CLEP

About 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 to 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.). Refer to this chart for details.

Who needs to take the CLEP?

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

CLEP Test Dates/How to Register

We host CLEP exams all year long, by appointment only.

To take a CLEP exam, register for the test first with College Board ($98/voucher). Print out the voucher they send you.

IMPORTANT: Make sure the test voucher says Test Center on it and NOT Remote Proctoring. To change it, you must contact College Board and receive a new voucher. Our staff will not be able to change it.

Next, e-mail our office to schedule an appointment. Allow 2-3 business days' advance notice. Appointments are available Monday through Friday,  9-12 pm and at 2:30 pm.  SJSU collects a fee of $25, paid in advance when your appointment is scheduled (we will send instructions). This is separate from the fee paid to College Board.

On the day of your test, please bring a current photo ID and a printout of the CLEP test voucher from College Board. We will need the information on the voucher to activate your test.

Special Circumstances

• I usually test with accommodations.

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

• I need to reschedule my CLEP.

  • E-mail us to reschedule your CLEP test date. We can reschedule up to two times, with no penalty, to another available date/time as long as you complete your CLEP exam before the expiration date on your voucher. We reserve the right to approve/deny all requests. 

• 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, e-mail 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 instructors 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 w/Writing) take an additional 2 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?

  • 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.)

For all other questions, please e-mail our office.