CLEP
College Level Examination Program

• Introduction 
• Tests Accepted by the University of Utah
• Cost
• Schedule
• Registering
• Preparing
• Taking the Test
• Scores
• Getting Credit
• Retaking
• Links to More Information

CLEP is a testing program developed by a national organization called The College Board and administered by a company called Educational Testing Service (ETS).  This program allows students who already know material covered by a certain course to gain college credit by taking a test instead of the actual class.  This "testing-out" of classes can often save students both a lot of time and money.

Most colleges and universities accept at least some of CLEP's thirty-four different tests.  As a result, the acronym has become so well known it is common to hear it used as a verb.  Instead of saying "I want to test-out of a class," people will often say "I want to clep out of a class."

This usage, however, can create some confusion, because CLEP is actually only one brand of test used for the purpose of "testing-out" of classes.  The University of Utah, for example, does not accept CLEP tests for it's language requirements.  A different test called the MLA is used for this purpose.
 
Tests Accepted by the University of Utah

The University of Utah currently accepts fourteen CLEP tests.  The following table provides the name of each test and the minimum score required to earn credit hours and waive graduation requirements:

Each CLEP test costs a total of $90.00 ($100.00 if the test includes an essay).  This amount needs to be paid with two separate payments:

1. $20.00 ($30.00 if essay) to the University of Utah
2. $70.00 to CLEP (credit card preferred)

 
Schedule

CLEP tests are administered in the Testing Center by appointment on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, unless there is a holiday or some other conflict such as "Finals Week."
 
Registering

To take a CLEP test, one must first pre-register in the Testing Center, located in Room 498 of the Student Services Building.  To pre-register, one must complete the necessary forms and pay the University of Utah fee described above.
 
Preparing

Most major bookstores, such as the University Bookstore, sell CLEP preparation materials.  Information may also be obtained from the official CLEP website at:

• www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/prep.html

 
Taking the Test

Test takers are expected to arrive early the day of the test.  They must present two forms of photo identification such as a drivers license or a student I.D. card.  The test will last about two hours.
 
Scores

Unofficial scores will be available immediately following most CLEP exams.  Official score reports will be mailed by CLEP to the receiving institution approximately four weeks after the exam.
 
Getting Credit

It is recommended that University of Utah students who take the CLEP test hand deliver their unofficial score reports to the Admissions office immediately following the exam.  However, if they designated the University of Utah as their score recipient at the time of testing CLEP should mail an official score report directly to the Admissions office in about four weeks.  Students should then follow-up with the Admissions office approximately six weeks after taking the test to verify that the intended credit has been granted.

The Admissions Office CLEP Evaluator is located in Room 250 of the Student Services Building.  The telephone number is 801-585-5220.  The mailing address is:

CLEP EVALUATOR
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
ADMISSIONS OFFICE
201 S 1460 E RM 250
SALT LAKE CITY UT 84112-9027

Individuals who take CLEP tests for use at another institution must contact that institution to find out what is required to obtain credit.
 
Retaking

CLEP will allow individuals to retake a test as early as six months after it was last taken.  The University of Utah, however, will not accept a retaken test unless at least two years have passed since it was last taken.
 
Links to More Information

• Admissions Office
• American Institutions
• CLEP (ETS)
• Educational Testing Service
• The College Board
• Math Placement
• MLA
• Testing-Out
• University College Academic Advising

 University of Utah, Testing Center, 201 S 1460 E RM 498, Salt Lake City UT 84112-9059
Office:  801-581-8744,  FAX:  801-585-1932
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