The College-Level Examination Program exams are tests that can sometimes substitute college courses. Whereas tests like the AP exam are taken before a student gets to college, the CLEP exam is taken while a student is in college. It is administered by The College Board.
Typical costs:
Prices are set by The College Board. A student can save hundreds of dollars on tuition, student fees and textbook charges by passing the CLEP exam and skipping certain courses. Exact savings vary widely based on what college a student is attending.
Many testing centers charge a non-refundable test administration fee as well. Ask about this when registering for the CLEP.
The College Board's official CLEP study guide[2] costs $24.95. Individual subject guides cost $10 each.
About 2,900 colleges[3] accept CLEP tests for credit.
The CLEP measures a student's knowledge in a particular subject area, and is used by universities to assess whether students can "test out" of certain courses. This can save students time and money if they can pass the subject test.
The $77 test fee includes the basic test and a score report for colleges, universities or employers.
Study guides should give you an overview of CLEP subjects, as well as practice test and strategies for succeeding on the CLEP exam.
Additional costs:
There is a $10 charge for students who have to complete an essay as part of the test. Some colleges require essays in certain composition or literature exams.
The CLEP is computer-based, although a pencil-and-paper version is available for an extra $45 fee.
Because scores are returned instantly, there are no charges for services like score by phone or rush delivery.
A copy of a CLEP transcript costs $20.
Discounts:
CLEP exams are free to eligible military personnel, including civilian employees.
Try buying CLEP study guides from a used bookseller. Be careful to not buy a version that's too old, as information may be outdated.
Online study guides, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Open Courseware[4] and the University of California at Berkeley's course webcasts[5] offer free ways to prepare for CLEP exams.
Students who don't pass still have to take the college course. A student cannot re-take the CLEP for six months after the initial exam, except by getting a waiver[7] from The College Board.
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