In today's economic market, college graduates are at a distinct advantage over those without the degree. The average lifetime earnings for a college graduate are $2.1 million-twice that of high school graduates. Yet the road leading to a college degree for adults who are already working can be long and arduous. However, a shortcut is available.
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows you to the opportunity to receive college credit for the subjects you've learned on the job or in your lifetime. At a cost of $77 dollars per exam, the test allows you a less expensive way to further your education. If you receive a satisfactory grade on the test, you can earn up to 12 college credits, depending on the rules at your school.
The goal of the CLEP is to allow you breeze through (skip, actually) some of the courses normally taught during the freshman and sophomore years of college. The subjects the examinations cover match those normally taught to college students during those first two years. Each exam covers the material taught over one semester of college on a particular subject. If you receive a satisfactory score, you'll receive credit for the corresponding number of semester hours. For example, a passing score on the English literature CLEP exam will earn you six hours of college credit.
The CLEP exams currently cover 33 subjects in the following fields of study:
Before you take the exams, research the CLEP policy at your institution of choice. Policies on the exams given and credit awarded vary from school to school. You can find the policies on the school's website or in the course catalog. You may find these exams listed under "advanced placement" tests. You'll also find out how to register for the exams.
There are a few important issues regarding CLEP policy. Many colleges only grant credit for the exams if you are already enrolled as a student. Also, if you've already tried a few semesters of college, you may not be allowed to take exams that cover subjects similar to those classes you've taken thus far. Some schools limit the number of college credits you can obtain by passing the exams. If you think you may do well in several subjects, pay close attention to your school's policy so you don't pay for and take tests that may not count toward credits.
To prepare for the exam, you can refresh your own academic skills by studying. CLEP even sells study guides. You also can take sample tests that are available through CLEP.
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