Complete CLEP Exam Guide 2025: Test Out and Save Thousands

CLEP exams are one of the best-kept secrets in higher education. For just $89 per exam, you can earn the same college credits that would cost you $500 to $3,000 through traditional courses. Over 2,900 colleges accept CLEP credits, and savvy students are using these exams to save thousands of dollars and graduate years ahead of schedule.

This guide covers everything you need to know about CLEP exams in 2025, including which exams to take, how to prepare, and strategies for maximizing your credit potential.

What Are CLEP Exams?

CLEP stands for College Level Examination Program. Administered by the College Board (the same organization that runs the SAT), CLEP exams allow you to demonstrate college-level knowledge in 33 different subjects. If you pass, you earn college credits without taking the class.

Each exam is 90 to 120 minutes long, costs $89 for the exam fee plus a testing center fee (typically $15 to $30), and awards 3 to 12 credits depending on the subject. You can take exams at over 1,800 testing centers nationwide, including many college campuses.

All 33 CLEP Exams Explained

Composition and Literature (5 exams)

• College Composition: 6 credits, tests essay writing and rhetorical analysis
• College Composition Modular: 3 credits, writing skills without the essay portion
• American Literature: 3 credits, covers major American authors and literary movements
• English Literature: 3 credits, British literature from Beowulf to modern times
• Humanities: 3 credits, broad coverage of art, music, literature, and philosophy

World Languages (6 exams)

• Spanish Language (Levels 1 and 2): 6 to 12 credits based on score
• French Language (Levels 1 and 2): 6 to 12 credits based on score
• German Language (Levels 1 and 2): 6 to 12 credits based on score

History and Social Sciences (8 exams)

• American Government: 3 credits, US political system and Constitution
• History of the United States I: 3 credits, colonization through 1877
• History of the United States II: 3 credits, 1865 to present
• Western Civilization I: 3 credits, ancient Near East through 1648
• Western Civilization II: 3 credits, 1648 to present
• Introductory Psychology: 3 credits, fundamental psychology concepts
• Introductory Sociology: 3 credits, social structures and behavior
• Social Sciences and History: 6 credits, broad survey of social sciences

Science and Mathematics (7 exams)

• College Algebra: 3 credits, algebraic concepts and problem-solving
• College Mathematics: 6 credits, broader math coverage for non-STEM majors
• Precalculus: 3 credits, functions, trigonometry, analytic geometry
• Calculus: 4 credits, limits, derivatives, integrals
• Biology: 6 credits, molecular and cellular biology, organisms
• Chemistry: 6 credits, general chemistry concepts and applications
• Natural Sciences: 6 credits, survey of biological and physical sciences

Business (7 exams)

• Financial Accounting: 3 credits, accounting principles and procedures
• Introductory Business Law: 3 credits, legal environment of business
• Information Systems: 3 credits, computer systems and business applications
• Principles of Management: 3 credits, management theory and practice
• Principles of Marketing: 3 credits, marketing concepts and strategies
• Principles of Macroeconomics: 3 credits, economic systems and policy
• Principles of Microeconomics: 3 credits, individual and firm economic behavior

Which CLEP Exams Should You Take?

Easiest CLEP Exams (Highest Pass Rates)

1. Analyzing and Interpreting Literature: 80% pass rate
2. Introductory Sociology: 76% pass rate
3. Introductory Psychology: 75% pass rate
4. American Government: 74% pass rate
5. College Composition Modular: 72% pass rate

Most Valuable CLEP Exams (Credits per Exam)

1. Spanish Language Level 2: Up to 12 credits
2. French Language Level 2: Up to 12 credits
3. College Composition: 6 credits
4. Biology: 6 credits
5. Natural Sciences: 6 credits

Best for Working Professionals

• Principles of Management: Easy if you have supervisory experience
• Principles of Marketing: Business experience translates well
• Information Systems: IT workers often pass with minimal study
• Financial Accounting: Great for anyone with bookkeeping background

How to Prepare for CLEP Exams

Study Resources

Free Resources:

• College Board CLEP study guides and sample questions
• Modern States Education Alliance (free online courses specifically for CLEP)
• Khan Academy for math and science subjects
• YouTube educational channels

Paid Resources:

• REA CLEP study guides ($15 to $25 per subject)
• Peterson's CLEP prep books
• InstantCert study program ($20/month)
• Speedyprep video courses

Recommended Study Timeline

• Subjects you know well: 1 to 2 weeks of review
• Subjects with some background: 3 to 4 weeks of focused study
• New subjects: 6 to 8 weeks of comprehensive preparation

Study Strategies That Work

1. Take practice tests first: Identify what you already know and where you need work
2. Focus on weak areas: Don't waste time reviewing what you've mastered
3. Use active recall: Flashcards and practice questions beat passive reading
4. Simulate test conditions: Practice with time limits and no notes
5. Study in short bursts: 45 to 60 minute sessions are more effective than marathon sessions

Taking the Exam: What to Expect

Before Test Day

• Register at clep.collegeboard.org
• Find a testing center and schedule your exam
• Verify your target school accepts CLEP credits and check score requirements
• Bring valid government-issued photo ID to the test center

During the Exam

• Most exams are 90 minutes with 80 to 120 multiple choice questions
• College Composition includes an essay section
• Calculator provided on-screen for math exams
• Scratch paper provided at testing center
• You can skip questions and return to them later

After the Exam

• Unofficial scores displayed immediately for most exams
• Official score reports sent within 2 to 3 weeks
• Passing scores vary by college (typically 50 on the 20-80 scale)
• If you don't pass, you can retake after 3 months

"I passed 8 CLEP exams in one semester, earning 27 credits for under $1,000. Those same credits would have cost me $18,000 at my university and taken two years to complete." - Marcus T., Business Major

Maximizing Your CLEP Strategy

The Stacking Approach

Schedule related exams close together so your study overlaps. For example:

• Take both US History exams within a month of each other
• Pair Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
• Study Psychology and Sociology together since concepts overlap

Using Modern States

Modern States offers free online courses for every CLEP exam and provides vouchers that cover your exam fee if you complete their course. This means you can earn college credits for literally zero dollars.

Credit Maximization Tips

• Check your school's CLEP policy before taking exams
• Some schools cap total CLEP credits accepted (typically 30 to 60)
• Language exams offer the most credits per test
• Target exams that satisfy multiple requirements when possible

Common CLEP Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not verifying credit acceptance: Always confirm your school accepts the specific CLEP exam before taking it
2. Underestimating preparation: Even easy exams require focused study
3. Overscheduling: Don't take more than 2 exams per week
4. Ignoring the passing score: Different schools require different minimum scores
5. Forgetting to send scores: Request official score reports be sent to your school

2025 CLEP Updates and Changes

The College Board periodically updates CLEP exams. For 2025:

• Updated content on Information Systems exam to reflect current technology
• Revised score scales on some business exams
• More testing centers offering remote proctoring options
• New practice materials available through College Board website

Your CLEP Action Plan

This Week: Research which CLEP exams your target school accepts and what passing scores are required.

This Month: Take your first CLEP exam in a subject you're confident about. Nothing builds momentum like that first success.

This Semester: Complete 3 to 5 CLEP exams, earning 9 to 18 credits while your classmates are still registering for courses.

CLEP exams are the fastest, cheapest way to earn legitimate college credits. Every exam you pass is one less course you have to sit through and one step closer to your degree. Stop paying for knowledge you already have and start testing out.