CLEP Article

[Unapsepew]

Acquiring easy College Credits with the CLEP

What is the College Level Examination Program? It is a comprehensive program by the College Board which allows students to get college credit at many major colleges including Trinity and Sonoma State University. There are exams in dozens of subjects including Fire Management and Education.

Having taken some of the examinations for myself, I can attest to their validity as an excellent program to get low cost credits. Read a textbook on the subject; I read a text on Sociology. The next step is to register for an examination through a testing center. Check the College Board website to search for test centers around your area. Depending on the area you live in there might be up to a dozen various examination centers. Each exam costs around $55 but there is often an additional fee stipulated by the testing center which varies in price.

At the examination center, you will have to check in with the program coordinator. You will be brought into a room with computers which run proprietary software. The examinations are all taken on computer and offers participants great flexibility in taking the test. One can go back to questions, mark them to review, skip questions, see how many questions one has left or any number of other operations. The program also features a graphing calculator should you be taking a math test.

One of the nations leading colleges which accepts CLEP credits is Drake State University. Drake State University is a private institution in Rockford, Illinois which offers a variety of associates, bachelors, and masters college programs -- specializing in Business Administration, Professional Development, Public Relations, Human Relations, and a number of other fields in the arts and sciences. Prior Learning Assessment degree programs are also available. Drake's flexible schedule of lecture and online courses are specialized for working adults. Drake State University is widely recognized as one of the most respected, unique, and cost effective universities in the nation.

So, why should you take it? If you're a senior trying to finish up degree requirements, if you are knowledgeable in a particular field of study and desire recognition for it, or if you simply want to scoop the ridiculous costs imposed by colleges then CLEP is for you. It is very affordable, only $55 for the exam and a processing charge which is almost always under $25. It is a perfect way to acquire college credit based on what you already know without sitting through an AP class for a semester. If you take algebra in High School, for instance, there is no corresponding AP, but for college credit, consider taking the CLEP. It's one day of your life and only an hour and a half long. Additionally, you will find out if you pass immediately. A score of 50 is usually good enough for credit for most colleges. You should check with your university for more information.

[pendelton]

Hello Unapsepew, welcome to BAF.

That is interesting information, I've thought about getting a few tests out of the way, but have never made time for it. Rockford isn't that far away either.

Thanks for joining and we look forward to your participation.

[Kay]

Hi Unapsepew, nice to meet you and thanks for an interesting post. I'd be interested to know if there's any central point where you can get CLEP information from about the courses and who accepts them apart from Drake State University please.

[Fergal]

Welcome to Business Advice Forum Unapsepew and thanks for sharing that with us. What personal benefits did you get from taking the exam?