College-Level Examination Program

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) gives you the opportunity to receive college credit for what you already know, by earning qualifying scores on any of thirty-three examinations. Earn credit for knowledge you've acquired through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships. A service of The College Board, CLEP can help you save time and money.

What are CLEP exams like?

CLEP exams are computer-based and available in 5 subject areas: business, composition and literature, foreign languages, history and social sciences, and science and mathematics. Exams last about 90 minutes and are mainly multiple-choice, with some fill-in and some listening sections for foreign languages. Scores are provided to test-takers at the completion of most exams. A score of 50 is needed to attain college credits. Free study guides and materials are available on the resources page of the CLEP Web site to help you review for your test.

How many credits can I earn through CLEP?

Three to 12 credits can be earned for each exam and can be applied toward Penn State degree programs. To learn how CLEP credits are awarded at Penn State, refer to the Undergraduate Admissions Office Web site at admissions.psu.edu/academics/credit/clep. 

Cost and Exam Location

Fee Increase: Effective July 1, 2010, the CLEP eCBT (electronic computer-based) test fee increased from $72 per test to $77. The fee for optional essays will remain $10.

The cost of a CLEP exam consists of two charges: one $20 nonrefundable administrative fee and one $77 CLEP exam fee, for a total cost of $97. Exams are offered at the Outreach Testing Center, located in The Outreach Building in Innovation Park, at 8:30 a.m. on Fridays. Additionally, Penn State New Kensington, Greater Allegheny, DuBois, and York campuses, as well as the Pennsylvania College of Technology, offer more than 30 CLEP courses.

To schedule a CLEP exam at University Park

• Call Penn State Adult Learner Enrollment Services at 800-252-3592 and select option 1 to register.
• Prior to your exam date, submit the $20 nonrefundable administrative fee (check or money order payable to The Pennsylvania State University) with your completed registration form to the following address:
  
  Adult Learner Enrollment Services
  Attn: Outreach Testing Center
  128 Outreach Building
  University Park PA 16802

On the day of the exam, please bring the following items with you:

1. Students must present two forms of ID.
   Primary ID: government-issued ID with signature AND photo, such as a driver's license, passport, or tribal ID
   Secondary ID: ID containing signature OR photo, such a military ID, student ID, Social Security card, or credit card
2. $77 examination fee in the form of a check or money order payable to CLEP; credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), or debit cards (must have the Visa or MasterCard logo) are accepted.

Important Information for Military and Veteran Students

CLEP exams are free for eligible military personnel and eligible civilian employees. The University Park CLEP Center will waive the administrative fee for active duty military personnel. Military veterans can seek reimbursement from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for CLEP exams and fees. For more information about CLEP testing for military and veterans, please visit www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/military.html and www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/veterans.html.

More information on CLEP is available online at the official CLEP Web site at www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html.