Learn About the CLEP Program
Get a Head Start on Your College Degree with CLEP
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) helps you earn college credit for what you already know, for a fraction of the cost of a college course. It is accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities and is administered in more than 2,000 test centers.
CLEP allows you to demonstrate proficiency in college-level material and earn college credit, regardless of where you learned the material. It offers 34 exams in 5 subject areas, covering material taught in courses students generally take in their first 2 years of college.
Why Take CLEP Exams?
CLEP can help you save money and time if you're planning to go to college. And you may already have the right knowledge and skills. More than 60% of CLEP test takers said they relied on their high school coursework to learn the material needed for their CLEP exam(s).
Get College Credit
You can earn three or more credits for each CLEP exam you pass. The amount of credit you can earn varies by college, so check your institution's policy.
Save Money
If you earn college credit by taking a CLEP exam, you can save thousands of dollars in tuition expenses, student-loan fees, and book costs. A CLEP exam costs only $93, while the average cost of a college course is more than $900.
Save Time
CLEP credits allow you to skip introductory college classes and jump right into more challenging advanced courses. Placing out of required or elective classes can also free up time in college for you to do things like:
- Take other classes in areas of interest.
- Take on a double major or a minor area of specialization.
- Experience studying abroad.
- Participate in an internship or co-op work program.
- Graduate early or on time.
CLEP is a time-saving way to earn a degree. CLEP students pursuing a bachelor's degree cut the time required to graduate by 2 1/2 to 10 months.
Which CLEP Exams Do Colleges Accept?
Colleges' CLEP policies differ. Different colleges grant credit for different exams. Also, a college often grants the same amount of credit to students who earn satisfactory scores on the CLEP exam as those who successfully complete the related course. Use a college's official website to research the policy of a college you're interested in.
Where Can I Learn More?
Check out these resources:
- For more information about CLEP, visit the CLEP website.
- Register directly with test centers to take the exams.
- Find out the benefits and results of taking a CLEP exam.