College Credit from Taking CLEP Exams
Eligibility for this Free Test
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is funded by the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). This allows the test to be free for eligible personnel:
- Active and reserve members in all branches including the Army and Air Force National Guard
- Spouses and civilians (case-by-case)
- Department of Defense Acquisition Personnel
If you are not eligible, then a fee of around $55 is charged for administering the test.
Colleges and Awarding Credit
Each college has their own unique rules on how they accept CLEP testing. Some have limits on the number of credits that can be awarded. Some accept CLEP scores for only certain subjects.
You should always check with the school to see if they will honor your test scores. Call the admissions office if you cannot find their policy in their general handbook.
If you have already taken a college course and passed, your CLEP test that relates to your college class may not be acceptable. You may not take the same type of CLEP exam within a six month period. If you happen to do so, your test results will simply be cancelled.
Preparing
There are some free samples for download so you can get a closer look at the test style. There is an Official Study Guide that can be purchased which is highly recommended. If you are taking only a few select exams, then you may purchase an Official Study Guide for that one exam. This is possible online and the prices are around $8 apiece. There are 35 exams total.
Test Time
There are three places that facilitate CLEP exams:
- College Campuses
- Military Bases
- DANTES Education Centers
This is not to say that every one of these places offer the testing, but only these places have the ability to administrate. You should not have trouble finding a location.
Your test time depends on which ones and how many tests you are taking. Make sure to be aware of where your test facility is located and how to get there. You don't want to be late. Most tests are performed using a computer, except at the DANTES Education Centers.
The total score, or formula score, ranges from 20 and 80. Unanswered questions do count against you, so be sure to put down something, even if you are guessing.
