Credit Recognition
CLEP® exam credits are accepted by more than 2,900 colleges and universities across the United States
Overview
What are CLEP Exams?
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides you with a convenient pathway to earn college credits by demonstrating your mastery of introductory-level material. There are 34 total CLEP exams which cover subjects in mathematics, science, history, business, literature, and foreign languages. With CLEP credits accepted at over 2,900 colleges, it's a widely recognized option, but always check your institution's specific policies.
How CLEP Exams Work
Each exam lasts between 90 and 125 minutes and consists of 50 to 140 multiple-choice questions, except for the Spanish with Writing and College Composition examinations, which both include two additional essay sections. All exams can be taken at over 2,000 testing centers or remotely with online proctoring. CLEP scores range from 20 to 80, with a 50 (or approximately 63%) required to receive credit from most schools. This can help boost your GPA since only the credits, not the exact grade, appear on your transcript.
CLEP Exam Difficulty
CLEP exams assess your understanding of introductory college-level material, with difficulty varying by subject. While the percentages reflect all test-takers, those who prepare thoroughly have a much higher success rate. Reviewing the difficulty levels can be very helpful in determining which exams are best for you to take. Click below to view CLEP difficulty levels based on the percentage of exams passed in each subject.