The College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP, offers a fantastic way to earn college credits without taking a traditional course.
By passing a CLEP exam, you can demonstrate your knowledge of a subject, earn credits, and save both time and money on your degree.
For students looking to cut down on tuition costs, choosing the easiest CLEP exams to pass is a smart strategy.
In this guide, we’ll explore some of the easiest CLEP exams that can help you quickly earn credits and reduce your tuition costs, along with tips for preparing efficiently.
1. College Composition: A basic writing skills test
The College Composition CLEP is ideal if you’ve got a handle on writing and grammar basics.
The exam covers essay writing, grammar, and composition skills — basically, the things we’ve been practicing since high school.
I found this test pretty straightforward because it doesn’t dive into anything overly technical. If you’re comfortable writing essays and proofreading, this could be a quick credit boost.
Wondering why it’s easy to pass?
Well, most students already have a strong foundation in writing, so the test isn’t too intimidating. The format includes multiple-choice questions and two short essays, which are more about organization than advanced writing techniques.
Tuition Savings: Many colleges accept this CLEP to fulfill the freshman composition requirement, which saves you from paying for an entire semester course.
2. Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: Great for avid readers
For those who love reading (like me), Analyzing and Interpreting Literature is a solid choice among 34 CLEP exams.
This exam tests your ability to analyze prose, poetry, and drama, but it doesn’t require a deep knowledge of literary terms.
When I took this exam, I found it was more about understanding the main ideas in passages than knowing specific literary devices.
Why it’s easy to pass: If you’re already a strong reader, you’ll likely find this test very doable. You don’t need to know every literary term, just how to interpret passages and identify main themes.
Tuition Savings: This CLEP can often fulfill a general humanities requirement, saving you from taking an elective course.
3. Sociology: Straightforward if you understand basic social concepts
The Introductory Sociology CLEP covers foundational concepts like social structures, family dynamics, and culture.
This was one of the first CLEPs I took, and honestly, I was surprised by how much of it was common sense!
If you’re interested in understanding how people interact within societies, this could be a good fit.
In this exam, the questions are straightforward and often based on general concepts. Plus, sociology terms like “social norms” and “family roles” are pretty easy to get the hang of with a little bit of review.
Tuition Savings: Many colleges accept this exam to fulfill a social science or elective credit, which saves you the cost of a full semester course.
4. Introductory Psychology: Familiar concepts for most students
Introductory Psychology covers the basics, including development, behavior, and psychological disorders. If you’ve taken psychology in high school, you’ll likely recognize a lot of these topics.
I had a psychology class in high school, so this one felt like a refresher rather than a deep dive.
Let’s be honest: topics like memory, personality, and behavior are things we often encounter in daily life. Thus, they’re easier to remember and understand.
Tuition Savings: This CLEP can satisfy general education or social science requirements, cutting costs by covering a core class.
5. College Mathematics: Basic math without the calculus
The College Mathematics CLEP focuses on fundamental math concepts, like algebra, geometry, and probability.
If you’re comfortable with high school-level math but not looking to tackle calculus, this is a great option.
At least, I was relieved to see that this test was more about the basics — no complicated equations or intensive math skills required!
This exam covers practical math skills rather than complex math concepts, which is perfect for students who want a general math credit without advanced math.
Tuition Savings: Passing this CLEP can fulfill a math requirement at many schools. Therefore, you can skip a semester-long general math class.
6. History of the United States I: Perfect for history enthusiasts
The History of the United States I CLEP covers early American history, from pre-colonial times to the end of Reconstruction.
This includes significant events, people, and cultural changes up to 1877.
If you’re a history enthusiast or have taken AP U.S. History, you’ll likely find this CLEP manageable.
Many students find U.S. history relatable and familiar, especially since it’s covered in high school courses.
A strong foundation from previous classes and a minimal review of key events and figures can make this exam feel manageable.
Tuition Savings: Fulfilling a history requirement with this CLEP can save you the cost of a semester-long U.S. history course, which is a standard requirement at many colleges.
7. Information Systems: Great for tech-savvy students
For students comfortable with technology, Information Systems is a manageable CLEP.
The test covers basics like hardware, software, and internet security.
I’m not a tech expert, but I found out that basic computer knowledge was enough to pass.
Why it’s easy to pass: This exam doesn’t require in-depth tech knowledge. If you’ve used computers regularly and know general tech terms, you’ll likely do well.
Tuition Savings: Many schools accept this as a general education credit, saving you money on introductory IT classes.
8. Spanish Language (Level 1): Great for those with basic language skills
Finally, the Spanish Language CLEP (Level 1) is designed for students who have basic conversational Spanish skills.
This test assesses your ability to understand spoken and written Spanish at a beginner-to-intermediate level.
If you’ve taken Spanish in high school or have basic conversational skills, this test might be easier than other language exams.
The questions are straightforward and focus on vocabulary, grammar, and basic comprehension.
Tuition Savings: This CLEP can fulfill language requirements, which means you might skip up to a year of introductory Spanish classes.
Tips for passing CLEP exams with ease
If you’re ready to dive into CLEP exams to save on tuition, here are a few tips I found helpful:
- Start with exams that play to your strengths: I chose exams based on subjects I enjoyed or was comfortable with, which made the process easier and more enjoyable.
- Use practice tests: CLEP practice exams gave me a clear idea of what to expect. Familiarizing yourself with the format can be a huge confidence booster.
- Set a study schedule: Even though some CLEPs are easier than others, setting aside dedicated study time can make a big difference. A week or two of focused prep is usually all you need.
Conclusion: Save on tuition with CLEP exams and graduate faster
CLEP exams offer a practical way to earn college credits without paying for a full course.
By choosing exams in subjects you’re comfortable with, you can pass them with minimal stress while saving on tuition costs.
Personally, CLEP exams saved me time and money, and they allowed me to focus more on the courses I really wanted to dive into.
If you’re looking to speed up your degree and cut down on costs, give these CLEP exams a try.
Each one brings you one step closer to your goals—and with less time and expense than traditional classes. Good luck, and enjoy the savings!