The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP®) is a credit-by-examination program. The College Board, which gives students the opportunity to earn college credit, sponsors this program. It does this by helping students earn qualifying scores on exams. CLEP exams are computer-based (90 minutes in length) and administered on computers at Ozarks Technical Community College office of Testing Services on the Springfield Campus.
Students take CLEP for a variety of reasons. Some use CLEP to shorten the time it takes to earn a college degree, thereby saving money on tuition and fees. Others take CLEP to move on to more advanced courses sooner, complete basic requirements in order to take more electives, or satisfy college requirements.
Cost-Effectiveness
CLEP exams also offer a low-cost method for earning college credit. Each testing center may charge an addition test proctor fee. These tests offer computer-based exams in more than 33 subjects, ranging from U.S. history, Spanish and college algebra. Students receive their scores immediately upon completion of the exam (except for college composition). For current pricing please visit the CLEP website.
Preparation
Students have the opportunity to prepare for CLEP exams using the CLEP Official Study Guide, which helps students learn more about CLEP exams and decide which CLEP exams to take. It includes sample test questions for all 33 CLEP exams and it provides test-taking tips and a list of study resources to help students prepare for the exams. Individual subject guides are also available online on the CLEP Web site.
Accreditation
Nearly 3,000 colleges and universities grant credit or advanced standing based on CLEP exam performance. Each college sets its own CLEP policy. Therefore, it is important to determine the specifics of an institution’s policy, such as the exams for which they grant credit and how many credits they grant. However, it is not necessary to be enrolled in college in order to take a CLEP test.
Additional Information
John Paul Soto, graduate of Miami Dade College, remarks, “I was close to completing my degree, but due to my busy schedule I was having a difficult time finishing. My knowledge of Spanish and CLEP gave me the extra help I needed. I earned 8 credits through CLEP credits. It helped my complete my degree at Miami Dade and fulfill language requirements for a four-year institution.”
For more information about CLEP, visit www.collegeboard.com/clep. To schedule an exam, please click on the registration link.
CLEP Testing & Location
Ozarks Tech administers the CLEP exams on the Springfield Campus in the Testing Services office. Our location is in the Information Commons East (ICE) 123A. All CLEP exams require a pre-registration process.
There is a $20.00 test fee to take the CLEP exam at Ozarks Tech, payable upon registration in order to secure a test day. Exam fee must be paid, and a receipt produced as confirmation, before admittance to take the CLEP exam. (Payment information is described in the next section.)
The Testing Services office at Ozarks Technical Community College conducts CLEP exams on Monday – Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Exams must be submitted by closing time. No exceptions.
Before the exam:
Individuals who wish to take CLEP exams at Ozarks Technical Community College must pre-register by completing all the following steps:
- Create a CLEP account, register, and pay for exam.
- Schedule online with Ozarks Tech.
- Pay the Ozarks Tech CLEP proctor fee ($20.00).
- Payments can be made in person Student Account Services, ICW 109, any time prior to the exam and pay. There will be no charge if paid with cash; otherwise, there will be a $3.00 fee for payment with debit/credit card.
- Or, for a $3.00 fee you can pay online at https://quikpayasp.com/otc/commerce_manager/payer.do?orderType=TESTING%20SERVICES.
- Please print the receipt and bring it with you to Testing Services.
We offer the CLEP exams on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Testing Services is located on the Springfield Campus ICE 123A.
Ozarks Tech Students:
Read the Ozarks Tech CLEP Policy.
Bring with you on exam day:
- A valid ID
- Passport, valid drivers license, state/province ID, national or tribal ID, or naturalization card/certificate.
- You must bring a physical copy of your ID. Electronic copies cannot be accepted.
- Receipt for payment of the Ozarks Tech CLEP proctor fee ($20.00).
Please note that Ozarks Technical Community College cannot give score results or placement status over the telephone.
CLEP Resources
College Board website contains sample CLEP questions.
Ozarks Technical Community College Library has several Official CLEP Study Guides for checkout.