How do CLEP tests compare in difficulty to AP exams?

missypie · 03-31-2009, 12:26 PM

Does anyone know if CLEP tests are easier than AP exams? I took a whole bunch way back when with absolutely no preparation and emerged a second semester sophomore for my efforts. I suspect, however, that like everything else, it's not that easy anymore.

abasket · 03-31-2009, 12:44 PM

Don't know...but bumping cause I'm curious about this too.

Cardinal Fang · 03-31-2009, 01:17 PM

AP tests are a lot harder than CLEP tests. To get an idea of what an AP looks like, surf on over here:

Advanced Placement Program ?About AP Exams and Courses

Go to an exam page, download the course description and check out the sample test included there. You'll discover that AP tests have a multiple choice component and a free-response component. In other words, they require writing (for language exams) and problem-solving (for math/science exams).

Few people could do well on an AP without preparation.

missypie · 03-31-2009, 01:56 PM

Son will have a boat load of APs but few 4s and 5s. I was wondering if it would be worthwhile for him to take the CLEP in a subject where he didn't get a 4 or 5 in hopes of doing better on the CLEP/

2collegewego · 03-31-2009, 03:14 PM

Missypie, I agree with Cardinal Fang: the CLEP test is *much* easier. Having your son take them is not a bad idea-- if his school offers credit for them. I would call the college before spending the money on the testing.

arabrab · 03-31-2009, 03:23 PM

Some state schools do accept CLEP tests; I'm not as familiar with private schools doing so. (Many selective privates don't give much if any credit for AP work, so I think that the CLEP route would be unproductive in that case.)

I would be very cautious about gaining CLEP credit for any subject where your child intends to pursue further study in college. You don't necessarily want to be bumped into the next level class when a review of the earlier level class may be very helpful, perhaps because the material is covered in more depth or at greater speed. (Chemistry comes to mind -- lots of kids who take and get great scores on the Chem AP test still take General Chemistry in college. If you're pre-med it is almost essential to do so, since med schools don't look at HS-era courses.)

missypie · 03-31-2009, 03:40 PM

I was thinking of subjects that would fullfill gen ed requirements in non-major areas (e.g. history, business), where Son got a 3 on the AP exam. Do you think reviewing an AP exam book would be good preparation, or are there CLEP study guides?

toledo · 03-31-2009, 03:54 PM

2,900 colleges accept CLEP credits. My son took their Spanish test and just missed getting 12 credits (2 years worth). He did score high enough to get 6 credits with CLEP, but his AP score was a 2, which meant 0 credits through AP.

About the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

seiclan · 03-31-2009, 04:34 PM

You can order the CLEP prep book on the college board website.

happymomof1 · 03-31-2009, 11:30 PM

Your public library should have copies of the CLEP material too.

momwriter · 04-01-2009, 08:13 PM

We're in the same situation (son took a bunch of AP tests, but didn't get high enough scores for his school to give credit) so he's taking some CLEPs this month. I've heard they were much easier. Wish we'd thought of this before we wasted so much $$ on AP tests :-)

ClassicRockerDad · 04-01-2009, 08:51 PM

I looked into this once. AP exams are more widely accepted. CLEP seems more accepted at state schools, but not all of them. CLEP seems easier. A lot of pretty good schools (Texas, Wisconsin, Florida, Maryland, Ohio State, GWU) take some CLEPs though.

It seems like the ideal thing is to walk out of the AP test after studying like heck, and then stroll on over to the nearest CLEP center and take an exam in the same subject and get immediate gratification. Study once, test twice - very efficient. This seems especially valuable for a senior who needs the score immediately in order to bank a prerequisite so that they can register for the fall, or for someone who is not confident that they did all that well on the AP test and wants another swing while the material is still fresh.

Another good use seems to be with something like Economics. AP Economics typically does Micro then Macro and you take both tests in May. If you finish Micro in January, you might as well CLEP it while it's fresh, especially if you had to study anyway for a midterm.

I always wondered if the Western Civ or the US History CLEPs can be passed with just Honors high school classes and a little extra studying.

MidwestMom2Kids_ · 04-01-2009, 09:42 PM

US history probably but Western Civ probably no - we looked at the CLEP book - too much art history and philosophy for most h.s. kids I think.

But yes, CLEP tests are way, way, way, way easier than AP tests! My D took a couple of them. She didn't end up actually using them but Ohio State honors was one possible plan and OSU is quite nice about accepting CLEP scores and taking the CLEP tests was painless. It was not hard to score at a level that would lead to college credit at schools that accept CLEP tests. They are as easy complete as a computerized driver's license test, and you get your score when you walk out the door. I think it was fun for her to know that she had mastered material well enough, but one set of standards, to pass a college class in that subject.

missypie · 04-01-2009, 10:57 PM

I know that some schools require the student to take the test on their campus.

MidwestMom2Kids_ · 04-02-2009, 03:42 AM

CLEP scores are like SAT scores. Collegeboard has them on file and reports them to the universities you ask them to be reported to. You can take CLEP tests at a wide variety of locations.
CLEP Test Center Search