Try CLEP Testing--It's Fast and Cost-Effective

If you are on a bee-line to graduation, only one thing could be standing in your way--you need to take a few remaining introductory courses in order to receive the credits you need to fill out your degree program so that the college will award you your degree. But that can take a long time to achieve, and if you need to complete your degree in a hurry, there may not be time for that. Instead, one way to solve this common dilemma is to take the CLEP test. It is a fast way to earn the credits you need to keep your graduation on schedule.

You will first want to check and see what your college guidelines are for the CLEP exam. You can do this by making an appointment with your college guidance counselor. This person can let you know which CLEP tests are offered at your school, and which you need to take in order to earn the credits you need to complete your degree. You can also find out what it costs to take the CLEP exam; some colleges offer tuition aid for the test for students who qualify. You will also need to determine when the next CLEP testing dates are, and if they will fit into your time frame.

After you are signed up for the CLEP test that you need, the next step is to study for it. There are several ways to approach this, and you may want to try them all in order to be fully prepared for your CLEP.

It makes the most sense to start at the College Board website. They author the tests, and here you will find out what the tests are like, and what subject areas they recommend you study in order to do well on the CLEP test.

After this, you could just hunker down with a stack of text books and start reviewing on your own, but it is much easier to use CLEP exam study guides that are available. CLEP testing, with a few exceptions, is usually in multiple choice format, so it is a great idea to work through several practice questions in this format in order to prepare. InstantCert offers online flash cards with questions, and provides a very useful, quick review of the material. Peterson's has practice tests that can be timed, in order to give you a flavor of the actual exam procedures, so that you have a chance to practice before the heat is on, and can review your CLEP testing strategies in advance before exam day.

In addition to offering you the credits you need, CLEP testing may also save you money. Taking the CLEP is usually cheaper than paying for the college course, and you earn the credits much more rapidly.

Susan Slobac counsels students preparing for CLEP exams and writes extensively regarding CLEP testing.