Step-by-Step Guide to Testing Out of College Courses with CLEP

If you’re wondering how to test out of college courses with CLEP, you’re in the right direction. CLEP is among the fastest ways to earn college credits and reduce tuition.

For these reasons, these groups benefit the most from CLEP:

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Adult learners
Transfer students
Homeschoolers
Military students

If you identify with one of these groups, read on. Here, we’ll give you a CLEP exam step-by-step guide. We’ll cover the basics from start to finish (i.e., registration to credit submission).

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What Is CLEP and How It Helps You Test Out of College Courses

The College Board administers the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). This is a credit-by-exam program where students earn college credits through standardized exams. These exams usually cover introductory courses, such as gen-ed subjects.

Students can skip gen-ed courses and graduate faster. The types of courses covered are:

English composition and literature
Mathematics and science
Social sciences and history
Business and finance
Foreign languages

How does CLEP replace general education requirements? Earn passing scores that are converted into college-level credits.

Which colleges accept CLEP credits? Most public universities and thousands of colleges nationwide accept them. But CLEP-related credit policies vary by institution.

Each CLEP exam costs $93 plus optional test center administrative fees. The $93/exam cost usually covers 3-6 credits. In contrast, the average in-state cost is $350–$550/credit in public colleges.

How to Register for CLEP Exams

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to register for CLEP exams.

Step 1 — Choose the CLEP Exam You Want to Take

Thirty-four CLEP exams cover a diverse range of subject areas, including:

College Composition
College Algebra
Biology

Choose from these 34 CLEP exams based on your degree plan. Also, check your college’s CLEP credit policy BEFORE registering.

Step 2 — Create a College Board Account

Here are the basic steps to do so.

Visit the College Board website and select Create Account.
Enter your personal information, a valid email address, and a password.
Verify your email and sign in to activate your account.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll have access to the CLEP dashboard. You can view exam descriptions, registration options, and more.

Step 3 — Register and Pay for the Exam

Again, the current cost is $93/exam. But you may have to pay for an additional test center fee.

Ask about waivers, fee assistance, and military testing options to reduce your costs.

Once you’ve paid the fee, you’ll receive a printable CLEP registration ticket.

Step 4 — Schedule Your Test at a CLEP Center or Register for Remote Proctoring

Finding CLEP test centers is easy, thanks to the College Board test center search tool. Some colleges may prefer or require CLEP scores from on-site testing. So, ask your college first about it.

Most CLEP exams are available via remote testing, too. Check the technical requirements, including:

Proctortrack
Computer setup with a reliable Internet connection
Functioning webcam

A quiet environment is a must for remote testing.

The College Board offers accessibility accommodations for students with documented disabilities.

Step 5 — Bring Required Documents on Test Day

Bring your valid government-issued photo ID, such as a passport, state ID, or driver’s license. Check that the name on your ID matches your CLEP registration.

Items allowed include your valid ID and required testing materials. Items not allowed include personal electronics, phones, smartwatches, notes, and bags.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Store your personal items in an assigned locker. Then, complete your identity verification and check-in.

Preparing for CLEP Exams: Study Resources & Strategies

But it isn’t enough to know how CLEP works for college credit either. You must also know how to study for CLEP exams. Here are effective CLEP test prep strategies to keep in mind.

Understand the CLEP Exam Format

Most CLEP exams have a multiple-choice structure. The duration ranges from 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the subject.

Candidates receive an immediate unofficial score after completing an exam. But exams with essays have an additional scoring time.

Answer as many CLEP practice tests as you can to understand the exam format.

Best Free CLEP Study Resources

The best CLEP study resources are:

Modern States (“Freshman Year for Free”)
College Board exam guides
Free practice questions
YouTube lectures / OpenCourseWare
Free flashcard platforms (e.g., Quizlet, Anki)

Best Paid CLEP Study Resources

No CLEP exam preparation tips will be complete without mentioning these resources:

REA CLEP Study Guides
Peterson’s online practice tests
SpeedyPrep
Mometrix

How Long to Study for a CLEP Exam

The typical timeline is 2-4 weeks. If you’re a working adult, try short yet focused study sessions.

Customize your study plan based on your prior knowledge, too. A light review should suffice if you have master-level knowledge.

Tips to Increase Your Pass Rate

Here are CLEP exam tips to boost your pass rate.

Use official practice tests.
Focus on scoring 60–65% on practice tests.
Identify weak content domains.
Avoid cramming the day before.
Schedule the exam while the material is fresh.

Indeed, preparation is key to your success.

Submitting Your CLEP Scores to Colleges

Here’s a brief yet informative guide on how to submit CLEP scores to colleges.

How CLEP Score Reporting Works

The score range is 20-80, with the passing threshold usually 50. But it varies by college, so ask first.

Instant unofficial score is available upon exam completion (i.e., except for essays). The official score report takes 2-3 weeks.

Sending Scores During Registration (Free Option)

Choose one college to receive your official score for free. You can save money, but you can’t change the chosen college after test day.

Sending Additional Score Reports

There’s an additional cost for extra score reports. Submit requests via your College Board account. The processing time is 1-2 weeks.

How Colleges Apply CLEP Credit

CLEP can shorten gen-ed courses by 1-2 full semesters through exam-to-credit conversion.

CLEP College Algebra → 3 credits
CLEP Intro Psychology → 3 credits
CLEP English Composition → placement into higher-level English

CLEP credits appear on your transcripts. But these don’t affect your GPA.

Common Limitations Students Should Know

Some colleges cap credit-by-exam totals. Then, some majors don’t accept CLEP for core classes.

Competitive programs may also have stricter policies. Nursing and engineering programs are foremost examples.

Who Should Use CLEP to Test Out of Classes?

Testing out of college classes through CLEP isn’t for every college student. Candidates must meet knowledge prerequisites (e.g., gen-ed, business, or language).

But if you identify with one of these groups, you’re more likely to benefit from CLEP exams.

Adult Learners Returning to School

The benefits of CLEP for adult learners include:

Skip courses you’ve already mastered
Save time and tuition

High School or Homeschool Students

These students can:

Decrease their freshman year course load
Earn college credit early

But it’s important to read a CLEP college credit guide to maximize these benefits.

Military Members and Veterans

These individuals can:

Get free exams through DANTES
Fast-track credit for training and experience

Career Changers Wanting to Finish Faster

CLEP credit for working adults allows them to earn their degrees sooner. Combine CLEP with online degrees or CBE programs, too.

Best Colleges That Accept CLEP Credit Generously

Here’s a list of the best colleges that accept CLEP credits, in our opinion. Note that the number of credits accepted includes other sources besides CLEP.

Thomas Edison State University
Excelsior University
University of Maryland Global Campus
Liberty University
Purdue Global accepts
Western Governors University (i.e., limited acceptance)

Furthermore, many public universities and community college systems accept CLEP credits. But each one has specific policies on how to test out of college courses with CLEP. Ask in-depth questions about these policies before registering.

How CLEP Can Shorten a Degree Timeline

Again, if you’re looking for the fastest way to earn college credits, CLEP exams are a game-changer.

Here’s a sample timeline for your reference.

Year 1: Complete six CLEP exams = 18 credits.
Year 2: Transfer from a community college + CLEP exams = 45 credits

You can finish a bachelor’s degree 1-2 years faster, resulting in huge savings.

Final Tips Before You Take a CLEP Exam

Every CLEP exam has its challenges. But you’re more likely to overcome them if you keep these useful tips in mind.

Always check your college’s CLEP policy. Ask relevant questions to authorized college officials before registering for CLEP exams.
Use the free Modern States course first. You’ll not only save on cost – it can cover the exam fee – but also get high-quality prep materials.
Start with easier exams – Psychology, Sociology, and College Math. Doing so means building your confidence for the more difficult tests.
Track deadlines for degree completion. Credits should be posted in time for registration, financial aid requirements, or graduation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, CLEP saves money and time (i.e., speeds up graduation). Plus, it works for nearly every type of student. This is particularly true for non-traditional students like adult learners and military members.

So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring your CLEP options with an academic advisor today.

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