CLEP exams (College Level Examination Program) allow students to earn college credit for knowledge they already have by passing a standardized test — without taking the course. The College Board offers 34 CLEP exams across five subject areas: History and Social Sciences, Composition and Literature, Science and Mathematics, Business, and World Languages. Each CLEP exam costs $93 (plus a testing center fee of approximately $20–$30). A passing score on a CLEP exam typically earns 3–12 college credits at institutions that accept CLEP scores. Over 2,900 colleges and universities accept CLEP credit. This guide covers all 34 CLEP exam subjects, how CLEP works, cost, registration, and how to prepare in 2026–2026.
CLEP exams test college-level knowledge that students may have acquired through self-study, work experience, military training, or prior coursework that did not result in credit. Passing a CLEP exam at the required score earns college credits equivalent to completing the corresponding introductory-level college course.
The CLEP exam process:
CLEP scoring: CLEP exams are scored on a 20–80 scale. A score of 50 is the standard passing threshold recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) and required by most colleges. Higher scores are not universally required, but some selective institutions require 60+ for credit.
The College Board offers 34 CLEP exams organized into five subject areas. Each exam corresponds to one or more introductory college courses.
History and Social Sciences (9 exams):
Composition and Literature (5 exams):
Science and Mathematics (7 exams):
Business (5 exams):
World Languages (8 exams):
CLEP exam preparation depends heavily on your existing knowledge. Students with strong background in a subject can pass with 2–4 weeks of focused review; students starting from scratch may need 6–12 weeks of intensive study.
Study resources by approach:
Which CLEP exams are easiest to pass: Pass rates vary significantly by subject. History and Social Sciences exams (Principles of Management, Introduction to Business Law) generally have higher pass rates than Science and Mathematics exams. Biology and Chemistry have lower pass rates — more preparation is typically required. Choose subjects where your background gives you a realistic advantage.
Practice for your CLEP exam with our CLEP practice test and explore all clep practice test by subject area.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Validates your knowledge and skills objectively | Study materials can be expensive |
| Increases job market competitiveness | Exam anxiety can affect performance |
| Provides structured learning goals | Requires dedicated preparation time |
| Networking opportunities with other certified professionals | Retake fees apply if you don't pass |
Try these questions from our free CLEP practice tests. The correct answer and an explanation follow each question.
When the cost is $1,000 and the markup is $500, what percentage of the cost does the markup represent?
Answer: C. 50%
To calculate the markup percentage based on cost, you divide the markup amount by the cost. Here, the markup is $500 and the cost is $1,000. So, $500 divided by $1,000 equals 0.50, which means the markup represents 50% of the cost.
Which of the following cell types has a cell wall made up of peptidoglycans?
Answer: A. Bacteria
Bacteria are characterized by their unique cell walls, which are primarily composed of peptidoglycan. This complex polymer provides structural support and protection to the bacterial cell. In contrast, fungi have cell walls made of chitin, and plants (and some algae) have cell walls made of cellulose.
Choose the appropriate error. No sentence contains more than one error. If No Error exists, then select the no error The actors (1) were (2) already to perform long (3) before the curtain (4) went up.
Answer: B. already
The phrase 'already to perform' is grammatically incorrect. The correct idiom is 'ready to perform,' meaning prepared. 'Already' is an adverb indicating something has happened by a certain time, while 'ready' is an adjective describing a state of preparedness.
Peter is trying to calculate the markdown for a desk he is selling for $100.00 with a $31.00 markdown. What proportion would he estimate?
Answer: D. 31%
To calculate the markdown percentage, you divide the markdown amount by the original selling price. In this case, the markdown is $31.00 and the selling price is $100.00. Therefore, $31.00 divided by $100.00 equals 0.31, which translates to a 31% markdown.