CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) allows students to earn real college credit by passing subject-specific exams. It’s like proving you already know the content of a college course—and getting credit for it. CLEP is run by the College Board (same folks behind the SAT), and passing a CLEP exam can save you time, money, and effort on your degree path.

Anyone can take a CLEP exam—high schoolers, homeschoolers, adults going back to school, or current college students. There’s no age limit and no prerequisites. It’s an open door for anyone ready to take smart steps toward their goals.

Each CLEP exam costs $93 (as of 2025), plus a small testing center fee (usually $20–$30). But here’s the win: many students qualify for free vouchers through ModernStates.org—a nonprofit that offers free CLEP prep courses AND pays your test fee. That’s a no-brainer opportunity.

CLEP exams aren’t easy, but they are passable with preparation. Think of it this way: they test what you'd learn in an entry-level college class. If you already know the material—or you’re willing to study it well—you’re ready. Take the free course at ModernStates.org, do a practice test, and you’ll know where you stand.

There are 30+ CLEP exams across five categories: History & Social Sciences, Composition & Literature, Science & Math, Business, and World Languages. Common picks include College Algebra, US History, Psychology, and English Composition.

There’s no limit. Seriously. If a student is prepared and their college accepts the exams, they can rack up dozens of credits. The key is making sure each test aligns with their degree plan.  CLEPCoach.com offers this service!

Not all. CLEP is best for general education and lower-division requirements. Most schools limit how many CLEP credits they accept (usually 15–45 credits), and they rarely count toward upper-level major courses. Think of CLEP as your shortcut through the “boring required classes” so you can focus on your passion areas later.

Most students can prep in 2–4 weeks per exam with focused effort. Some finish faster if they already know the material. I recommend 20–40 hours of study total, with quizzes, flashcards, and video lectures. Don’t cram.  Train for your test. It’s a skill.

Yes. You can retake a failed CLEP exam after a 3-month waiting period. No shame. Failing gives you focus. I’ve seen students bounce back, study smarter, and crush it on the second try. There are strategies that can help here.

During registration, you can select one college to receive your score for free. After that, additional score reports cost about $20. Pro tip: only send scores after confirming that your college accepts the exam you took.

AP is a high school class + test. CLEP is just the test. Dual enrollment puts you in a real college course. CLEP is faster, cheaper, and more flexible. If you already know the material, CLEP is the fastest path to credit.

No—but over 2,900 colleges and universities do accept CLEP in some form. Policies vary. That’s why I always say: strategy first, testing second. We pull the school’s CLEP chart before you register. CLEPCoach.com offers this service!

Visit the school’s official website or CLEP.collegeboard.org and search for their CLEP credit policy. Or better yet—let me help you. I dig through those charts so you don’t have to. CLEPCoach.com offers this service!

The earlier the better—but it’s never too late. We recommend families start having “future life” conversations as early as 7th or 8th grade—not to lock in a major, but to spark curiosity. By 9th grade, begin light planning: explore interests, take a baseline ACT/SAT (End of 8th grade year), and start learning about CLEP and dual credit options.

Mindset Tip: You’re not picking a forever path—you’re building a flexible launchpad.

A major is your primary field of study.

A minor is a secondary area—fewer credits, but still shows depth.

An associate degree is typically a 2-year program, either career-focused or a stepping stone to a bachelor’s.

Mindset Tip: These are tools, not titles. What matters is what they build for your future.

Absolutely not. College is one road—but not the only road. Trade schools, certifications, apprenticeships, and military pathways can all lead to well-paying, purpose-driven careers.

Mindset Tip: The goal is a life you don’t have to escape from—not just a degree to hang on the wall.

Start with questions, not answers:

What problems do they want to solve?

What kind of lifestyle do they want?

What subjects energize them?

Then explore majors that align with those answers. Job-shadowing, electives, and CLEP testing can also help clarify direction without long-term commitment.

The “Four-Year Plan” is the traditional timeline to earn a bachelor’s degree. But truth? It’s outdated for many students.

CLEP, dual credit, work experience, and life detours mean you can finish faster—or build a smarter path that fits your life.

Mindset Tip: Time is a tool, not a rule.

Scholarships are free money based on academics, leadership, service, and more. Some are one-time awards, others renew every year.

Start local: school counselors, community organizations, and faith groups. Then go national with tools like FastWeb, Bold.org, and institutional aid.

And yes—higher ACT/SAT scores = more money.

Mindset Tip: Treat scholarships like a part-time job. The ROI is real.

Test scores can still play a big role:

They open scholarship doors

They strengthen your admission package

They build confidence and academic credibility

We coach students to test early, test often, and compete against themselves—not the crowd.

A degree plan is a roadmap of all the courses needed to complete a specific college major. You get it from the college’s website.  CLEPCoach.com offers this service! 

Mindset Tip: Planning with the end in mind saves thousands in time and tuition.

Stack CLEP credits, dual enrollment, and transfer-friendly classes.

Know your degree plan early, and don’t waste time on credits that won’t transfer. Work smarter—not harder.

Mindset Tip: Most students don’t graduate in 4 years. Be the exception—with strategy.

Yes—and many students earn up to a full year (or more) of credit through CLEP, dual enrollment, or AP.

It’s about timing, alignment with your degree, and having the right support.

Mindset Tip: Credit isn’t just earned—it’s planned.

Think of them as puzzle pieces:

CLEP: Tests out of general ed classes (low cost, fast)

Dual Enrollment: College classes taken in high school

Transfer Credits: Classes from another college that carry over The key is to align them with your target school’s degree plan.

Yes. It takes planning, creativity, and often a mix of:

Scholarships

Early credit (CLEP/Dual)

Community college transfers

Living at home or part-time work We’ve helped students do it—and we’ll show you how.

Mindset Tip: Debt is common, but it’s not required.

Start by picking one exam at a time. Don’t try to study for everything at once.

A typical CLEP prep timeline is 2–4 weeks per exam, studying 4–6 hours per week.

Block time in your calendar

Use focused methods (not just reading)

Track progress with quizzes

Mindset Tip: Don’t study more—study smarter. Reps over cramming.

The #1 free resource? ModernStates.org

Free video courses for every CLEP exam

Practice quizzes

A voucher that pays for your CLEP test (if you finish the course)

Other favorites:

CLEP’s official practice app

YouTube breakdowns

Quizlet flashcards

Mindset Tip: Use free first—then supplement only if needed.

Absolutely!

When a student passes a CLEP exam, especially early in high school, it flips a mental switch: “I can do hard things.”

And that confidence carries into the ACT/SAT, midterms, and more.

Mindset Tip: CLEP is more than credit—it’s a confidence engine.

Right here at CLEPCoach.com.

We offer personalized planning sessions to help you:

Match CLEP exams to your actual degree path

Avoid wasted time on unaccepted credits

Save thousands in tuition and stress

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Mindset Tip: Don’t DIY your degree plan. We’ve already read the fine print for you.

The CLEP Mastermind is our private support community for families using CLEP to fast-track college. ✅

Weekly coaching ✅

Live Q&A ✅

Strategic tools ✅

Real accountability

It’s built for action—not just information. Ready to join? Visit Here to get signed up.

Mindset Tip: Community creates momentum. Don’t go it alone.

You start with clarity—and that starts with a plan.

Step 1: Decide what degree or direction you’re exploring

Step 2: Pull the college’s CLEP credit policy

Step 3: Match exams to that plan

Need help? We’ve got you.

Book a strategy session and let’s build your roadmap.

Mindset Tip: Start simple. Start small. Start now.

Once you’ve got your CLEP Strategy Plan in hand, the real journey begins.

You’ll walk away with a clear, step-by-step game plan that shows exactly which CLEP tests move you toward your degree—plus trusted resources to help you prep smart.

You’ll schedule your own CLEP exams through the official College Board site or at your nearest testing center. I don’t book the tests for you.

Need help down the road? You can always book a 1:1 Zoom session, and we’ll dig deeper into your plan together.