What it is
The CLT (Classic Learning Test, launched 2015) is a college-admissions exam positioned as an alternative to the SAT and ACT, grounded in classical, liberal-arts education — its reading passages draw on classic authors and thinkers. It's accepted by 300+ colleges (many private, liberal-arts, and faith-based), and in 2023 Florida became the first state to adopt it for all public universities and Bright Futures.
Format & structure
The CLT has three sections — Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning — and runs about two hours. Verbal is passage-based; Grammar/Writing tests editing; Quantitative covers algebra and geometry. You can take it at home (with online proctoring) or at a test site. There's also a family of tests: CLT10 (a PSAT-like test for grades 9–10), CLT8, and CLT3–6 for younger grades.
How it's scored
The CLT is scored on a 0–120 scale (combining the three sections). There's no universal passing score — colleges set their own expectations, and CLT provides concordance to SAT/ACT. In Florida, specific CLT scores satisfy college-readiness, dual-enrollment, and graduation options and factor into Bright Futures.
Registration & cost
Register at cltexam.com. The fee is about $59 (comparable to the SAT/ACT), and you send scores directly to colleges electronically through your CLT account.
Test dates & timing
The CLT is offered on multiple dates through the year, at home or at test sites. Register with enough lead time before your application deadlines (score delivery to colleges can take a couple of weeks).
How to prepare
- Use official CLT practiceCLT offers free practice tests matching the real format
- Read widely, including classicsThe verbal section rewards strong reading of rich texts
- Brush up algebra and geometryThe quantitative section is core high-school math
- Check your colleges accept itEspecially outside faith-based/classical schools
Strategies & tips
- Confirm CLT acceptance first300+ colleges accept it, but not all — verify each school
- Play to a classical-education strengthIf your schooling emphasized classic texts, the CLT may suit you
- Use the concordanceCompare your CLT score to SAT/ACT ranges for target schools
- Consider CLT10 for practiceLike the PSAT, it's a lower-stakes warm-up
How scores are used
Colleges use CLT scores for admission (and, in Florida, for readiness, dual enrollment, graduation, and Bright Futures). U.S. service academies will accept CLT scores beginning with the 2027 cycle. It's most useful for students applying to classical, Christian, and liberal-arts colleges that accept or prefer it — always confirm each school's policy.
Accommodations & support
Accommodations for documented disabilities are available through CLT — request them ahead of your test date.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the CLT accepted like the SAT/ACT?At 300+ colleges (and all Florida public universities), yes — but not everywhere; check each school.
- How is it scored?On a 0–120 scale across three sections, with SAT/ACT concordance.
- Who should take it?Students applying to classical, Christian, or liberal-arts colleges that accept it — and Florida applicants.
- Can I take it at home?Yes, with online proctoring, or at a test site.
- What's CLT10?A PSAT-like CLT for grades 9–10.
Key facts
- WhatCollege-admissions test (SAT/ACT alternative)
- SectionsVerbal · Grammar/Writing · Quantitative
- Score0–120 (~2 hours, ~$59)
- Accepted by300+ colleges; Florida public universities & Bright Futures
- FamilyCLT · CLT10 · CLT8 · CLT3–6
Where to learn more
Confirm acceptance and current details: