The Easiest and Hardest CLEP Exams Ranked with Insider Tips

Ever wonder what the easiest and hardest CLEP exams are? Knowing this could make the difference between testing out of a college course quickly and struggling to pass more complex and challenging CLEP exams. 

In this guide, we review the easiest CLEP exams with the highest pass rates and more straightforward course materials and compare them with harder ones that are more difficult and complicated to pass. We also provide actionable insider tips to help you select the best CLEP exams for your strengths. Whether you’re wanting a quick win or a manageable exam challenge you can overcome, we’ve got you covered. So let’s begin.

What is a CLEP Exam?

The CLEP exam, or the College Level Examination Program exam, provides students the opportunity to test out of semester-long courses and get credit by taking a 90-120-minute exam in various introductory or general education courses. With 34 subject areas, these exams are administered by the College Board and accepted by over 3,000 colleges and universities nationwide. 

CLEP exams are offered in subject areas like math, science, literature and foreign languages and are a smart way to get ahead and save tuition expenses in your college education journey. Whether you’re a busy, working professional, a high school student or are coming back to school as an adult, CLEP exams provide a powerful means of fast–tracking your college degree.  

CLEP Exam Pass Rates

Here are the following CLEP exam pass rates to provide you with a sense of how well others have done on exams you might be interested in:

Unfortunately, annual pass rates have not been published by the College Board since the 2017 series of exams. However, even though these results are somewhat dated, they prove some context and perspective on how challenging each exam is. Here are the full results, comparing the civilian and military pass rates. Because eligible military personnel, their spouses and civil service employees can take CLEP exams for free, they sometimes prepare less and score lower than their civilian counterparts. 

Top 5 Easiest CLEP Exams

Based on the defined CLEP exam pass rates, here are the easiest CLEP exams to consider if you’re looking for a fast pass in your college education:

1. Spanish Language (Pass Rate: 91%)

The Spanish language CLEP exam is one of the easiest CLEP exams and tests for language proficiency, including grammar, vocabulary and listening and reading comprehension. You will receive between six and nine college credit hours for passing your CLEP exam successfully. If you have become a Spanish language learner through self-study, immersion or course work, then this might be a good exam for you. 

‍Achieve Insider Tip: To sharpen your listening and comprehension skills, regularly engage with Spanish-language media, including podcasts, television broadcasts and music. This will provide better exposure to various accents and conversation speeds so you can gain greater familiarity with the spoken word. For one-on-one and online exam prep support, consider Achieve Test Prep’s Spanish Language CLEP exam course. Also, here’s a sneak peak at some Achieve Quizlet questions so you can get ahead for the Spanish CLEP exam. 

2. College Composition Modular (Pass Rate: 83%)

The College Composition Modular CLEP exam is also one of the easiest CLEP exams and tests your ability to conduct text analysis and interpretation and demonstrate proficiency in constructing logical arguments and standard written English. This multiple-choice test examines grammar ability, usage and rhetorical analysis. Some institutions may supplement this format with an essay component. 

‍Achieve Insider Tip: Practice writing timed essays under exam conditions to enhance your proficiency in crafting coherent thoughts into written analysis. Repeated written articulation of under timed scenarios will strengthen your ability to render thought-out delivery. Also familiarize yourself with standard grammar rules and rhetorical strategies for solid performance in the multiple-choice exam. Consider taking Achieve’s CLEP test prep for the College Composition Modular exam to gain the confidence and support you need to pass the first time. 

3. College Composition (Pass Rate: 81%)

As one of the easiest CLEP exams, the College Composition CLEP exam evaluates proficiency in writing, analysis and synthesis and tests for first-year ability in English composition. For six credits, this CLEP exam’s format includes multiple-choice and two essay questions which assess your ability to construct arguments and analyze sources.  

‍Achieve Insider Tip: Prepare yourself for this exam by writing coherent thesis statements and structured outlines before attempting to write your essay response. Because it’s a principle component of grading, remember to practice integrating sources and weaving them into your essay. By successfully synthesizing source citations and references into your answer, you can showcase your ability to effectively construct coherent analysis. Achieve Test Prep can help you pass the first time with our supportive College Composition courses and tutoring.  

4. Introductory Sociology (Pass Rate 80%)

The Introductory Sociology CLEP exam is also one of the easiest CLEP exams and assesses your proficiency in basic concepts and theories as well as established research methods in sociology. Covered subjects include social institutions, stratification and socialization. Awarding one semester’s credit in sociology, this exam also tests for differentiation and inequality theories and human ecology.  

‍Achieve Insider Tip: Focus your preparation on sociological theories and their proponents as well as established research methods and findings. Remember to use flashcards to test your retention of terms and concepts. Apply your knowledge to real-world scenarios to ensure more complete comprehension. For a supportive path to pass your introductory sociology CLEP exam, consider partnering with Achieve Test Prep to gain the confidence you need to pass on the first try. Also, here’s for a preview of some Achieve Sociology test prep flash cards as well so you can get ahead.

5. Principles of Marketing (Pass Rate 79%)

The Principles of Marketing CLEP exam tests for your proficiency in marketing principles, practices and strategies. Qualifying you for one semester’s credit in marketing, it assesses your competence in subject areas like distribution channels, product development and consumer behavior. 

‍Achieve Insider Tip: Keep updated on trending marketing principles by reading industry publications and case studies. Developing a real-world understanding of how marketing theories are applied will enable you to answer applied questions on the exam. 

Top 5 Hardest CLEP Exams

Based on the given CLEP exam pass rates, here are the top five hardest exams, with some explanations about what might make them so hard: 

1. Chemistry (Pass Rate: 39%)

The Chemistry CLEP exam is strongly regarded as one of the hardest CLEP exams because of its detailed mathematical problem-solving requirements and heavy scientific emphasis. Topics covered include thermodynamics, stoichiometry, and practical and theoretical chemical equation solving. Because of the time-intensive calculations and extensive scope of content, many test-takers struggle to complete the exam. 

The Chemistry CLEP exam requires grounding in solid high school chemistry knowledge as well as specialized preparation to succeed. For that, consider Achieve’s 5-week Chemistry CLEP prep course which can better position you to pass the first time. 

2. Western Civilization II (Pass Rate: 48%)

The Western Civilization II CLEP exam assesses your proficiency in mastering European history, from the Renaissance until modern day. The test ensures that you possess deep knowledge of political events, historical movements and cultural developments during this time. It also probes your historical cause-and-effect reasoning skills. Memorizing the volume of historical detail is one of the greatest challenges for this exam.  

3. American Literature (Pass Rate: 51%)

The American Literature CLEP exam tests your mastery of surveying complex texts and placing them within the historical and cultural context of literary movements. Exam-takers must show familiarity with period works, literary devices, noted authors and analysis strategies. To pass this exam, you must possess skill in advanced literary criticism, which can be a subjective aptitude and interpretation of the art form.   

4. Introductory Business Law (Pass Rate 51%)

The Introductory to Business Law examines your competence in legal terminology, case law and theories. It assesses your ability to apply tort, contract and agency laws to fact patterns in the real world. This exam can prove challenging to those who are not skilled in abstract and legal reasoning, especially as it applies to hypothetical examples. 

5. American Government (Pass Rate 52%)

The American Government CLEP exam evaluates your knowledge of the American political system, including constitutional processes and SCOTUS decisions. Mastering and recalling in-depth government analysis into political functions and processes as well as historical rulings can prove to be a formidable challenge. To ease this learning burden, consider Achieve’s American Government CLEP exam prep for more confident exam success.

How Do I Choose the Easiest CLEP Exam For Me?

Selecting the easiest CLEP exam for you involves a careful assessment of your academic strengths, familiarity with the subject matter, and an estimation on your academic goals. Here is a useful approach to how to choose the best CLEP exams for you:

• Assess Your Key Strengths: Leverage your natural strengths when identifying good exam topics to consider. If you’ve studied a CLEP subject extensively or use it in everyday applications, pursuing this kind of exam may prove winning. 
• Common Sense Application: Select exams that test for broader rather than narrow, technical knowledge. These more “common sense” exams like sociology or marketing utilize real-world applications that are more accessible. 
• Subject Familiarity: If you’ve taken course work or have experience in a given subject, then approaching its CLEP exam may be more familiar to you. Proficiency in the terminology or essential concepts of a given subject can reduce time spent preparing for the exam. 
• College Credit: Prioritize CLEP exams that align with your specific educational goals. Also ensure that your college or university accepts your CLEP exam credit. This ensures that you are on the fastest, most direct path to graduating sooner. 

Bonus: How to Prepare for CLEP Exams So You Pass the First Time

By preparing effectively for your CLEP exam, you strategically position yourself to pass with the confidence you need to fast-track your college education journey. Here’s how:

• Create a Study Plan: Begin by outlining key topics and subject areas you want to cover. Break your study sessions in actionable, manageable steps so you don’t get overwhelmed but pace yourself for this undertaking. Set clear weekly goals so you can stay on track and be accountable. Remember, keeping consistent will help you become more confident in your preparation. 
• Leverage Practice Tests: Practice tests are CLEP gold when it comes to mastering essential concepts and identifying areas that may need improvement. Test-like simulations are also helpful to assess your performance under pressure and gain test format familiarity. Review how you have done on these practice tests so that you can assess key learnings.
• Use Achieve’s CLEP Exam Prep Services: Achieve’s CLEP exam prep support provides expert instruction, customized resources and helpful 1:1 mentoring and guidance so you can pass on your first try. From targeted resources to tailored support, we simplify your preparation process and give you the tools you need to succeed. 

Ready to Fast-Track Your College Education with Achieve’s CLEP Exam Prep?

CLEP exams offer a worthwhile opportunity to test out of semester-long courses, save tuition expense, and fast-track your college degree. By identifying your core strengths so you take the right CLEP exams, assessing your core educational goals and leveraging Achieve’s CLEP exam prep, you can succeed on your exams with confidence. Take control of your educational journey with Achieve by your side – like so many satisfied students, you’ll be glad you did!