CLEP Exams

CLEP® Frequently Asked Questions

1. How can I register for a CLEP Exam?

Contact The Learning Center (Indiana Hall) at x 6422.

2. When are CLEP exams offered?

Due to limited number of computer testing stations, students must arrange an appointment with Karla Ellis.  Exams must be completed prior to start of the year in which a student will graduate.

3. How much does it cost to take a CLEP Exam?

The test is $72. Freshman College Composition (Effective Writing) and Analyzing and Interpreting Literature require an additional essay. There is a fee of $20 to have this essay graded. Non-Grace students must pay an additional administration fee of $20. Payment can be made in cash, by check, or charged to your student account; when you register we must know what method of payment you will be using.

4. How do I receive my scores?

Your score report is provided right after the test is completed.  The only exception to this is the essay portion of the Freshman College Composition and Analyzing & Interpreting Literature which are graded by the Grace College English Department.  You must successfully complete both portions in order to receive credit.  Students will be notified by the Registrar once they receive the graded essay whether or not you were successful and received credit.

If you want your scores sent to a college (including Grace College), employer or certifying agency, you must select this option through the examination software on the day of the exam.  This service is free of charge only if you select your score recipient at the time of your test.  A $20 fee will be charged for each transcript ordered at a later date. If you want your scores sent to a college (including Grace College), employer, or certifying agency you must select this option through the examination software on the day of the exam. This service is free of charge only if you select your score recipient at the time of your test. A $20 fee will be charged for each transcript ordered at a later date.

5. How are scores computed?

Your score report will show the total scaled score, which falls between 20 and 80 and is closely related to the number of questions answered correctly.  Your raw score increases by one point for each question answered correctly, and no points are gained or lost when a question is not answered or is answered incorrectly.  The raw score is translated into a scaled score by a process that adjusts for differences in the difficulty of the questions on various forms of the test. Grace College accepts a score of 50 or higher in order to receive credit.

6. Does my CLEP score count in my grade-point average?

No, Grace College gives you credit, but no letter grade. See the attached list for exams currently being accepted by Grace.  Permission to use any of the other exams offered by CLEP must be done by Academic Petition, signed by your advisor and the chair of the department under which the subject falls.

7. Can CLEP credits be transferred?

Usually; check the policy of the institution to which you wish to transfer.

8. How do I prepare for a CLEP exam?

Use "The Official Study Guide for the CLEP Examinations," information available on the CLEP web site (www.collegeboard.com/clep ).  A copy of this study guide is available to be viewed in The Learning Center office.  A description of the various exams can be found on the web page.  You can also talk with advisers and faculty, and review textbooks in the appropriate subject area and other relevant sources.

9.  What is the maximum number of CLEP hours I can obtain?

Students can obtain up to 16 hours of CLEP credit.

Responsibilities

• Test takers are ultimately responsible for making sure they are taking the correct exam and that their name and other personal information is correct.
• Use the edit button to change or correct personal information that was entered by the test administrator.
• Notify the test administrator immediately if there are technical or environmental problems that are distractions.

Timing

• Take the time needed for the tutorial - it is not part of the 90-minute test.
• Testing time is not compromised if computer performance is slow or if there are delays in question display-the clock stops until the next question is fully visible.

Common Errors

• Do not click on "Quit Test" or "Do Not Report Scores" if scores are to be reported!

Strategy

• For every CLEP test, you receive one point for each correct answer.
• Points ARE NOT deducted for wrong or skipped answers. This means that you should do your best to supply an answer for each question on a CLEP exam.

CLEP Fees*

Exam Fee: $72. Additional charge of $20 for exams requiring essay.
Cash, check, student account, and credit cards are the payment methods. Checks or money orders should be made payable to Grace College.
Administration Fee: $20
This fee is payable directly to Grace College for non-Grace students. This payment may be included when you pay for your CLEP exam.  Students who are currently enrolled at Grace or have deposited for the next school year do not have to pay this fee.
Transcript Fee: $20
Credit cards are accepted for telephone orders through CLEP Services, 800-257-9558. For mail requests use the bottom half of the Candidate Score Report. Instructions are provided on the form.
Official Study Guide, 17th Edition: $25
The Official Study Guide, including the CLEP Sampler CD-ROM, can be ordered at www.collegeboard.com/clep, or by calling 1-800-323-7155 in the United States. Ask for Department CLS0302A. International customers call 212-713-8260.
Individual Subject Study Guides: $10
Downloadable study guides for each subject can be purchased through www.collegeboard.com/clep.   Information in the Individual Subject Study Guides is identical to what is found in the Official Study Guide.  No reason to purchase both.  (Select CLEP Individual Subject Guides)

*All fees are subject to change without notice.

Click here for the CLEP application (.pdf file)