Did you know that by taking CLEP exams, students can save an average of $5,000 on college tuition?
For anyone looking to cut costs and finish their degree faster, CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exams are a game-changer.
Administered by the College Board, CLEP offers 34 exams that allow students to earn college credits by demonstrating their knowledge in subjects they’ve already mastered.
With these exams, you can bypass introductory-level courses and dive straight into more advanced classes.
Imagine graduating college early or significantly reducing your student loan debt — all by taking exams that test your existing knowledge.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the 34 CLEP exams, explain how they work, and show you how to use them strategically to accelerate your path to a degree.
What are CLEP exams?
CLEP exams are standardized tests that assess your proficiency in a variety of college-level subjects.
Each exam allows you to earn 3 to 12 college credits, depending on the subject and your college’s credit policies.
If you’ve gained knowledge through high school classes, work experience, self-study, or military service, CLEP exams let you turn that knowledge into college credits without having to sit through introductory courses.
Passing CLEP exams can help you reduce the time it takes to earn your degree. What’s more, you will save on tuition costs and customize your educational journey.
Fun fact: More than 2,900 colleges and universities accept CLEP credits. Thus, it’s a widely recognized and effective tool for students looking to accelerate their education.
Why take CLEP exams?
CLEP exams offer several advantages for students at different stages of their academic careers. Here’s why they’re a popular choice:
1) Save money:
With the cost of college tuition rising, CLEP exams offer a more affordable option.
At about $90 per exam, CLEP is a fraction of the cost of a typical college course, which can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars per credit hour.
2) Save time:
Instead of spending a full semester in an introductory course, you can earn the same credits by passing a CLEP exam in just a few hours.
This enables students to move more quickly through their degree programs and even graduate early.
3) Flexible learning: You don’t need to enroll in a formal class to take a CLEP exam. Study at your own pace and take the exam when you’re ready.
This flexibility is perfect for working adults, students with busy schedules, and those returning to school after a gap.
4) Credit for life experience:
Have you learned a lot on the job or through personal study?
CLEP allows you to translate your life experience into college credit. That’s why it is a great option for non-traditional students and veterans.
The 34 CLEP exams: An overview
CLEP offers 34 exams across five major subject areas: Composition and Literature, World Languages, History and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Business.
The basic aim of these exams is to assess your knowledge of material typically covered in one-semester introductory college courses.
1. Composition and Literature
The Composition and Literature CLEP exams are ideal for students who have strong reading and writing skills. These exams cover everything from essay writing to literary analysis.
- College Composition: This exam tests your ability to write effectively, including both argumentative and analytical essays. Passing this exam can fulfill many colleges’ first-year writing requirements.
- College Composition Modular: Similar to College Composition, but without the essay component.
- American Literature: Covers American literary works from colonial times to the present. Perfect for students who love reading and analyzing texts.
- Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Focuses on interpreting poetry, drama, and prose fiction.
- English Literature: Tests knowledge of British literary works from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present.
These exams are ideal for students interested in English, communications, or humanities degrees.
2. World Languages
Proficient in a second language?
The World Languages CLEP exams allow you to demonstrate your language skills and skip language requirements at many colleges.
They are available at two levels: Level 1 for basic proficiency and Level 2 for more advanced skills.
- French Language: Levels 1 and 2.
- German Language: Levels 1 and 2.
- Spanish Language: Levels 1 and 2.
- Spanish with Writing: Includes both language proficiency and writing skills.
If you’re already fluent in a language, these exams are a great way to earn credits without needing to take language courses in college.
13. History and Social Sciences
The History and Social Sciences exams cover a wide range of subjects, from U.S. history to economics and psychology.
These exams are perfect for students pursuing degrees in social sciences, political science, history, or education.
- American Government: Tests your understanding of the U.S. political system, including the Constitution, federalism, and civil rights.
- History of the United States I: Covers U.S. history from colonization through Reconstruction.
- History of the United States II: Focuses on U.S. history from the post-Reconstruction period to the present.
- Human Growth and Development: Covers theories and research related to physical, cognitive, and emotional development throughout the human lifespan.
- Introductory Psychology: Provides a foundation in psychological principles and research methods.
- Introductory Sociology: Covers the basics of sociology, including social institutions, culture, and group behavior.
- Principles of Macroeconomics: Focuses on national income, inflation, unemployment, and monetary policy.
- Principles of Microeconomics: Deals with the economic behavior of individuals, firms, and markets.
After taking these exams, you can earn credits for general education or major requirements in social sciences.
4. Science and Mathematics
The Science and Mathematics CLEP exams allow you to test out of introductory courses in natural sciences, mathematics, and statistics.
If you’ve already taken advanced science or math classes in high school, these exams can save you time and effort.
- Biology: Covers molecular biology, genetics, and ecology.
- Calculus: Tests your understanding of limits, derivatives, integrals, and their applications.
- Chemistry: Includes topics such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, and thermodynamics.
- College Algebra: Tests your knowledge of algebraic operations, equations, and functions.
- College Mathematics: A broader exam covering algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics.
- Natural Sciences: Covers biology and physical science concepts, including physics and chemistry.
- Precalculus: Focuses on functions, trigonometry, and complex numbers.
These exams are essential for students pursuing STEM degrees or fulfilling general education requirements in science and math.
5. Business
Interested in business?
The Business CLEP exams test your knowledge of key business concepts such as accounting, marketing, and management. These exams can be a great way to fast-track your business degree.
- Financial Accounting: Covers accounting principles, financial statements, and the accounting cycle.
- Information Systems: Tests your knowledge of computer systems, networks, and data management.
- Introduction to Business Law: Focuses on contract law, property law, and other foundational legal principles in business.
- Principles of Management: Covers management theories, human resource functions, and organizational behavior.
- Principles of Marketing: Tests your understanding of marketing strategies, product promotion, and consumer behavior.
Passing these exams can help you skip basic business courses and dive into more advanced topics in your business degree program.
How to prepare for CLEP exams
Preparing for CLEP exams requires self-discipline and strategic planning.
Here are some tips to help you get ready:
1. Develop a study plan
CLEP exams cover a lot of material, so it’s important to give yourself enough time to prepare.
Break down the subject material into manageable chunks and set up a study schedule that allows for regular review.
2. Use CLEP study guides
The College Board offers official CLEP study guides for each exam, which include sample questions, exam descriptions, and test-taking strategies.
You can also find comprehensive study materials from third-party sources like Modern States, which offers free CLEP courses.
3. Take practice exams
Practice exams are one of the best ways to gauge your readiness. They help familiarize you with the exam format and timing.
You can find practice tests in CLEP study guides or use online resources like Khan Academy for subjects like math and science.
4. Focus on weak areas
After taking a practice exam, identify areas where you struggled and concentrate your study efforts there.
CLEP exams test a broad range of topics, but focusing on your weaknesses can give you the best chance of success.
How many CLEP exams can you take?
There’s no limit to how many CLEP exams you can take. However, it’s important to check with your college to find out how many CLEP credits they accept and how those credits apply to your degree program.
Some schools have caps on the number of CLEP credits that can be applied toward a degree, while others are more flexible.
How to register for CLEP exams
Registering for a CLEP exam is straightforward. Follow these steps:
- Choose your exam: Pick from the 34 available CLEP exams based on your knowledge and academic goals.
- Register on the College Board website: Create an account, select the exam, and pay the registration fee (around $90 per exam).
- Schedule your exam: After registering, schedule your exam at a CLEP testing center. Testing centers are available across the country, and many allow you to choose a date and time that fits your schedule.
Conclusion: Fast-track your education with CLEP exams
CLEP exams offer a powerful opportunity for students to accelerate their education, save on tuition, and reduce the time it takes to graduate.
With 34 CLEP exams available across diverse subject areas, you can tailor your exam choices to your degree requirements and personal strengths.
Whether you’re aiming to graduate early, cut costs, or skip introductory courses, CLEP exams can help you achieve your academic and career goals.
Just make sure to prepare effectively and understand how CLEP credits fit into your degree plan. That way, you can leverage these exams to fast-track your path to graduation — saving both time and money in the process.