The Ultimate Guide to CLEP Exams: Earn College Credit and Save Thousands

Let’s be honest: the cost of a college education can be daunting. While options like financial aid and scholarships can help ease the burden, they don’t always cover the full expense. Many students turn to student loans to bridge the gap, which can be a practical tool if managed wisely.

But what if there was a smarter, faster, and significantly cheaper way to earn your degree? There is, and it’s called the College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP.

This comprehensive guide will explore everything you need to know about CLEP exams. We’ll cover what they are, how they can help you graduate sooner while saving you thousands of dollars, and walk you through the exact steps to turn these exams into valuable college credits. Let’s unlock a more affordable path to your degree.

What Is the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)?

CLEP, which stands for the College-Level Examination Program, is a series of standardized tests created and managed by the College Board. If you’ve ever taken the SAT or an AP Exam, you’re already familiar with the College Board’s work.

While AP exams are typically geared toward high school students, CLEP is often aimed at adult learners, military members, and any student looking to accelerate their degree. However, anyone can take them, including ambitious high school students.

So, what’s the purpose of a CLEP test? Each exam is designed to test your proficiency in a specific college-level subject. If you pass, over 2,900 colleges and universities will grant you the same credit you would have earned by taking and passing the actual course. This means you can effectively “test out” of introductory classes, saving both time and tuition money.

CLEP exams cover 34 subjects across five main areas:

Composition and Literature

American Literature
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
College Composition
College Composition Modular
English Literature
Humanities

World Languages

French Language: Levels 1 and 2
German Language: Levels 1 and 2
Spanish Language: Levels 1 and 2

History and Social Sciences

American Government
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present
Human Growth and Development
Introduction to Educational Psychology
Introductory Psychology
Introductory Sociology
Principles of Macroeconomics
Principles of Microeconomics
Social Sciences and History
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present

Science and Mathematics

Biology
Calculus
Chemistry
College Algebra
College Mathematics
Natural Sciences
Precalculus

Business

Financial Accounting
Information Systems
Introductory Business Law
Principles of Management
Principles of Marketing

Why Should You Take CLEP Exams?

The advantages of leveraging CLEP exams are clear and compelling. Instead of spending a full semester in a lecture hall, you can demonstrate your knowledge in a single 90-minute exam. The primary benefits boil down to two critical resources: money and time.

1. CLEP Exams Save You a Significant Amount of Money

The cost savings are staggering. A single CLEP exam costs just $89. Most testing centers also charge a small administrative fee, typically around $25. This brings the total cost to approximately $114 per exam.

Now, compare that to the cost of a traditional college course. The average cost for one credit hour at a public four-year university is over $325. For a standard 3-credit course, you’re looking at nearly $1,000, not including textbooks and other fees. By passing one CLEP exam, you save almost $900.

If you use CLEP to bypass just four general education courses, you could save over $3,500. That’s a huge financial relief that can reduce your reliance on student loans and free up funds for other essential expenses.

2. CLEP Exams Save You Invaluable Time

While money is a renewable resource, your time is not. The traditional path to a bachelor’s degree is four years, but for many students, it takes closer to six years to graduate. That’s a long time to put your career on hold.

CLEP exams are a powerful tool for accelerating your academic timeline. Each exam you pass is one less class you have to attend, one less semester of homework, and one step closer to graduation. For motivated students, it’s possible to test out of an entire year or more of general education requirements, allowing you to graduate in three years instead of four. This means you can enter the workforce a year earlier, start earning a salary, and get a head start on your career.

How to Use CLEP Exams to Earn College Credit: A Step-by-Step Guide

Understanding the benefits of CLEP is the first step. Now, let’s break down the practical process of using these exams to earn college credit. Follow these six steps to successfully integrate CLEP into your educational journey.

Step 1: Find a University That Accepts CLEP Credits

This is the most critical step. Before you invest any time or money, you must confirm which colleges accept CLEP credits and understand their specific policies. Not all schools accept all exams, and the required passing score can vary.

Start with a simple Google search, such as “colleges that accept CLEP in [Your State]” or “[University Name] CLEP policy.” This will usually lead you to a dedicated page on the university’s website that lists which exams they accept and how many credits they award for each.

Once you’ve found a promising school, dig deeper. Find the contact information for the registrar’s office or an academic advisor. It’s essential to speak with a real person to confirm the information on the website is up-to-date and to ask any clarifying questions. A contact at the university can be an invaluable resource as you navigate the credit transfer process.

Step 2: Plan Your Coursework and Major

With a CLEP-friendly university chosen, it’s time to map out your degree plan. First, choose a major. If your goal is to graduate as quickly as possible, consider a major that relies less on hands-on labs or studio work, as these are harder to replace with exams.

Next, carefully review your chosen degree’s requirements. Identify all the general education and introductory courses that can be fulfilled by a CLEP exam. Create a list of the CLEP tests you plan to take and the corresponding courses they will replace. Also, make a list of the courses you *cannot* test out of, which you will need to take either online or in person. This strategic planning prevents any surprises and ensures you’re on the fastest path to graduation.

Step 3: Prepare and Study for the CLEP Exams

Passing a CLEP exam requires dedicated preparation, but thankfully, there are abundant resources available. Your goal is simply to pass—your specific score doesn’t affect your GPA. A passing score is treated as a simple “credit” on your transcript.

Start with the official study guides from the College Board, which you can purchase or often find for free at your local library. These guides include practice questions that mirror the real exam format. Additionally, leverage these excellent resources:

Modern States: This non-profit organization offers free, high-quality online courses designed specifically to prepare you for CLEP exams. They even provide a voucher to cover your exam fee upon course completion.
Khan Academy: For subjects like math and science, Khan Academy offers free video lessons and practice exercises that can help you master the core concepts.
Online Study Tools: Platforms like Quizlet have thousands of user-created flashcards and study sets for virtually every CLEP subject.
Crash Course: This popular YouTube channel provides engaging and informative videos on subjects like history, literature, and economics, making studying more enjoyable.

Step 4: Schedule Your CLEP Exam

Once you feel prepared, it’s time to schedule your test. The process has two parts: registering for the exam through the College Board and then scheduling an appointment at a testing center.

Register with the College Board: Visit the CLEP website, create an account, select the exam you want to take, and pay the $89 fee. During this process, you can designate a college to receive your score for free.
Find a Testing Center: Use the College Board’s Test Center Search tool to find a location near you. Many community colleges and universities serve as official testing centers.
Schedule Your Appointment: Contact your chosen testing center directly to schedule a date and time to take your exam. You will pay their administrative fee at this time.

Be sure to complete both parts. Simply registering on the College Board website does not secure you a spot on test day.

Step 5: Take the Exam

On exam day, arrive early and be prepared. You’ll need to bring two things: your printed registration ticket from the College Board and a valid, government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license or passport).

The exams are computer-based and typically last 90-120 minutes. For most multiple-choice exams, you’ll receive your unofficial score report immediately after finishing. Exams with a written component, like College Composition, take a few weeks to be scored.

Step 6: Transfer Your Credits and Earn Your Degree

After you pass your exam, the final step is to ensure the credits are officially applied to your academic record. If you designated your school during registration, the College Board will send the score report automatically. If not, you can order a transcript to be sent for a $20 fee.

Follow up with your university’s registrar’s office to confirm they have received your scores and that the credits have been added to your transcript. Continue this process for all your planned CLEP exams, complete any remaining required coursework, and you will be on your way to earning your degree in record time.

Frequently Asked Questions About CLEP Exams

Here are answers to some common questions students have about the CLEP program.

What is DANTES?

DANTES stands for Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support. It’s a Department of Defense program that allows eligible military personnel, their spouses, and some civilian employees to take CLEP exams for free. DANTES covers both the exam fee and the testing center’s administrative fee for the first attempt at each exam.

What’s the difference between AP and CLEP?

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are designed for high school students who have completed a year-long, college-level AP course. They are offered only once a year in May. CLEP exams, on the other hand, are for anyone and can be taken year-round. They test general knowledge of a subject, which can be gained through independent study, work experience, or previous coursework.

What is a passing CLEP score?

The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends a passing score of 50 (on a scale of 20-80), which most colleges accept. However, some institutions may require a higher score, so it’s crucial to check your specific school’s policy.

Do CLEP exams affect my GPA?

No, they do not. CLEP credits are typically recorded on your transcript as “pass” or “credit,” without a letter grade. They fulfill a requirement but do not impact your GPA, allowing you to focus on learning the material without the pressure of achieving a perfect grade.

Is it possible to “CLEP out” of an entire degree?

While you cannot earn a degree solely through CLEP exams, you can get very close. Some universities, like Excelsior University or Thomas Edison State University, are known for their generous credit transfer policies. They may allow you to transfer a large number of CLEP credits, leaving you with only a few final courses to complete with the university itself before they grant you a degree.

CLEP Is Your Key to a Smarter Degree

We’ve covered a great deal of information, but the central message is simple: CLEP is a powerful, legitimate tool for making your college education more affordable and efficient. The process may seem complex at first, but by taking it one step at a time—from planning and studying to testing and transferring—you can take control of your academic future.

The beauty of the CLEP program lies in its flexibility. You can earn credits on your own schedule, at your own pace. If you’re ready to put in the effort, the rewards of graduating sooner with less debt are well worth it. Good luck on your educational journey!