College Level Examination Program

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College Level Examination Program

Logo since 2017
Acronym	CLEP
Administrator	College Board
Score range	20–80
Offered	Continuous[1]
Fee	In USD:[2] $90 (2022–2023) $93 (2023–2024)
Website	clep.collegeboard.org

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The College Level Examination Program is a group of standardized tests created and administered by the College Board.^[3] These tests assess college-level knowledge in thirty-six subject areas and provide a mechanism for earning college credits without taking college courses. They are administered at more than 1,700 sites (colleges, universities, and military installations) across the United States. There are about 2,900 colleges which grant CLEP credit.^[4] Each institution awards credit to students who meet the college's minimum qualifying score for that exam, which is typically 50 to 60 out of a possible 80, but varies by site and exam.^[5] These tests are useful for individuals who have obtained knowledge outside the classroom, such as through independent study, homeschooling, job experience, or cultural interaction; and for students schooled outside the United States.^[6] They 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 (price varies by institution, though typically $89) compared to a semester of coursework for comparable credit.