The tests are made up of primarily multiple choice questions. The exception is the English test that features an essay portion. The exams are graded on a scale of 20 to 80 points. Individual colleges establish their own minimum for an acceptable grade but most colleges rate a score of 50 or better as passable. A few schools have bestowed degrees upon students who earned all of their college credit by taking CLEP exams.
The exams that are offered cover a wide range of subjects. Credits can be earned in foreign languages, Mathematics, Sociology, and Economics. Each exam is 90 minutes long and encompasses the curriculum of a full college semester.
Practice exams and study materials are available and recommended by most institutions prior to taking the test.
There are several advantages associated with taking the CLEP exams. The current $70 fee for taking an exam is much cheaper than the hundreds of dollars in registration fees for the associated class. The hassle and expense of commuting to daily or weekly classes is eliminated by testing the knowledge a person has obtained during employment, self-study, or life experiences. Consequently, there is no need to invest valuable time in a classroom for those subjects the student has mastered independently.
Arrogance can persuade some test-takers to sit for the exam without reviewing the study materials. The danger with that mindset is the knowledge a person has acquired on his own may not mirror the college curriculum for that topic. Failing the exam will result in the student losing the testing fee as well as waiting the required six months to take the exam again. A consultation with the college's academic advisor is recommended prior to signing up for the exam.
Adults with extensive job experience are among the most common test takers. Their motivation is using that knowledge to advance their employment and academic careers.
Veterans are also well represented at CLEP testing sites. The G.I. Bill pays the fee for the exam and the veteran's military experience makes him an ideal candidate for the tests.
Home-schooled students and invalids, who find attending weekly classes prohibitive, are also regular test takers.
Many prospective test takers may elect to attend college classes even though they may be ideal candidates for the CLEP exams. Some students prefer the traditional classroom setting while others relish the give and take among fellow students and their instructor. The above mentioned risks of taking the exam will prompt some students to choose the classroom.