The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a group of standardized tests created and administered by the College Board. Try out one of the free CLEP practice tests below to see how you do.
Taking the CLEP exams can help you save both time and money, allowing you to earn a degree much faster than the conventional college path.
Typically, it takes 4 years to receive an undergraduate degree, but according to the CLEP College Board official website, those 4 years could be shortened to just a fraction of that time.
In fact, according to the CLEP College Board, more than 2,900 U.S. colleges grant credit for passed CLEP examinations.
Summary: Learn more about the College Level Examination Program and take a free CLEP practice test below.
Free CLEP Practice Tests
Check out the official CLEP website for official study resources for purchase. If you’re looking to save money check out the table below for free CLEP practice tests and resources.
CLEP Composition and Literature Practice Exams
| Composition and Literature Exams | Notes | Provider |
| American Literature | 88 Question Practice Test and Study Resources | CollegeBoard |
| College Composition | 70 Question Practice Test and Essays | CollegeBoard |
| English Literature | 89 Question Practice Test and Study Resources | CollegeBoard |
CLEP World Language Practice Exams
| World Language Exams | Notes | Provider |
| French | Description, Study Resources, and Sample Test Questions | CollegeBoard |
| German | Description, Study Resources, and Sample Test Questions | CollegeBoard |
| Spanish | 10 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
CLEP History and Social Sciences Practice Exams
| History and Social Sciences Exams | Notes | Provider |
| American Government | 90 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| U.S. History | 96 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| Sociology | 88 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| Macroeconomics | 85 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| Microeconomics | 80 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
CLEP Science and Mathematics Practice Exams
| Science and Mathematics Exams | Notes | Provider |
| Biology | 110 Question Practice Test | Peterson’s |
| Calculus | 45 Question Practice Test | Peterson’s |
| Chemistry | 75 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| College Algebra | 80 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| Natural Sciences | 120 Question Practice Test | Peterson’s |
| Precalculus | 50 Question Practice Test | Peterson’s |
CLEP Business Practice Exams
| Business Exams | Notes | Provider |
| Financial Accounting | 77 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| Information Systems | 100 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| Business Law | 80 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| Management | 110 Question Practice Test | CollegeBoard |
| Marketing | 100 Question Practice Test | Peterson’s |
CLEP Test Overview
All exams are taken on a computer.
The CLEP examinations assess college-level knowledge in 36 subject areas and allow individuals to earn college credits without having to actually take any college courses.
Each exam is 80 questions. Typically, all questions are multiple choice with the exception of a few exams which ask extended-response questions.
There are 6 different content categories relating to several different fields of study. Please reference the table below for more details.
| Composition and Literature | World Language | History and Social Sciences | Science and Math | Business |
| American Literature | French | American Government | Biology | Financial Accounting |
| Interpreting Literature | German | History of the U.S. | Calculus | Information Systems |
| College Composition | Spanish | Human Growth and Development | Chemistry | Business Law |
| College Composition (Modular) | Spanish (Writing) | Educational Psychology | College Algebra | Management |
| English Literature | Sociology | College Math | Marketing | |
| Humanities | Macroeconomics | Natural Sciences | ||
| Microeconomics | ||||
| Social Sciences and History | ||||
| Western Civilization I | ||||
| Western Civilization II |
CLEP Administration Information
Registration
- Select CLEP Exam that you wish to take. Do so via the official CLEP College Board website.
- Next, you must sign in or create your College Board Account.
- After, register and check out. To complete registration, make sure all of your information is correct.
- Agree to the College Board Terms and Conditions.
- Place your order.
- Print your registration ticket and schedule your exam. Once registration is complete, a registration ticket will be emailed to you. Bring it with you on test day.
- After registering, call a CLEP Test Center to schedule your exam. Go to the CLEP College Board to find the nearest test center.
Session Lengths
Each CLEP exam takes about 90 to 120 minutes to complete, depending on the exam subject.
Location
CLEP exams are offered year-round at more than 2,000 test centers across the country. Click the official CLEP Test Center link to find a testing center near you.
Fees
Each exam costs $89. Additional administrative fees may be charged by the test center.
CLEP Requirements
Anyone interested in earning college credit can take a CLEP exam. If you are interested in saving time and money all while earning college credit… the CLEP test may be for you! Take a CLEP practice test and see if you are ready for the actual exam.
Before taking a CLEP test you may want to consider the following:
- If your college accepts the CLEP exam subject, you are interested in taking.
- If your CLEP exam of interest fulfills a degree requirement.
- If you have already gained knowledge in any of the CLEP exam subjects through another course, independent work study, work, or other experience.
CLEP Scores
Typically, a 50 out of 80 is a passing score for a CLEP exam. This comes to a 63%.
On CLEP exams, one point is awarded for each correct answer. Points are not deducted for incorrect or skipped answers. So, answer every question… even if it’s a guess!
What Your CLEP Score Means
Your final score is based on two calculations.
The first is your “raw score”, or the number of questions you answered correct.
Second, your raw score is then converted to a “scaled score” that ranges from 20 to 80. This is the score that appears on your score report.
Getting Your Scores
You will receive an unofficial score report immediately at the test center. This is with the exception of the College Composition exam, as these exams contain essay questions and are graded by 2 or more college English professors.
Additionally, you can view your scores online by logging into the CLEP “My Account” Portal using the same account you used to register for your test. Scores are available online exactly one business day after your exam.
Sending Your Scores
All CLEP exam registrations grant you one free score send. This must be used when you register. If you don’t pick an institution to send your scores too, or if you want to send your scores to multiple institutions, you can request your transcripts for a fee of $20.
CLEP FAQS
What should I bring to the testing center?
A valid, government-issued ID (with signature and picture).
How does CLEP show up on your transcript?
Your CLEP transcripts are just a record of the exams you’ve taken. Your grade will show as CR (credit) or NC (no credit). Occasionally they will list a P (pass) or F (fail).
Does CLEP affect GPA?
CLEP exams have no effect on your grade point average. They just allow you to receive course credit. If a failed exam is listed on your transcript (unlikely), it will not affect your GPA.
What if I want to cancel one of my scores?
Select the cancel scores option at the end of the exam if you don’t want your exam to be reported.
Important to note is that there is no way to cancel your scores once you’ve seen your instant score report and there is no way to see your score once you’ve canceled it.
How many times can you retake a CLEP test?
As long as you repay the registration fee of $89, you can retake your tests 12 times.
