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 33 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 five 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 website to help you review for your test.
How Many Credits Can I Earn through CLEP?
You can earn 3 to 12 credits for each exam, which can be applied toward Penn State degree programs. To learn how CLEP credits are awarded at Penn State, refer to the Undergraduate Admissions Office website.
Costs and Locations
Each CLEP exam costs $97, which consists of two charges: one $20 nonrefundable administrative fee and one $77 CLEP exam fee. Beginning July 1, 2012, the CLEP exam fee will be $80. The nonrefundable administrative fee will remain $20, totalling $100 for the exam.
Penn State University Park offers testing services at the Outreach Testing Center, located in the Outreach Building in Innovation Park, at 8:30 a.m. on Fridays. (Testing times are subject to change without notice. Please call the Outreach Testing Center in advance to schedule an appointment.)
Other Penn State campuses that offer CLEP testing services are Penn State New Kensington, Penn State Greater Allegheny, Penn State DuBois, Penn State York campuses, and Pennsylvania College of Technology.
There are more than 1,400 CLEP testing centers at universities throughout the United States. Find a CLEP testing center near you.
Taking CLEP Exams at University Park
How to Schedule an Exam
- Call Penn State World Campus Student Enrollment Services at 800-252-3592 or 814-865-5403, select option 1, then select option 1 again to speak with someone from the Outreach Testing Center.
- 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:
Student Enrollment Services
Attn: Outreach Testing Center
128 Outreach Building
University Park PA 16802
CLEP Testing Day
On the day of the exam, please bring the following items with you:
- 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: containing signature OR photo, such a military ID, student ID, Social Security card, or credit card
- $77 examination fee in the form of a check or money order payable to CLEP; credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express); or debit card (must have the Visa or MasterCard logo)
Important Information for Military and Veteran Students
CLEP exams are free for eligible military personnel and eligible civilian employees. Penn State is a military-friendly institution; therefore, 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. Learn more at: