schedule your exam.

 

9. Request a name change.

If you need to make any changes to your name after registering for a CLEP exam, you’ll need to submit a Name Change Request form.
 

 

Registering for a CLEP Exam with Remote Proctoring

Follow the steps below to sign up for your CLEP exam with remote proctoring:

1. Confirm your eligibility.

To take a CLEP exam with remote proctoring, you must be either:

• 13 years old or older and located in the U.S. (excluding U.S. territories) or

• DANTES-funded*

You’ll also need to confirm that your computer and testing room meet equipment and environment requirements.

2. Get College Board approval for accommodations.

If you require accommodations for your exam and have not yet been approved by College Board, you won’t be able to complete your registration. The following accommodations are available with remote-proctored testing:

 

• Screen magnification

• Modifiable screen colors

• Extended time

• Untimed rest breaks

• Permission for food, drinks, medication, to test blood sugar, or other similar medically-necessary accommodations (only while in view of the proctor and that do not impact the CLEP testing platform)

 

If you are a student with a disability, you can find out how to submit an accommodation request from the College Board.

 

3. Select your CLEP exam.

Remember, all 34 CLEP exams can be taken with remote proctoring. Go to the exam topics page to find the exam you’d like to take.

4. Add the exam to your cart.

From the exam page, use the Add to Cart button to put the exam in your shopping cart.
 

5. Sign in to your CLEP account.

To continue the checkout process, you will be asked to sign in to your account. If you don’t have one, you should sign up for a new account.

6. Review your personal information.

Enter your address and contact information. Make sure they're correct. You will also need to answer personal detail questions.

 

7. Select a preferred test center.

During registration, you'll be asked where you'll be taking your exam. Choose Via with remote proctoring and agree to the remote proctoring requirements. If you require accommodations, be sure to submit your request well in advance of exam day. If you haven't received College Board approval yet, you won't be able to add accommodations to your registration.

8. Choose where you'd like to send your scores.

Next, select the institution(s) where you'd like to send your two free score sends. If you'd like to send scores to more than two institutions after exam day, you must pay a $20 fee per institution.

 

9. Review your order and check out.

Do a final check of your order. In addition to the CLEP exam fee, you'll be charged $30 for remote proctoring.

• If you have a voucher code, your exam fee will be covered, but you'll need to pay the remote proctoring fee with a credit card.

•If you're a DANTES-funded test taker, you'll see the price has been adjusted to $0.00.

Note: CLEP exams and remote proctoring fees are refundable up to seven days from the date of purchase, except for redeemed exams or redeemed remote proctoring sessions. No refunds will be provided after seven days from the date of purchase.

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10. Schedule your exam.

Within 24 hours after registering for your exam, you'll receive an email confirmation from CLEP with a Ticket ID and a link to the Proctortrack website. Use the Ticket ID to create a Proctortrack account and schedule your remote-proctored exam appointment.

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11. Reschedule or cancel your exam.

If you no longer want to test with remote proctoring and would prefer to test at a test center, you must contact CLEP Services to cancel your registration and login to Proctortrack up to one hour before your exam to cancel your scheduled appointment.

If you need to reschedule your appointment, you can do so by logging in to Proctortrack up to one hour before your exam.

 

12. Request a name change.

If you need to make any changes to your name after registering for a CLEP exam, you’ll need to submit a Name Change Request form.

 

How are CLEP exams scored?

 

On CLEP exams, you receive one point for each correct answer. Points aren't deducted for wrong or skipped answers. This means that you should do your best to answer each question on a CLEP exam. Your "raw score" is the number of questions you answered correctly.

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Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score that ranges from 20 to 80, and this is the score that appears on your score report. The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends that colleges grant credit for a score of 50 or higher, but individual institutions can set their own CLEP credit policies.
 

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How to get my score?

1. Get your unofficial score report.

Before you leave the test center, you'll receive an unofficial score report right after taking the test. Note: If you took the College Composition or Spanish with Writing exams, it takes College Board 2–3 weeks to deliver a score report for these exams.

 

2. Get your official score online

You can view your scores online by logging into the CLEP My Account portal with the same account you used to register for the exam. Once logged in, go to the My CLEP Exam Scores page to view your scores.

Scores are available online one business day following your exam. College Composition and Spanish with Writing exam scores are available 2–3 weeks after test day.

 

3. Get your score on screen after taking a remote-proctored exam.

If you took an exam with remote proctoring, your scores are displayed on your screen immediately after completing the exam, except for College Composition and Spanish with Writing which are available online via My Account 2–3 weeks after the exam day.
 

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Can I retake an exam?

Yes. However, you may not retake an exam of the same title within three months of the initial testing date. If you retake the exam within the three-month period, your administration will be considered invalid, your score will be canceled, and any test fees will be forfeited.

If you're retaking an exam of the same title and have questions regarding the date of the initial administration, immediately notify the test administrator and contact CLEP Services.

 

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Can I get a refund for exams or study materials?

Yes. CLEP exams as well as examination guides and study guides are refundable. Review the following refund policies:

• CLEP Exams: Refundable for up to 7 days from the date of purchase, with the exception of redeemed tests.

• CLEP Official Study Guides: Guides that are in new, unused, and in resalable condition are refundable within 30 days of the order date with a copy of the packing slip.

CLEP Examination Guides: Refundable within 7 days of the purchase date. You must submit a letter of destruction to process the refund of a CLEP e-guide.
 

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Does my CLEP exam registration ticket expire?

 

• Yes, for non-DANTES-funded test takers, a CLEP exam registration ticket expires six months from the date of purchase. The expiration date for your exam registration ticket can be found in My CLEP Account, as well as on the CLEP exam registration ticket. Be certain to schedule your appointment by contacting a CLEP test center or, if taking a CLEP Exam with Remote Proctoring, logging in to the Proctortrack website, well in advance to ensure you meet the six-month deadline to test.

• For DANTES-funded test takers, a CLEP exam registration ticket will be automatically canceled six months from the date of purchase to prevent DANTES-funded test takers from losing their funding. There is no penalty for canceling a registration ticket. However, if your ticket is canceled, you will need to re-register for your exam.

 

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I live outside the United States, and there are no test centers in my area. Where can I take a CLEP exam?

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Consider taking your CLEP exam(s) upon arriving in the United States at the college or university where you'll begin your coursework. Ask your admission officer or international student adviser about the college's CLEP policy.

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How to Request a Transcript of Scores?

For non-military transcripts, which cost $20 each, use our secure checkout process:

1. Go to My CLEP Account.

2. From the My CLEP Account menu, select Request a Transcript.

To get a transcript for DANTES-funded CLEP exams, use the Parchment Transcript Ordering Service. The cost for military transcripts is $30 each.

 

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How to Send Scores and Transcripts?

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In order to receive the appropriate college credit or to complete your college application process, you need to know how and where to send your CLEP exam scores and transcripts. Follow the steps below to get started.

1. Send scores to your preferred college(s) for free.

2. Request a transcript to send scores to more than two colleges.

3. If you're a military test taker and your test was funded by DANTES, you have to order a transcript from the Parchment Transcript Ordering Service.

 

Military personnel who take DANTES-funded CLEP exams don't order their transcripts through College Board like most test takers. They use a service called the Parchment Transcript Ordering Service, which charges a $30 fee.

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Prepare for an Exam

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Preparation is the key to success on a CLEP exam. Here are some reviewer, practice, and study resources to help you master the material and prepare for the exam.

College Board Resources
CLEP Official Study Guide

CLEP Practice App

Online Resources

CLEP Exam Resource Guides and Sample Questions

Sample Questions: Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

Sample Questions: College Composition

Sample Questions: Biology

Sample Questions: College Algebra

Sample Questions: College Mathematics

Sample Questions: Spanish Language
CLEP Exam Study Resources: Business
CLEP Exam Study Resources: Composition and Literature
CLEP Exam Study Resources: History and Social Sciences
CLEP Exam Study Resources: Science and Mathematics
CLEP Exam Study Resources: World Languages
 

Other Resources
CLEP Official Study Guide 2022 (Amazon)
The Best Free CLEP Test Prep (Study.com)

Online Resources That May Help You in Taking Notes and Making Your Own Study Guides and Reviewers
HippoCampus

Annenberg Learner

MIT OpenCourseWare (OCW)

Online Education Database Library

Open Learning Initiative

Berkeley Webcast and Legacy Course Capture Content
Khan Academy

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Calculator

ETS Calculator Practice

You can also use Quizlet to make your own review and study materials.

 

 

Test-Taking Tips

 

Multiple-choice Tips

• Read the entire question and all of the answer choices before answering a question: Instructions usually tell you to select the best answer. Sometimes one answer choice is partially correct, but another option is better. Read all of the answers before you choose one, even if the first or second answer choice seems like the correct choice.

• Pace yourself and keep an eye on the clock: As you begin your exam, make sure that you aren’t working too slowly. You should have answered at least half of the questions in a section when half of the time for that section has passed.

• Don't spend too much time on any one question: If you don't know the answer after you've considered it briefly, go on to the next question. Use the marking tool at the bottom of the screen to mark that question, and go back to it later.

• Make educated guesses: There are no penalties for incorrect answers. If you have some knowledge of the question and can eliminate one or more of the answer choices, you have a better chance of choosing the correct answer.

• Don't look for flaws in the exam questions or a pattern of correct answers: CLEP puts a great deal of effort into developing valid, reliable, and fair exams.

 

 

Essay Tips

Most colleges don't require the essay portions of the CLEP exams that offer the option of an essay. Be sure you actually need to take the essay before you register to take it or spend time preparing. (Your college’s CLEP policy will offer this information.) If your college does require the essay portion of a CLEP exam, you should consider additional preparation.

• Estimate how much time you can spend on each question: Once you know which questions you plan to answer and in what order, determine how much testing time remains and estimate how many minutes you have to spend on each question.

• Pay attention to these keywords that often appear in free-response questions: Be sure you know the exact meaning of these words before taking the exam.

 

If a question asks you to outline, define, or summarize, don’t write a detailed explanation. If a question asks you to analyze, explain, illustrate, interpret, or show, then you must do more than briefly describe the topic. Organize your thoughts and write a brief outline on the scratch paper provided by the test center before you write your full essay response.

 

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What to Bring on Test Day

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• A valid registration ticket from the My Account registration portal.

• Registration forms or printouts that are required by the test center. Make sure you have filled out all necessary paperwork in advance of your testing date.

• Administration fees. Each test center charges an additional fee and sets its own policy for payment.

 

 

• A government-issued physical identification such as a driver's license, passport, or other official government ID that includes your photograph and signature. You will be asked to show this identification to be admitted to the testing area. The first and last name on your ID must match the name on your registration ticket.

 

ID Requirements

The ID you bring must meet the following criteria:

• Be a government-issued physical ID.

• Be an original document—photocopied documents are not acceptable.

• Be valid and current—expired documents (bearing expiration dates that have passed) are not acceptable, no matter how recently they may have expired.

• Bear the test taker's full name, in English language characters, exactly as it appears on the registration ticket, including the order of the names.

• Middle initials are optional and only need to match the first letter of the middle name when present on both the ticket and the identification.

• Bear a recent recognizable photograph that clearly matches the test taker.

• Include the test taker's signature.

• Be in good condition with clearly legible text and a clearly visible photograph.

• Military test takers must bring their military ID.

• Homeschooled students and high school students: If you do not have the required government-issued ID, please complete a Student ID Form which is valid for one year. The form must be accompanied by a recognizable photo with a school or notary seal overlapping the photo. The form must be signed in front of a school official or notary. If you fail to present appropriate identification, you will not be tested.

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Examples of other types of acceptable physical identification include:

• Government-issued passport with name, photograph, and signature

• Driver's license with name, photograph, and signature

• State or province ID issued by the motor vehicle agency with name, photograph, and signature

• Military ID with name, photograph, and electronic signature

• National ID with name, photograph, and signature

• Tribal ID card with name, photograph, and signature

• A naturalization card or certificate of citizenship with name, photograph, and signature

• A permanent resident card (green card) with name, photograph, and signature

 

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Tips for Passing your CLEP Exam

 

The CLEP is an important exam for college students and it can be worth taking if you are looking to earn college credit. Here are some tips to help you pass your CLEP exam:

 

1. Understand the concepts that will be tested on the exam. The CLEP covers a variety of topics, so it is important to review all of the material that could be covered on the exam.

 

2. Get plenty of rest the night before the exam. This will help you to be alert and focused when taking the CLEP.

 

3. Eat a healthy breakfast on the day of the exam. Eating a nutritious meal will help you to have the energy you need to focus on the CLEP.

 

4. During the exam, take your time and read each question carefully. Make sure that you understand what is being asked before selecting your answer.

 

5. Make use of practice exams. Taking practice exams can help you to get an idea of what to expect on the real CLEP and can also help you to identify any areas of weakness that you need to focus on.

 

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of passing your CLEP exam and earning college credit.

 

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Conclusion

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There's a lot to consider when it comes to taking the CLEP exam, but ultimately, it's worth doing if you want to save time and money on your college education. The key is to be prepared and to know what to expect. With the right mindset and approach, you can ace the CLEP exam and get one step closer to your college degree.