College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)Academic Excellence :

High school students can earn college credit by taking a computer-based test of their knowledge. The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a College Board program that allows students to accelerate their education by skipping introductory college-level courses in subjects they have already mastered through general academic instruction, significant independent study, extracurricular work or volunteerism.

Schools must provide information about CLEP and the opportunity to receive college credit from a Minnesota postsecondary institution to students (Minn. Stat. § 120B.131).  Schools in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system must award (and the University of Minnesota and private postsecondary institutions are encouraged to award) college credit to high school students who receive a satisfactory score on a CLEP examination. NOTE: The Minnesota Legislature did not provide funds to reimburse CLEP examination fees during the 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 school years. 

There are 34 exams on a variety of subjects. The time and money saved can be used toward early college completion or to pursue a second major or advanced degree. CLEP exams are accepted for credit by more than 2,900 colleges and universities. (Note: Please check with the postsecondary institution of your choice for their most recent CLEP credit policy or see the document below.)

In a 2004 survey of over 4,000 CLEP participants: 91% reported that CLEP made a difference in their ability to complete their education and 70% reported that CLEP made a difference in their ability to finance their education.

When asked about the advantages of participating in CLEP, one student said: “Ability to save money and get college credit before starting college. Once I did my initial freshman registration for fall semester I was able to register ahead of other freshman as a sophomore so that I can secure classes I needed for my program."

The cost of each CLEP exam is $72. More in-depth information about the CLEP program can be found on the College Board Website (see Related Links).

Counselors and teachers can explain details about the program to students and assist students in determining their level of preparation and their readiness to take a CLEP exam prior to registration. Counselors, students and parents may also wish to review "My Choices," an informational piece created by MDE about the dual credit options available to them, including CLEP. Download a copy of the MyChoices Dual Enrollment brochure below.

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