CLEP Overview
CLEP, or the College-Level Examination Program, is one of the many programs of the College Board (the same organization responsible for the SAT). CLEP is a program of exams in undergraduate college courses allowing individuals to demonstrate college level achievement, and earn undergraduate college course credit or advanced academic standing. Most colleges and universities grant credit based on the results of the CLEP exams. According to the College Board, 2,900 colleges and universities grant credit or advanced standing based on the results of CLEP Tests. It is important to note that each institution sets its own CLEP policy determining what tests it will accept, what credit will be granted, and what constitutes a "passing" score. They may also have policies about how you go about getting CLEP credit that may require applying for credit, or additional requirements before credit is granted. It is important for an individual to check with the college or university of their choice about their CLEP policy before taking any CLEP tests.
The CLEP Program consists of 35 separate tests covering multiple subject areas. Each exam is 90 minutes long and consist of mainly multiple choice questions. Some exams do include fill-in-the-blank questions. The English Composition test also includes an essay. CLEP exams typically cover content that is taught in courses that students would take in their first two years of college.
It should be noted that the CLEP Program has a policy that states that you cannot repeat a specific CLEP exam in a 6 month period.
Reasons to Take the CLEP Exams
According to the College Board, over 5 million people have taken advantage of the CLEP Program. Reasons given for taking the exam include:
- Save time and money - Probably the biggest advantage to taking the CLEP tests is that you can potentially save time and money obtaining your college degree. Passing CLEP exams may allow you to take fewer courses and pay less money to get your degree.
- Skip the basics and move on to more interesting material - By taking CLEP exams you may be able to get college credit and bypass some of the core requirement courses, allowing you to move onto more advanced and interesting coursework.
- Get credit for things you already know - You may be particularly proficient in a specific topic because of additional education or training, or simply because of life experience. CLEP exams allow you to be recognized for this experience and receive college credit.
CLEP for Military Personnel
CLEP Tests are free for military personnel and eligible civilian employees. Funding for the tests is provided by Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Eligible personnel include:
- Active duty and Reserve military personal in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and the Army and Air National Guard.
- Spouses and civilian employees of participating Reserve units and the Coast Guard (Active and Reserve).
- Department of Defense Acquisition Personnel who are only eligible to take three computer-based exams: Principles of Macroeconomics, Principles of Microeconomics, and Principles of Marketing.
Military personnel have three options of where to take the test:
- CLEP Test Centers on College Campuses where they may take all 35 computer-based exams.
- CLEP College Test Centers on Military Bases where they may take all 35 computer-based exams.
- DANTES Education Centers where they may only take 14 of the tests in a paper-based format.
