The College Level Examination Program is a series of computer-based examinations developed by the College Board. “These exams allow people who have acquired knowledge outside the usual educational settings—through independent or prior study, on-the-job training, or cultural pursuits—to show that they have mastered college-level material so that they can bypass certain college courses.”

CLEP can help students

• Place out of certain courses.
• Get credit for what they already know.
• Shorten the time it takes to earn a degree.
• Save tuition dollars. 

As a guideline, those who have scored 22 or higher on the ACT (American College Testing) have a good prospect of success on the CLEP exams. They are similar to the ACT test.

THINGS TO NOTE PRIOR TO TESTING

CLEP exams must be taken BEFORE the student has taken any college level courses in the area of study in which credit is being sought, to receive CSC credit. For example, if you have taken Composition I at the college level, you cannot take CLEP for English.

While CSC applies CLEP credit toward graduation requirements, some colleges and universities do not. Students planning to transfer to another college or university prior to earning a degree from Chadron State College should investigate CLEP acceptance/transfer policies with that institution before testing.

Sample questions and detailed descriptions of CLEP examinations are usually available at CLEP testing institutions. This publication may also be purchased from the College Board Publications, Box 886, New York, New York 10101. Libraries and bookstores usually have resource material on CLEP exams. Many people prepare themselves by reading a textbook on the subject. The CLEP website may be accessed at www.collegeboard.com/clep for more information.