CLEP Testing – Gaining College Credit Early

God has provided so many amazing opportunities for education and career progression! One neat way is through a program called College Level Examination Program (CLEP), which is a way to earn college credit by taking a TEST.

CLEP tests are offered by the same organization that implements the SAT test. They are generally 90-minute long, multiple-choice tests that you can take at MTSU (and many other locations around the world). These tests apply and are recognized at colleges around the United States and give you college-level credit for the course. You can send your score to whatever institutions you choose (for instance, if you take the test in Michigan, you can also use it in Tennessee).

The potential “catch” in this process is that not every college accepts the exact same CLEP tests. In other words, their standards vary…and CLEP tests are not all accepted at all universities. MTSU (Middle Tennessee State University – in Murfreesboro – close to the Nashville area) has a list of several courses that they give CLEP credit for. You will see a long list of those below. Many of these courses apply to the “General Education” hours that ALL students need in order to graduate – no matter what “Major” you select. I am copying the list of CLEP tests and equivalency that MTSU accepts along with the General Education requirements for ther university. If you are attending anywhere else, you will need to check that school’s requirements.

Typically, you only need to make a “C” or better on the test (which generally means a 50 on their scoring scale), and it does not matter if you make 100 percent or 70 percent – you get the same credit with either score. You also get the same credit in college as you would if you took an AP class and test at the high school…only the CLEP tests tend to be a good bit easier and are offered year-round.

It costs about 110 dollars to take a CLEP test. You will need to prepare using some type of “test prep” book geared towards that test. In some cases, the test prep book alone may be enough, but in other cases (like chemistry and biology for instance), you will need to use additional study materials to prepare. We have found the REA test guides to be helpful. The Brentwood Library (here in Brentwood, Tennessee) also offers FREE CLEP test prep and practice tests through their online resources for library card holders. We also have used www.shmoop.com and a variety of online resources to study and review for these tests. Check out this long list of CLEP test opportunities that exist at MTSU. This will give you a good idea of what is possible. Praise GOD for this ability to explore these great options for your children to gain college credit early!

CLEP website: https://clep.collegeboard.org/exam

MTSU CLEP acceptance (http://www.mtsu.edu/countest/testing/clep.php – scroll to the bottom for a list)

MTSU General Education Hours – http://www.mtsu.edu/gen_ed/program.php

MTSU GENERAL EDUCATION HOURS