CLEP Exam Eligibility

If you have acquired skills through work or life experience, CLEP testing is a smart way to obtain college credit or class exemptions. There is some variation in how colleges and universities weight the CLEP test, so it is a good idea to consult with your school before beginning your CLEP study program or sitting for the exam.

In addition to understanding how your school treats the CLEP test, some consideration should be given to exam eligibility. While the exam can be a huge time and money saver in a student’s college career, certain requirements must be met to sit for it.

Who is Eligible for CLEP Testing?

Not everyone can sit for the CLEP test, so it is important to know the eligibility requirements before starting a CLEP study routine. There are four groups for which the exam is intended:

• Adults continuing their education: Any adult entering college for the first time or returning to complete degree work can benefit from CLEP testing. Knowledge gained on the job or through life experience can reduce the number of classes required to earn your degree. This can translate into a healthy reduction in college expenses. In addition, successful completion of the CLEP exam can, in some cases, enable students to better focus on their desired field of study
• High school graduates – Students who earn a high school diploma are eligible to sit for the CLEP test whether they are recent graduates or not. There is no time limit.
• Students that pass the GED – Earning a GED is equivalent to earning a High School diploma. For this reason, students that hold a GED are also eligible for CLEP testing. As is the case with high school graduates, those holding a GED may sit for exam at any time.
• High school seniors – A select group of high school seniors are also eligible for CLEP testing. Students with solid grades and high GPA are allowed to take the test. There may be some variation between institutions on the required grades and GPA, so it is a good idea to have this information in hand before registering.

If you have questions regarding your eligibility for CLEP testing or your school’s minimum requirements for eligibility, be sure to consult with administration or faculty before beginning your CLEP study. For those who qualify, CLEP testing is an effective route to reach career and education goals faster.

Wayne Hemrick is dedicated to higher education. In this article he writes about clep testing.