College Level Exam Program
Continuing Education Examinations Based on Knowledge and Experience
Jan 6, 2009
College Level Exam Program (CLEP) examinations are accepted by over 2,500 colleges and universities in the United States. There are two types of CLEP examinations covering 34 topics, general knowledge and subject specific. Theses examinations test a person’s college level knowledge based on prior course work, independent study, cultural pursuits, travel, special interests, military service, and professional knowledge.
CLEP examinations cover course material taught during the first two years of college. This material is referred to as General Education requirements all students must complete to earn a bachelor’s degree. The minimum scores for passing CLEP examinations are established by the American Council on Education, however each college and university are allowed to establish their own acceptable minimum scores.
5 Reasons for Taking CLEP Examinations
Here are five reasons for taking CLEP examinations:
- Save Time – you can finish your degree quicker.
- Save Money – college courses can cost hundreds of dollars for a three credit course, while a CLEP examination costs $70.00.
- Study in Groups – studying in groups at lunch time or a couple of evenings a week provides support for success. This is referred to as “brown bag universities” by many people.
- Flexibility – provides the opportunity to study and complete an exam fitting any schedule.
- No Enrollment – college or university enrollment is not required to complete a CLEP exam.
College Level Exam Program Topics
Each CLEP examination is 90 minutes in length and typically multiple choice except the English composition exam, which has an essay component. The following are examination categories, additional information can be found at College Board for Students.
- Composition and Literature – American Literature, English Literature, Freshman College English Composition, and more.
- Foreign Languages – Spanish, French, and German.
- History and Social Sciences – American Government, Human Growth and Development, Intro to Education Psychology, Intro to Psychology, United States History, Micro Economics, Western Civilization, and more.
- Science and Mathematics – Biology, Chemistry, Natural Sciences, College Algebra, College Mathematics, and more.
- Business – Business Law, Principles of Management, Principles of Marketing, and more.
CLEP Examination Tips
The following are tips for successfully preparing for and completing CLEP examinations:
- There is a 180 day waiting period before retesting if required, be absolutely sure you are prepared to take an exam.
- Take the Natural Sciences exam first. This test has the highest first time pass rate (according to College Board) and this will help build confidence.
- Develop an exam study schedule and deadlines for exam preparation.
- Use study guides provided by the College Board for exam preparation.
- Join or form a study group whenever possible.
- Take the general CLEP examinations first and then subject specific exams.
Continuing Education Next Steps
The first step is to find out which CLEP exams the college or university you may attend will accept and minimum passing scores. Visit the College Board website for a list of testing centers. Then order a study guide(s) for the CLEP exam(s) you intend to take and start studying.
Visit Creating a Continuing Education Action Plan for help focusing on CLEP examinations needed to meet continuing education goals. Next visit Adult Education Benefits – It’s Never Too Late for additional reasons for completing continuing education and CLEP examinations.
Taking advantage of the College Level Exam Program will help you save time and money on general education courses required during the first two years of college. This provides the opportunity to graduate sooner and spend more time focused on courses in the major of your choice.
