What is CLEP?
CLEP stands for College-Level Examination Program. It allows students to earn college credit by passing exams that demonstrate college-level knowledge in specific subject areas.
The program is administered by the College Board and accepted by nearly 3,000 colleges and universities across the United States.
How CLEP Works
Choose Your Exam
CLEP offers 34 exams covering introductory college courses in subjects like history, math, science, business, and foreign languages. Each exam typically grants 3-12 college credits depending on the subject.
Register and Schedule
Create an account at clep.collegeboard.org, pay the exam fee, and schedule your test at a nearby testing center. Most centers are located at colleges and universities.
Take the Exam
Exams are computer-based and typically 90 minutes long. Most consist of multiple-choice questions, though some include essays or other question types. You'll receive your score immediately after most exams.
Earn Credit
If you pass, your score is sent to your chosen college. The college determines how many credits you receive based on their CLEP policy. Credits typically appear on your transcript just like course credits.
Available Subject Areas
Composition & Literature
Exams include College Composition, College Composition Modular, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature, American Literature, and English Literature. These exams can fulfill general education writing and humanities requirements.
Credit typically awarded: 3-6 credits per exam
Mathematics & Science
Options include College Algebra, Precalculus, Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, and Natural Sciences. These exams fulfill quantitative reasoning and science requirements for many degree programs.
Credit typically awarded: 3-8 credits per exam
History & Social Sciences
Subjects include U.S. History, Western Civilization, Psychology, Sociology, and many others. These fulfill general education social science and humanities credits.
Credit typically awarded: 3-6 credits per exam
Before You Register
Check with your college to confirm which CLEP exams they accept and what score you need to earn credit. Every college has different policies, and some may not accept certain exams.
Costs and Registration
Understanding the costs and registration process helps you plan your testing strategy and budget appropriately.
CLEP Exam Fees
Exam Fee: $93 per exam
This fee is paid directly to the College Board when you register. It covers the cost of the exam itself and sending your score to one college. Additional score reports cost $20 each.
Test Center Fee: $30–$35 (varies by location)
Testing centers charge an administration fee to proctor the exam. This fee is paid separately to the test center, not the College Board. Some centers may charge more, so confirm the fee when scheduling.
Total Cost Per Exam: Approximately $125
When combined, the total cost to take one CLEP exam is typically around $125. This is significantly less expensive than taking a college course, which can cost $300–$1,200 or more per credit hour.
Cost Comparison: CLEP vs. Traditional Course
For a typical 3-credit course
Potential Savings: $775 - $3,475 per exam
Fee Waivers and Military Benefits
Some students qualify for reduced costs or free testing. Active-duty military personnel can take CLEP exams for free through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.
Low-income students may qualify for fee reductions through programs offered by their high school or college. Contact your school counselor or college advising office to ask about available waivers.
Registration Steps
Step 1: Create an Account
Go to clep.collegeboard.org and create a free My CLEP account. This is where you'll register for exams, view scores, and send score reports.
Step 2: Select Your Exam
Browse the list of 34 available exams and choose the one that aligns with your goals. Review the exam description and sample questions before registering.
Step 3: Pay the Exam Fee
Pay the $93 exam fee online using a credit or debit card. You'll receive a registration ticket that you'll use to schedule your test appointment.
Step 4: Find a Test Center
Use the test center search tool on the CLEP website to locate a testing center near you. Contact the center directly to schedule your exam appointment and pay the administration fee.
Step 5: Take the Exam
Arrive at the test center with a valid photo ID. The exam is computer-based and most results are available immediately. Your official score report is sent to your chosen college within a few weeks.
Study Tips and Strategies
Preparing effectively increases your chances of passing and earning credit. These strategies help you study efficiently and approach test day with confidence.
Study Preparation Tips
Review the Exam Description
Each CLEP exam has a detailed description on the College Board website. This outlines exactly what topics are covered and what percentage of questions come from each topic area. Use this to focus your studying.
Essential First Step
Take Practice Tests
The College Board offers free practice questions for each exam. Take these to understand the question format and identify areas where you need more review. Time yourself to simulate test conditions.
High Priority
Use Official Study Guides
Consider purchasing the official CLEP study guide for your exam. These guides include full-length practice tests, detailed explanations, and study tips specific to each subject.
Recommended
Study What You Don't Know
If you already have strong knowledge in a subject, focus your study time on filling gaps rather than reviewing what you already know well. Use practice tests to identify weak areas.
Important Strategy
Give Yourself Time
Most students need 2-4 weeks of focused study to prepare for a CLEP exam, depending on their existing knowledge. Create a study schedule and stick to it rather than cramming at the last minute.
2-4 Weeks Suggested
Use Free Resources
Many libraries offer free access to study materials through platforms like Peterson's Test Prep. Look for free online resources, YouTube videos, and study communities related to your exam topic.
Budget-Friendly Option
✅ Test-Taking Strategies
Answer Every Question
There is no penalty for wrong answers on CLEP exams. If you're unsure, make your best guess and move on. You can flag questions to review later if time permits.
Manage Your Time
Most exams are 90 minutes with 90-120 questions. This gives you about one minute per question. Don't spend too much time on any single question. Keep moving and return to difficult questions later.
Read Questions Carefully
Watch for key words like "not," "except," or "always." These words change the meaning of the question significantly. Take your time reading to avoid careless mistakes.
Eliminate Wrong Answers
If you're unsure of the correct answer, eliminate choices you know are wrong. This improves your odds when guessing among the remaining options.
Important Reminder
You can retake a CLEP exam after waiting three months if you don't pass. However, you'll need to pay the full exam and administration fees again. Proper preparation the first time saves money and time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start by checking your college's CLEP credit policy to see which exams they accept. Then review your degree requirements to identify courses you could potentially test out of. Focus on subjects where you already have strong knowledge from high school, work experience, or self-study.
Each college sets its own minimum passing score, typically ranging from 50 to 65 on the 20-80 scale. The American Council on Education recommends a score of 50, but your college may require higher. Check your institution's specific requirements before registering.
No, CLEP credits typically appear as pass/credit on your transcript and do not affect your GPA. The credits count toward your degree requirements, but not toward academic honors calculations. This can be an advantage if you're concerned about maintaining a high GPA.
Yes, high school students can take CLEP exams at any time. This is a great way to earn college credit early and potentially reduce the time and cost of your degree. Make sure to send your scores to the college you plan to attend.
Nearly 3,000 colleges accept CLEP credit, but each institution has its own policy about which exams they accept, what scores are required, and how many CLEP credits can be applied to a degree. Always verify your college's policy before taking an exam.