CLEP is a program generated by the beloved College Board, that somewhat works as a AP test, but for anyone at any time of their life. CLEP is a self-taught, easy to do way to get college credit that is incredibly cheap compared to the price of college courses at major state universities. Another great aspect is that this credit is usable up to 10 years after you take the test! This post will act as somewhat of a guide to the program since I wasn't able to find an informational post about how to study or how to find some of the information I needed to take the test, so please enjoy!
1. Figure out what test you want to take
I went on the George Mason website and decided what tests could work for my major. (Information Technology) After going to Orientation, I was able to figure out what courses I needed to take to graduate with my major, so I pulled up my trusty guide on the GMU website and found the courses I could bypass by taking a CLEP exam. I decided on the American Government exam since I took Gov in High School, and was able to have a good understanding of the topic I was attempting to teach myself.
2. Find your study tools
I used SpeedyPrep to teach myself American Government. It was quite easy, and around $25-29 per month, which in the long run, isn't really anything compared to a real college course. The website uses a combination of Youtube like videos and multiple choice / fill in the blank / multiple answer tests.
The College Board has an option to use their study guides, I didn't use them, and I passed my test, so I guess you could use them in conjunction with SpeedyPrep, but it's not necessary.
3. Sign Up for the Exam
This one is actually the easiest part. All you have to do is go on the College Board website and find the test that you want to take and figure out through the testing center's website, what time you'd like to test at and at what location exactly. The hardest part in this whole test taking process is honestly finding the testing center's time and where exactly you'd go for the test.
Alright! So that's all the information I have about how to sign up and learning how to take the test, but since I'm definitely a numbers gal, I'll do the money breakdown for you!
CLEP EXAM PRICE:
SpeedyPrep registration price: (I did 3 months) $70
CLEP exam (through the College Board) $89
Testing Center Dues (each testing center is different, some have high dues, some don't) $25
In total, I spent $185 on a 3 credit college course. Compared to my college, which a credit hour is $725 for the Engineering school, I saved $2,000 on one course! If you have the ability to take a course like this and save your parents (or yours!!) money, I totally would !
Another great way to save yourself some money would be by taking AP courses or Dual Enrollment courses at your local college, but if you don't have the ability to take those courses, look into CLEP courses!
Good luck with all your college credit adventures!
- katie