CLEP exams are standardized tests offered by the College Board that allow students to earn college credit by demonstrating subject mastery, saving homeschoolers significant time and money on college tuition.
What is CLEP Exam?
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 34 exams across five subject areas that let students earn college credit without taking college courses. Originally designed for adult learners and military personnel, CLEP has become a powerful tool for homeschoolers. Each 90-minute exam costs $93 and can earn 3-12 college credits depending on the subject and institution. Approximately 2,900 colleges accept CLEP scores. There's no minimum age requirement, no course prerequisites, and failed exams remain confidential—only passing scores appear on transcripts. Homeschoolers can integrate CLEP preparation with their regular curriculum, then take exams whenever they're ready.
Key Takeaways
- Offers 34 exams across history, literature, math, science, business, and languages
- Each exam costs $93 and can earn 3-12 college credits
- No age requirement—homeschoolers can start earning credits during high school
- Accepted at approximately 2,900 colleges and universities
- Free preparation available through Modern States with exam fee vouchers
How CLEP Saves Money
The math is compelling. One CLEP exam costs $93. One college course costs $500-$3,000+ depending on the institution. A student who passes 10 CLEP exams might earn 30+ credits—essentially a full year of college—for under $1,000 instead of $15,000-$30,000. Some homeschool families approach this strategically: they cover general education requirements through CLEP (composition, psychology, government, math) so their student enters college as a sophomore or junior, focusing tuition dollars on major-specific courses. The savings extend beyond tuition to room, board, and years of opportunity cost.
Free CLEP Preparation
Modern States offers free CLEP prep courses with a remarkable benefit: complete their course with 70%+ quiz scores and receive a voucher covering both the $93 exam fee and test center costs. This makes CLEP entirely free for motivated students. The courses include video lessons, practice questions, and resources aligned with each exam. Other preparation options include REA study guides, Peterson's CLEP Prep subscriptions, and InstantCert flashcards. Many families layer CLEP prep with their regular homeschool curriculum—studying psychology throughout the year, then using targeted prep materials before the exam.
Strategic Exam Selection
Not all CLEP exams are equally difficult or equally valuable. Spanish Language consistently shows high pass rates among students with prior study. Introductory Sociology, Psychology, and Western Civilization tend to be more accessible. College Composition Modular and Analyzing & Interpreting Literature favor strong readers and writers. On the harder end, sciences and Calculus require substantial preparation. Start with your student's strengths to build confidence. Target general education requirements your student's prospective colleges will accept—verify policies before investing preparation time, since acceptance varies by institution.
The Bottom Line
CLEP offers homeschoolers an unmatched opportunity to convert high school learning into college credit at minimal cost. The program rewards self-directed students who can prepare for exams without traditional classroom structure—a skill many homeschoolers already possess. The key is strategic planning: identify target colleges, verify their CLEP policies, select exams that align with both student strengths and institutional requirements, then integrate preparation with your existing curriculum. Done well, CLEP can save tens of thousands of dollars while demonstrating college-level mastery.
