What is CLEP?
CLEP stands for College-Level Examination Program — a College Board initiative offering 34 exams that allow students to earn college credit by passing a standardized test, rather than sitting through a full semester course.
CLEP stands for College-Level Examination Program, administered by the College Board — the same organization behind AP and SAT exams. CLEP offers 34 standardized exams across a wide range of subjects, and students who score at or above a qualifying threshold can earn college credit at participating institutions — without taking the course.
CLEP is particularly popular among adult learners, military personnel, homeschooled students, and anyone looking to reduce the time and cost of a college degree.
How CLEP Works
CLEP exams are taken at authorized testing centers (including many college campus testing offices and military installations). The exams are computer-based and typically take 90 minutes to complete.
The passing score set by the American Council on Education (ACE) is 50 out of 80, though individual colleges can set their own higher qualifying scores for credit. Most exams consist of multiple-choice questions; some also include essay sections.
Cost: Each CLEP exam costs $93 as of 2025, plus a testing center administration fee (usually $20–$35). Compare that to the average cost of a 3-credit college course, which can run $1,000–$5,000+. A CLEP exam that earns 3 credits typically costs around $120–$130 total.
CLEP Subject Areas
CLEP exams cover five broad areas:
| Subject Area | Example Exams |
|---|---|
| Composition & Literature | College Composition, English Literature |
| History & Social Sciences | U.S. History I & II, Psychology, Sociology |
| Science & Mathematics | College Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry |
| Business | Principles of Management, Financial Accounting |
| World Languages | French, Spanish, German (Levels 1 and 2) |
How Many Colleges Accept CLEP?
Over 2,900 colleges and universities accept CLEP exams for credit, including many major public universities. However, acceptance policies vary significantly:
- Some schools accept CLEP credit for general education requirements only
- Others allow CLEP credit in your major
- A small number of highly selective schools (some Ivy League institutions) do not accept CLEP at all
Always verify an institution's specific CLEP credit policy before relying on an exam for credit. Many schools post their CLEP policies on their registrar or admissions website.
CLEP vs. AP
Both CLEP and AP exams can earn college credit, but they serve different purposes and student populations:
| Feature | CLEP | AP |
|---|---|---|
| Who typically uses it | Adults, self-studiers, military | High school students |
| When taken | Any time | End of AP course (May) |
| Preparation | Self-study; no required course | Typically paired with AP course |
| Number of exams | 34 | 38 |
| Cost | ~$130 all-in | ~$98 per exam |
CLEP and Military Education Benefits
CLEP is particularly important for active-duty military members and veterans. Through the Department of Defense's DANTES program, active-duty service members can often take CLEP exams for free. The military education benefit system strongly encourages using CLEP and DSST exams to accelerate degree completion while serving.