College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Earn college credit — accepted at 2,900+ colleges
Earn college credit by demonstrating college-level knowledge in 34 subject areas through affordable, standardized exams accepted by over 2,900 colleges worldwide.
Mode
In-Person
Fee
$97
Participation format
Individual
Duration
90–120 minutes per exam
Eligibility
Open to everyone: high school students (Grade 9+, age 13+), college students, adult learners, and professionals. No formal prerequisites. International test-takers must use authorized physical test centers. Remote proctoring is U.S.-only.
- Grade level
- Grade 9 to 12
- Age range
- 13 years and above
- Eligibility region
- Available nationwide across India
- Academic requirement
- No formal academic prerequisite required. Open to anyone with college-level knowledge in a subject area, including self-study.
- Prerequisites
- College-level subject knowledge (can be self-acquired or through prior coursework)
See if your child qualifies.
Rewards and recognition
Certificate
Official CLEP Score Report
An official CLEP score report is issued by College Board and recognized by the American Council on Education (ACE), which recommends a credit-granting score of 50. Over 2,900 colleges accept CLEP scores as evidence of college-level proficiency.
Recognized by
Opens doors to
Passing CLEP exams allows students to skip introductory college courses, fulfill general education requirements, and accelerate degree completion. Accepted at more than 2,900 U.S. colleges and universities.
Recognition
Internationally recognized college credit
Skills your child builds
Key dates
- Enrollment
- Open all year
How to apply
- 1Create an account on the CLEP My Account portal at clep.collegeboard.org
- 2Select the desired exam subject and pay the exam fee ($97 per exam for 2025–26)
- 3Use the CLEP test center search tool to find an authorized test center near you
- 4Contact the test center directly to schedule your exam date and time
- 5On exam day, arrive at the test center with your registration ticket and valid photo ID
- 6Receive your score immediately upon completion (except College Composition and Spanish with Writing)
Rules and guidelines
- Valid government-issued photo ID required on exam day
- Electronic devices are not permitted during the exam
- The same exam cannot be retaken within 3 months of the previous attempt
- Exam scores are reported to up to 2 colleges of your choice for free at time of registration
Fees and financial support
Fee details
Standard exam fee is $97 per exam . Test centers may charge additional administration or proctoring fees. Remote proctoring incurs an additional $30 fee. Military service members may qualify for free exams through DANTES.
Financial support
Military service members may qualify for free CLEP exams through DANTES funding. Some U.S. states offer funding programs for eligible students. Check the CLEP State Funding page for current state-specific programs.
Refund policy
Contact the test center directly for their refund and cancellation policy, as policies vary by location.
About this opportunity
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), offered by College Board, enables students and lifelong learners to earn college credit by passing standardized exams that assess college-level knowledge — at a fraction of the cost of traditional college courses. With 34 exams spanning five subject areas — Composition and Literature, World Languages, History and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Business — CLEP offers a flexible, self-paced pathway to college credit.
Exams are available year-round at over 2,000 authorized test centers worldwide, including options for remote proctoring. Each exam consists primarily of multiple-choice questions and lasts approximately 90 to 120 minutes. Scores are reported on a scale of 20 to 80, and the American Council on Education (ACE) recommends a credit-granting score of 50, which is broadly accepted by participating institutions.
Over 2,900 U.S. colleges and universities recognize CLEP scores, granting course credit to students who meet their institution's minimum qualifying score. By passing CLEP exams, students can skip introductory courses, accelerate their degree completion, fulfill general education requirements, and significantly reduce tuition costs. CLEP is open to high school students, college students, adult learners, military service members, and professionals seeking continuing education credits.
Exam format
- Total marks
- 80
- Duration
- 90 minutes
- Format
- Multiple Choice (with essay component for College Composition and Spanish with Writing)
- Language
- English, French, German, Spanish
Selection process
Score of 50 or higher (on a scale of 20–80) is recommended by ACE for college credit. Individual institutions set their own minimum qualifying scores.
How to prepare
- Official CLEP study guides available at clep.collegeboard.org
- Free online preparation materials via Modern States (modernstates.org)
- Past CLEP practice exams and sample questions on College Board website
- Khan Academy and other open educational resources for subject review
Academic details
Difficulty: Intermediate
What's covered
CLEP exams cover college-level introductory course content across five categories: Composition and Literature, World Languages, History and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and Business. Each exam is aligned to the content of a typical first- or second-year college course.
Frequently asked questions
What is the passing score for CLEP exams?
The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends a credit-granting score of 50 (on a scale of 20–80) for each CLEP exam. Individual colleges set their own minimum qualifying scores, which may be higher.
Can students in India take CLEP exams?
Yes. International students, including those in India, can take CLEP exams at authorized physical test centers. Remote proctoring is currently limited to candidates located within the United States.
How long are CLEP exam scores valid?
CLEP scores are kept on file at College Board for 20 years. However, individual colleges may have their own policies on score validity and currency.
Can I retake a CLEP exam if I do not pass?
Yes, but you must wait at least 3 months after your last attempt before retaking the same exam.
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