College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

What is the CLEP?

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a computer-based credit-by-examination program. Tests are available in over 30 subject areas. Earning a passing score can help you earn credit towards general education requirements and/or the completion of an undergraduate degree.

SJSU is the #1 credit-granting institution for CLEP in the Western United States, and accepts up to 30 units of credit from CLEP and similar examinations (AP, IB, etc.). The SJSU CLEP catalog lists the test subjects and associated units.

Who Needs to Take a CLEP Exam?

CLEP tests are optional. No one is required to take them; however, they may be beneficial to students who want to fulfill lower division GE requirements, advance more quickly towards their degree, and/or need elective credit for graduation.

When to Take the CLEP?

We host CLEP exams on an appointment basis. Email us to schedule an appointment at least two business days in advance.

How to Register and Schedule an Appointment?

  1. Register for the test with College Board ($97/voucher).
    • IMPORTANT: Make sure the test voucher says "Test Center" on it and NOT Remote Proctoring. To change it, you must contact the College Board and receive a new voucher. Our staff will not be able to change it.
  2. Save and print out the registration voucher.
  3. Email our office at testing-office@sjsu.edu with two preferred dates and times to schedule an appointment.
  4. On the day of your appointment, please bring:
    • A valid photo ID to check in (US-issued driver's license, state ID card, passport, or military ID)
    • A printout of the CLEP test voucher from the College Board. We will need the information on the voucher to activate your test.

Fees

In addition to the $97/voucher fee made to College Board, there is an additional $35 proctoring fee for our center.

Testing fees are collected after you have completed the exam. We accept credit or debit cards only.

Special Circumstances

I usually test with accommodations.

If you receive disability-related accommodations, register for the test first and notify the College Board when you register. You may need to bring appropriate paperwork when you test.

I need to reschedule my CLEP.

Email us to reschedule your CLEP test date.

I was informed that fees for active military and veterans are funded by DANTES.

Visit CLEP Military Benefits for details, eligibility, and instructions on how to ensure that your benefits are processed correctly. It will need to be entered when you register for the test with College Board.

After you register, email our office to schedule an appointment and inform our staff that your test is funded by DANTES. You will need to present a military ID when you check in. Contact DANTES at (850) 452-1063 for questions.

I took a prep course through Modern States and am eligible for a fee reimbursement.

Follow the instructions from Modern States to receive your fee waiver for the CLEP exam registration. Also, keep your receipt from SJSU and submit it to Modern States to receive reimbursement from them.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

I did not receive a CLEP test voucher.

Check your account on College Board. You can access and print it from there.

When will I know my score?

For most CLEP exams, you will receive an unofficial score report upon completion of your test, as long as you elect to report your score on the final screen of the exam. CLEP exams with essays (College Composition, Spanish Language with Writing) take an additional two weeks for scoring.

What is a passing score?

Most CLEP exams require a score of 50 to pass, but it varies by exam. Schools may also require a certain minimum score to be eligible for credit. If you score below the minimum threshold to receive credit, you may retake the test. There is a 90-day waiting period before you can retake the same test. 

When will my score be posted?

The College Board typically sends official results to institutions within 7-10 business days. Once received, allow additional time for your school to post the results. (SJSU: Allow 2-3 weeks.)

 

Email testing-office@sjsu.edu for any questions.