How much does a CLEP exam cost?
How much does a CLEP exam cost?
$95 CLEP exam fee
$10 – $35 test administration fee
CLEP exam cost
A CLEP exam costs $105 to $130 total. This amount includes the $95 CLEP exam fee and a test administration fee of $10 to $35, which varies by testing center. CLEP study and prep materials cost $10 to $50 on average, depending on the type, and some courses include a free voucher to cover the exam fee.
| Factor | Fee |
|---|---|
| CLEP exam fee | $95 |
| Test administration fee | $10 – $35 |
| Total cost | $105 – $130 |
CLEP exam fee
The CLEP exam fee is $95 per exam. This fee is set by College Board and includes the cost to take the exam and send your score to up to two colleges.
There are some ways to save on the exam fee:
Modern States Education Alliance™ is non-profit organization that offers free online CLEP prep courses, which include a voucher covering the exam fee after you complete their course and take the practice test.
The U.S. Government covers the cost of CLEP exam fees, administration fees, and exam study guides for all active military personnel through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
Test administration fee
In addition to the CLEP exam fee, you'll also need to pay an administration fee directly to the testing site. This fee covers the cost for a proctor and varies from $10 to $35, depending on where you take the test.
Most CLEP testing sites are located on college campuses. Some colleges charge a higher fee for non-students.
The remote proctoring fee for online CLEP exams is $30. This fee is waived for DANTES-funded test takers.
CLEP test prep cost
There are a variety of ways to prepare for a CLEP exam, including printed and e-book study guides, interactive online courses and apps, practice tests, and working with a tutor who specializes in the exam subject. The table below shows the cost for the most popular prep options.
| Exam prep method or service | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Official CLEP E-Guide | $10 per exam |
| CLEP study guide | $20 – $30 |
| examIam app | $14.99 per exam |
| Study.com | $59.99 per month |
| Petersons.com | $39 – $49 per month |
| InstantCert | $18 – $20 per month |
| CLEP tutor | $25 – $50 per hour (online) $45 – $100 per hour (in person) |
| Modern States | Free |
What are CLEP exams?
College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) exams are standardized tests administered by the College Board. These exams offer students the opportunity to demonstrate college-level knowledge in various subjects, earning college credits without taking traditional courses.
CLEP exams cover a wide range of topics, including composition and literature, history and social sciences, science and mathematics, business, and foreign languages.
How many CLEP exams are there?
There are 34 CLEP exams available across five subject areas. These exams cover material typically taught in introductory-level college courses. The variety of subjects allows students to choose exams that align with their knowledge and academic goals.
Some colleges limit the total number of CLEP credits a student can put toward a degree.
CLEP exam FAQs
Are CLEP exams hard?
The difficulty of CLEP exams varies depending on the subject and the individual's knowledge and preparation. While these exams cover college-level material, many students find them manageable with proper study and preparation.
CLEP exams are designed to test knowledge equivalent to what a student would learn in a single-semester college course, so the content is comprehensive but focused.
How long are CLEP tests?
Most CLEP exams are 90 minutes long and consist of multiple-choice questions. The College Composition exam takes 125 minutes because it includes an additional essay component.
How often can you take a CLEP exam?
Students can retake the same CLEP exam three months after their previous attempt. This policy allows students to attempt an exam again if they don't achieve their desired score on the first try. There is no limit on how many times a student can attempt the same CLEP exam.
The College Board does not limit how many different CLEP exams you can take within a given timeframe. However, most colleges limit the maximum number of credits you can apply toward a degree, so it's important to check with your institution to learn more about their rules regarding CLEP credits.
Can you take CLEP exams online?
Yes, you can take a CLEP exam online with remote proctoring. Your computer equipment and testing environment must meet specific remote proctoring requirements set by the College Board.
Are CLEP exams proctored?
Yes, all CLEP exams are proctored to ensure the integrity of the testing process. When taking a CLEP exam at a testing center, a proctor is physically present to supervise the exam. Exams taken online are proctored remotely through Proctortrack.
How are CLEP exams scored?
CLEP exams are scored on a scale of 20 to 80. The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends that colleges grant credit for scores of 50 or higher, which is considered equivalent to a grade of C in the corresponding college course.
However, each college sets its own CLEP credit policy, so the required score for credit may vary between institutions.
Where to take CLEP exams
You can take CLEP exams at over 2,000 test centers across the United States and internationally. These centers are typically located at colleges, universities, and military installations. To find a test center near you, visit the College Board's website and use their CLEP test center locator tool.
How to register for a CLEP exam
To register for a CLEP exam, follow these steps:
Create an account on the College Board's website.
Select the exam you wish to take and purchase it through the College Board's online system.
Receive a registration ticket, which you'll need to schedule your exam.
Contact a local test center to schedule your exam date and time.
How to schedule a CLEP exam
After purchasing your CLEP exam, follow these steps to schedule a specific test date and time:
Use the College Board's test center locator to find a convenient testing location.
Contact the test center directly to schedule your exam date and time.
Provide them with your registration ticket number.
Confirm any additional requirements or fees specific to that test center.
Mark your calendar and prepare for your scheduled CLEP exam date.
Remember to bring valid identification and your registration ticket on the day of your exam.
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