Wondering if CLEP exams can help you kickstart college? The College Level Examination Program (CLEP), run by the College Board, offers 34 exams testing introductory college-level skills in subjects like math, English, history, and tech-related fields like Information Systems. While CLEP exams don’t replace admissions tests like the SAT or ACT, they’re a game-changer for earning college credits or skipping entry-level courses, saving you time and money once enrolled.
Each CLEP exam costs $93 way cheaper than a $900+ college course and takes just 90 minutes. Score 50 or higher (some schools require 60), and you could earn 3–12 credits, accepted by over 2,900 colleges, including California schools like CSU Fullerton. For example, passing College Composition lets you skip English 101, freeing up space for advanced classes or internships, perfect for ICT students eyeing software development. However, not all schools, like some University of California campuses, accept CLEP, so check your college’s policy at clep.collegeboard.org.
Who’s it for? High schoolers, transfer students, or adult learners looking to fast-track their degree. Take exams before or early in college to maximize impact. Prep with free tools like Modern States or CLEP practice tests to nail the multiple-choice format. Register online, take the test at a center or remotely, and send scores to your school after admission. CLEP won’t get you into college, but it’s a smart way to hit the ground running, cutting costs and accelerating your path to graduation.