Jump to page content

CLEP®

CLEP Policies

CLEP Policies vary from college to college. Before you register for a CLEP exam, use College Search to learn which exams your college recognizes. Go

Real Deal

"Participating in CLEP exams has helped me get a sense of what college is like."

Claire, student, Arizona State University

Got a Real Deal to share?
Tell us

Home > College Board Tests > CLEP: Preparing > Before the Exam

Before Exam Day

What you need to know

Knowing as much as possible about the test and the test situation before the day of the exam will help you demonstrate your true degree of knowledge in the subject area being tested. Here's what you need to know:

  • Timing and subsections. Go to the description of your exam to learn how much time will be allowed for the test and whether there are timed subsections.
  • How to take the test on a computer. Familiarize yourself with the CLEP Computer-Based Test (CBT). Download the CLEP Sampler (.zip/9.6MB; PC only; you will need a compression utility such as WinZip) for free right now!
  • The types of questions and directions on the exam. Consult the CLEP Exam Descriptions for the exam you are taking — and practice answering different question types using the CLEP Sampler (.zip/9.5MB; PC only; you will need a compression utility such as WinZip).
  • How your score will be computed. Read Scores & Transcripts to learn how your scores are computed.
  • Location of exam room. Make sure you know which building and room the exam will be administered. If you don't know where the building is, call the test center to get directions ahead of time.
  • The time of the test administration. Confirm this information a day or two before the exam and find out when the building and room will be open so that you can plan to arrive early.
  • Directions to the test center. Whether you're driving yourself or taking public transportation, make sure you know where you're going and how much time you'll need to get there. If you're driving, find out what you should park.