CLEP FAQ

UT offers all the examinations that the CLEP service puts out. We provide CLEP testing five days a week at 9 a.m. or 2 p.m. year-round, subject to availability in our testing center. Call 813-257-3266 to make an appointment. We fill out all of the paperwork on the day that you arrive, so plan to be here a little bit early. There are two fees for the examination: $65 payable to CLEP in the form of check, money order, or credit card, and a $15 University of Tampa fee payable by check or money order. We do not accept cash for payment. Active duty military only have to pay the $15 administrative fee. On the day of the exam, you will need two forms of identification. One must be a state issued, photo ID such as a current Driver’s License, Passport, state or federal ID card, tribal ID card, or naturalization card or certificate of citizenship. The secondary ID must contain either a photo or a signature and can include a student ID, employee ID, a Social Security card, a Military ID, or an unused ID from the choices above.

We do not advise students from any institution on which CLEP exam they should take. It is your responsibility to determine which exam you need based on the criteria set forth by the University. University of Tampa students may check the UT Web site, or speak with an academic advisor for more help.

The College-Level Examination Program is a series of computer-based exams designed to tests a student’s knowledge and skill level in a specific area. A total of 2,900 colleges and universities, including the University of Tampa, accept CLEP tests for college credit. Taking CLEP tests may shorten the time it takes to earn your degree and save you money. You may consider taking a CLEP test if you have comprehensive subject knowledge acquired through independent or prior study, on-the-job-training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships.

CLEP publishes a study guide which can be found at any major bookstore. You may also want to visit www.collegeboard.com/clep for information about how tests are formatted, and to get a look at sample questions. Students have also reported that it is helpful to review material from a current textbook in the subject area in which you are taking a test.

There are a few exams which require students to write an essay. In some cases, these require test booklets for the student. When scheduling the exam, be sure to speak to the CLEP administrator to confirm that the testing center has enough test booklets for you to use.

If you do not pass a CLEP test, you are not permitted to retake that exam for six months. At the University of Tampa, failing a CLEP test has no adverse effects on your GPA, nor is it recorded on your transcript.

With the exception of the exams which require essays, you will know your score when you finish the exam. It takes 4 to 6 weeks for the official results to reach the institution of your choice. This official report is included with the price of the exam. The College Board keeps test scores on file for 20 years, and you can order additional scores directly from them at 1-800-257-9558.

There isn’t an “easiest” test. The tests are designed to find out if you already have a semester’s worth of knowledge in a particular subject area. What is easy for a History major may be very difficult for you. It depends on your background, experience, and skill set. See “How should I study for a CLEP test?” above.

CLEP scores are kept on file with ETS for 20 years. You can order copies of your scores by requesting them from CLEP Transcript Service, P.O. Box 6600, Princeton, NJ 08541. Or you may call and order by credit card at 1-800-257-9558. Check with CLEP for cost and shipping.

Notify the test proctor at the time that you take the exam. Provide the name of the institution and contact information for where the exam should be sent. You will fill out a form after you complete the exam which the proctor will fax to CLEP.