CLEP vs AP: Which Exam Should I Take?

What is a CLEP Exam?

The College-Level Exam Program (CLEP) test is overseen by the College Board. It enables college students to take qualifying college credit exams to place out of prerequisite and general education college courses. 

Developed 50 years ago, the CLEP program helps busy, working adults get ahead faster in their college education journey. CLEP offers 34 exams and is accepted at 2,900 colleges and universities. These are topics tested, broken down into 5 subject areas:

Here are some ways CLEP exams give you greater access to fast-track your college education:

Ace College Credit on Your Own Terms

Self-directed learning is the foundation for preparing for a CLEP exam. Learn at your own pace and on your own terms.  With CLEP, college students can enjoy the flexibility of making their own schedule. Also, unlike AP exam preparation which takes a semester to complete, you can finish preparing for a CLEP exam with Achieve Test Prep in 5-10 weeks. So it’s a real plus if you’re looking to fast-track your education or graduate from college faster. 

In this way, CLEP gives you the autonomy to prepare for exams around your busy work and family priorities. Unlike AP learning, you are not bound by year-long coursework and classes for exam preparation. 

Credits with No Chance to Impact Your School Grades

When you take a CLEP exam, your preparation and testing are completely independent of your high school or college grades. That means that you can take as many CLEP exams as you want without any chance of preparation or test failing scores affecting your high school or college performance or grades. As such, unlike AP grades that rate your AP high school course performance, you don’t have to worry at all about how scoring low on CLEP might impact your report card.

Credits in Volume: Getting Your Degree Faster

CLEP exams provide testing in a wide range of college subjects. It allows you to test out of earned knowledge from prior coursework or on-the-job training. Forgo semester-long courses by passing this 90-minute exam. You also save tuition expense by “CLEPing out” of college courses and can even possibly graduate a year faster. 

Year-Round Testing Windows

Another CLEP benefit is that, unlike once-a-year testing for AP exams, you have year-round access to CLEP exams. And if you do not pass your exam, you can retake it after three months. This is helpful for busy working adults who might need to refresh their knowledge in more complete ways.  

What is an AP Exam?

The Advanced Placement (AP) program is also administered by the College Board. It offers college-level curriculum classes for thousands of high school students nationwide. AP courses typically take a year for high schoolers to complete, with an AP assessment exam administered in May. As mentioned, unlike CLEP exams, grades are administered for AP courses for each subject.

The College Board tests for 38 AP credits at 1800 locations. AP credit is accepted at over 500 colleges in more than 75 countries, including in the US, the UK and Australia. Here are the AP subjects:

However, high school students don’t have to take an AP class to take an AP exam. They are welcome to self-study before the text and also test out of introductory college courses as well. Let’s explore how taking an AP exam can help you in your college education.

Deep Dive Into College-Level Subject

High school students can devote a full year studying college-level curriculum before testing on these advanced subjects. If they pass their AP exam, they test out of introductory college courses at a college that accepts AP testing. 

Stand Out In College Applications

AP courses are weighted more heavily in college applications than standard high school coursework. Colleges value student initiative. As such, taking AP classes could give students the competitive edge that makes the application difference. 

Jumpstart Your College Education 

Ultimately, the AP program is a great way to fast-track your college education. With its ample college course testing options, it offers you winning ways to get your college degree sooner.

CLEP vs AP Exam Fast Facts

Here’s a side-by-side comparison:

CLEP vs AP: Making the Best Choice For You

Both CLEP and AP exams help you test out of prerequisite and general knowledge college courses. As such, both provide exciting opportunities to get your degree faster, save tuition expense, and reduce semester-long stress. 

So making the best choice for your college career depends on your goals, your learning style and your college’s transfer credit policy. Let’s explore these key factors that impact your decision:

Consider Your Goals: Speed vs Depth

If your primary objective is to graduate faster, then CLEP might be for you. With their year-round testing and independent self-study, you can earn transfer credits faster than the AP program. 

However, if you are looking to gain a solid foundation in the coursework, pursuing AP credits might better suit you. This in-depth curriculum can also prepare and enable you to excel in advanced courses for your major. 

One distinct advantage of CLEP exams is that the course prep is not weighted. So if you’re looking to do subject preparation on the side and are concerned about whether it would impact your grades, CLEP exams might be the better option.

Assess Your Learning Style and Preferences

Your preferred learning style can have an impact on your success with CLEP vs AP examination. Here are the recommended exams based on your learning preferences:

• Independent Learner: If you do best with self-directed study, prefer selecting your own study materials, and want to set your own schedule, then the CLEP exam is more your speed. Select study resources from online materials, traditional textbooks, and practice tests.
• Structured Learner: If you prefer a classroom setting with guided interactions then structured learning may be more your style. AP professors, experienced in syllabus expectations and requirements, ensure that you are on track for passing the exam. Classroom lectures, discussions and regular tests might better serve you if this were the case.

Check Your College Transfer Options

Not every college or university accepts CLEP or AP exams. Some have restrictions on how many they will accept or which ones are allowed. You must check with your own institution to determine if they allow such credit by exam and how many credits you will receive. 

Can I Pass a CLEP Exam with AP Knowledge?

Oftentimes, CLEP is believed to be a bit easier than AP exams. But just as with AP exams, you need to thoroughly prepare yourself for the CLEP exam. If your knowledge is still fresh after taking an AP exam, you might be able to pass a CLEP exam. 

It would help, of course, if you complete practice exams to familiarize yourself with the questions and format. So if you have AP-level knowledge, and want to take a similar CLEP exam, go for it! 

Ready to Prepare for Your CLEP Exam with Achieve Test Prep?

If you need help preparing for your CLEP exam, Achieve Test Prep is your go-to partner for live, online instruction, flexible schedules, and unlimited tutoring and mentoring. Don’t just take our word for it, hear what our customers are saying. Whenever you are ready to prepare for your credit by exam test, we’re here to help. We will work with you until you succeed!