What it is
CLEP (the College-Level Examination Program, from the College Board) lets you earn college credit by passing an exam — no course required. There are 34 CLEP exams across subjects like College Composition, College Algebra, Biology, U.S. History, Psychology, and Spanish. It's a fast, low-cost way to skip intro courses and shorten time to a degree — popular with adult learners, military, and self-studiers.
Format & structure
Each CLEP exam is computer-based, about 90–120 minutes, mostly multiple choice (a few, like College Composition, include an essay). You take it at a test center or via remote proctoring. Each exam maps to a common introductory college course.
How it's scored
CLEP scores range 20–80. The American Council on Education recommends a score of 50 for credit, but each college sets its own policy — the score it requires, which exams it accepts, and how many credits it awards. Always check your target college's CLEP policy first.
Registration & cost
Register through the College Board CLEP site. The exam fee is about $95, plus a possible test-center administration fee; military members and veterans can often take CLEP free through DANTES. Have your scores sent to your college.
Test dates & timing
CLEP exams are offered year-round, on demand, at test centers and via remote proctoring. Take one whenever you're ready — there's a waiting period before retaking the same exam.
How to prepare
- Know your college's policy firstConfirm the exam is accepted and the score/credits it grants before you study
- Official CLEP study guidesThe College Board publishes exam descriptions and practice questions
- Free and low-cost prepModern States' free courses can even cover the exam fee for some learners
- Self-study the course contentEach CLEP mirrors an intro college course
Strategies & tips
- Target exams your college acceptsDon't pay for credit your school won't take
- Aim above the minimumSome schools require more than 50
- No wrong-answer penaltyAnswer every question
- Stack credits strategicallyA few well-chosen CLEPs can knock out a semester
How scores are used
A passing CLEP earns college credit or course placement per your college's policy — potentially saving a course's tuition and time. It doesn't appear as a grade on your GPA (usually credit-only). Send scores to your college, which applies its own rules.
Accommodations & support
Test-takers with documented disabilities can request accommodations through the College Board — arrange them ahead of your test date.
Frequently asked questions
- What score earns credit?Often 50, but each college decides — check its CLEP policy.
- How much can I save?Each exam can replace an intro course's tuition and time; costs are far lower than a course.
- Is CLEP accepted everywhere?Most colleges accept some CLEP exams, but policies vary — confirm before testing.
- Free for military?Yes — service members and eligible spouses can often take CLEP free via DANTES.
- Does it affect my GPA?Usually no — CLEP is typically credit-only.
Key facts
- WhatCollege credit by exam (College Board)
- Exams34 subjects
- Score20–80 (50 typically earns credit)
- Cost~$95 (free for many military)
- PayoffCollege credit, placement, saved tuition
Where to learn more
Confirm the latest details and your college's policy: