The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a group of standardized tests created and administered by the College Board. CLEP exams let you earn college credit for lower-level courses that many four-year degree programs require, and they cover an array of subjects, including history and the social sciences, composition and literature, science and mathematics, business, and world languages. Here are some key facts about CLEP exams:

• Cost: As of 2023, CLEP exams cost $90 each, and there is an additional fee of $10 for the optional essay portion of some of the exams. However, they are free to U.S. military service members and some veterans.

• Format: CLEP exams are primarily multiple-choice exams, although some include fill-in or ordering questions, and one College Composition exam has an essay section. World language exams include listening sections, and the College Composition and Spanish with Writing exams require test takers to write two essays.

• Scoring: CLEP exams are scored on a scale from 20 to 80, and the majority of schools grant credit for a score of 50 or higher.

• Availability: CLEP exams are offered at testing centers on over 1,500 college and university campuses, many military installations, and at home with remote proctoring. Most centers charge an administrative or registration fee per student or per test, and fees usually range from $15–40, though they vary among test centers.

• Benefits: With a passing score on one CLEP exam, you could earn three or more college credits at 2,900 U.S. colleges and universities. CLEP exams are widely accepted and widely available, and they can help you save money and get your degree faster.

Overall, CLEP exams provide an opportunity to demonstrate proficiency in specific subject areas and bypass undergraduate coursework. Many take CLEP exams because of their convenience and lower cost compared to a semester of coursework for comparable credit.