Using CLEP Testing for College Credits

Using CLEP testing for college credits is a great way to place yourself out of some college courses so you can save money on tuition or spend more time focusing on the subjects you like. Simply taking the test won't guarantee that those credits are accepted, however. Here are some steps to making sure you receive the CLEP credit for all of your hard work.

• Be sure the college you will attend accepts CLEP credits. This may sound like a silly thing to say, but don't go in assuming that the college you will attend automatically accepts CLEP credits. It may not. Check with the admissions office to be sure your credits can be used.
• Find out if there is a cap. Before taking CLEP tests, know if the college you will attend will allow as many CLEP credits as you want to test for, or if there is an upper limit to what they will accept.
• Find out about scoring. Some colleges accept pass/fail. Others want a certain score to determine whether CLEP credit is awarded. Do your homework beforehand.
• Go to the CLEP test center with your college information. You will be able to enter the data for sending the score to the college(s) of your choice in a computer. The CLEP testing center will automatically forward your score for you free of charge.
• Get your CLEP Transcript. If you took the CLEP before you kenw which college you would attend, you can get a CLEP Transcript Request Form from www.collegeboard.com or order the transcript via their phone number, 1-800-257-9558. You will need your test information, your personal information (including Social Security number) and where they should send your score.
• Follow through.  Contact your college to be sure the correct office received the results and has applied them as you expected. Sometimes there are mistakes, and being in communication with the proper office(s) at your college can really help you ensure that you receive the credits you've earned.