Is CLEP multiple choice?
Rachel Ellis
Published Jan 20, 2026
Overview of the Exams
How many questions do you need to pass the CLEP?
Generally, only 50 out of 80 is needed to pass a CLEP exam, which comes out to a grade of 63%. The catch is that a CLEP test will appear as a “P” for “pass” on your transcript whether you get a 50 or an 80. Since CLEP exams cover such a broad range of concepts, you are not expected to pass with flying colors.
How difficult are CLEP exams?
#4 Overestimating CLEP Difficulty
Thankfully, CLEP tests are actually easily passed by anyone willing to put in the study time and effort. I've personally talked with hundreds of CLEP students from high schoolers to adult learners who have successfully passed and earned college credit.
How are CLEP exams taken?
About CLEP Exams with Remote Proctoring
Each CLEP exam taken with remote proctoring has the same timing, content, format, and on-screen experience as the test you would take at a CLEP test center. You will be proctored remotely by a human proctor.
How long is a CLEP test?
Many CLEP exams are designed to correspond to one- semester courses. Some, however, correspond to one to two years of study. At most colleges, students earn three credits for a one-semester course and six credits for a full-year course. Exams are approximately 90 minutes and consist mainly of multiple-choice questions.
18 related questions foundWhat happens if you fail CLEP?
So what happens to your old score if you retake the exam? If you fail, the College Board will keep your failed score until you retake the test. The next time you attempt the test, they will replace your old score with your new score. After that, the College Board won't have any trace of your first failed score.
Are CLEP tests worth it?
Even with added costs, such as $10 study guides, the CLEP remains a bargain. These exams can also help you to get a degree faster. While a college undergraduate degree can often take students four to six years, CLEP exams can cut that time substantially to as little as one year.
Does CLEP affect GPA?
CLEP exams have no effect on your grade point average—all they do is allow you to receive course credit. That means any passing grade on a CLEP test earns you the same amount of college credit—no matter if you get a “C” or an “A” on the exam.
Can you cheat on the CLEP exam?
Unauthorized reproduction of any CLEP exam, in part or in whole, is prohibited. Violators will be subject to prosecution to the full extent of the law.
What are the 34 CLEP exams?
History and Social Sciences CLEP Tests
- American Government (3 credits)
- History of the United States I (3 credits)
- History of the United States II (3 credits)
- Human Growth and Development (3 credits)
- Introduction to Educational Psychology (3 credits)
- Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
- Introductory Sociology (3 credits)
Is CLEP easier than AP?
CLEP vs AP Test Difficulty: Which is Harder? According to May 2019 pass rate data, students may have found AP exams more difficult. CLEP exams had a 68% pass rate while AP exams had a 65% pass rate. However, there were many more AP examinees than CLEP test takers.
What are the easiest classes to CLEP?
9 Easiest CLEP Exams Ranked
- Analyzing and Interpreting Literature.
- College Composition / College Composition Modular. ...
- Spanish, French, or German. ...
- Information Systems and Computer Applications. ...
- Introductory Sociology. ...
- College Mathematics. ...
- Social Studies and History. ...
- Principles of Marketing. ...
Is 70 a good CLEP score?
Remember that this can change across colleges and the same college can even have different requirements for each CLEP test subject. Take practice tests before you take the real exam. It's best to score a bare minimum of 60% before taking the real exam, a practice test score of around 70% is much safer.
Is 68 a good CLEP score?
The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends a credit-granting score of 50 for each CLEP exam.
How many CLEP exams can you take?
You can take as many CLEP exams at one time as your test center will allow. Some test centers limit you to taking only one test per day, however the College Board and CLEP program do not have a limit on the number of tests you can take in a single day.
How do I study for CLEP?
Purchase official practice resources.
Buy the CLEP Official Study Guide or exam-specific guides (available on exam pages) for additional practice questions and tips. You can also buy the Official CLEP Study Guide App from examIam so you can practice for the exam on your mobile device.
How long do CLEP results take?
Your official scores will be available in your CLEP account within one business day of your test date. Scores for exams with writing sections will be available on the My Account Portal within two to three weeks after your test date.
Is CLEP free for military?
The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) provides free College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations to eligible military service members, spouses and civil service employees.
Do CLEP exams look good on college applications?
While individual colleges may differ, CLEP exams are generally another way to stand out on applications and recommended for students who need additional ways to set themselves apart. A strong performance could be an effective counterpoint to grades that are lower than you had hoped.
Do colleges like CLEP?
While CLEP isn't the most transferable source of credit, it's still an excellent way to save some money on college. And Podunk University isn't the only college which accepts it. In fact, CLEP exams are more popular than ever, currently accepted at more than 2,900 schools across the United States.
Can I take CLEP while in college?
Anyone can earn college credit through CLEP, whether they're in high school or already in college. There are 34 CLEP exams in 5 subject areas. See all CLEP exams. Students can schedule their exams any time throughout the year.
How many points is CLEP out of?
The scaled score is the result of the raw score conversion process. The CLEP score range is from 20 to 80, and the test scores are presented on the test taker's score report.
Does MIT accept CLEP?
No, Massachusetts Institute of Technology does not accept the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The CLEP is an exam sponsored by the College Board that allows students to gain college credit by demomstrating their knowledge in college level coursework.