Introduction

Planning for College

Taking the Tests

» SAT & SAT II

» ACT

» AP Exams

» PSAT/NMSQT

» CLEP

» Test Day

Finding the Right College

Getting into College

Paying for College

Taking the Tests:
   » Meet the CLEP

Shorten Your Path to a College Degree -- with CLEP!
The College-Level Examination ProgramŽ or CLEP provides students of any age with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. There are 2,900 colleges that grant credit and/or advanced standing for CLEP exams.

What is CLEP?
CLEP is the most widely accepted credit-by-examination program in the U.S. today, helping students of all ages earn college degrees faster by getting credit for what they already know. By receiving a satisfactory score, you can earn from three to twelve college credits toward your college degree for each CLEP you take, depending on the exam subject.

• Save time
  Be rewarded for what you've learned through independent study, advanced high school courses, noncredit adult courses, or professional development.
• Save money
  Compare the cost of a CLEP exam, just $46, to hundreds -- even thousands -- of dollars in tuition.
• Make college more interesting
  Move right into advanced courses.
• Graduate on time
  CLEP can help you to the finish line if you're a few credits shy of graduating.
• Satisfy a proficiency requirement
  Demonstrate you've already mastered the content of, for example, a basic math or language course. Great for dual-degree candidates or students just a few credits shy of graduation.

Which CLEP exams are accepted by colleges?
CLEP policies can vary from college to college, so it's important to research policies at the college you're currently attending or are interested in attending.

Before you take one or more CLEP exams to get college credit, find out which exams your college recognizes, as well as its requirements for earning CLEP credit. Browse each college's informational catalog or request a special credit-by-examination brochure.

Registering for a CLEP Exam
You've decided what CLEP exams you're going to take and checked with your college to be sure they accept those exams for credit or exemption. Now it's time to register!

Step-by-Step
Find all the information you need to register for a CLEP exam -- including the registration form -- right here, online.

1. Select a CLEP Test Center near you. CLEP exams are administered at approximately 1,400 test centers located on the campuses of colleges and universities all over the United States and around the world. You'll find them online in Colleges Granting Credit/Test Centers.
2. Contact the test center directly to find out its registration procedure. Also, ask about the center's testing schedule as well as parking/transportation information.
3. Complete a Registration-Admission Form. Then send or deliver it to the test center at that college.
4. Include a check, money order, or credit card number with your registration form. Test fees must be paid by credit card (preferred method of payment) or check or money order made payable to "College-Level Examination Program." Each examination is $46 -- read carefully the information contained in Item #17 on the registration form for more details on test fees.
5. Pay a nonrefundable service fee of $12 for each exam. If a service fee is required, send it directly to the test center. Contact your test center to determine its fee and payment policy.
6. Make arrangements for students with disabilities. If you have a learning disability or a physical disability that would prevent you from taking a CLEP exam under standard conditions, you may request special accommodations and arrangements to take it on either a regularly scheduled test date or at a specially scheduled administration. For details, please contact the CLEP test administrator at the college where you plan to take the exam before you register.

Score Reports
Normally, you should receive your score report instantly, with the exception of the English Composition with Essay.

Sending Score Reports
At the time you take the exam, you can indicate in the test software the college, employer, or certifying agency that you want to receive your CLEP test scores. There is no additional cost for this service -- it's covered by your exam fee. If you haven't decided by the time you take the test which institution you want to receive your scores, leave that item blank.

Test scores are kept on file for twenty years, so you can request that your Score Report be sent to an institution at a later date. Just fill out a "Transcript Request Form," which is included with each score report, or contact CLEP. The fee for this reporting service is $15.

Canceling
If you don't want your scores reported, notify the administrator before you complete the exam. You will be asked to verify that you want your score canceled in the testing software. You CANNOT cancel your scores once you've seen your instant score report.

Taking the Tests

Standardized Testing: The Big Picture

Meet the SAT & SAT II

Meet the ACT & AP Exams

Meet the PSAT/NMSQT

» Meet the CLEP

Test Day

The White House Initiative gratefully acknowledges collegeboard.com for providing the content found on this page.