The College Board administers the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), which offers affordable exams that help students receive college credits. This article covers the CLEP College Mathematics exam, which covers topics that are generally taught in courses for non-math majors in college.
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What is the CLEP College Mathematics Exam?
As mentioned previously, CLEP exams can be taken to earn college credits for the things you already know. If you have learned the exam material through on-the-job training, previous studies, or simple life experience, you can take this one exam and receive college credit as if you took the one-semester course!
By taking and passing the CLEP College Mathematics exam, you can skip the algebra class at college. This will potentially:
- Allow you to earn three or more college credits
- Save you money because the test is cheaper than a semester at college
- Allow you to graduate on time or possibly to graduate ahead of schedule
- Add flexibility to your degree program
Taking the CLEP College Mathematics exam can save you from hours of classwork and all of the hours of homework that professors assign. You should check with your college before taking this exam to make sure they will accept it.
CLEP College Mathematics Exam Eligibility
Anyone has the ability to take a CLEP exam at any time they wish! There are no age restrictions or educational requirements.
Here are some examples of who takes the CLEP College Mathematics exam:
- College students
- High school students who are preparing to graduate
- Homeschool students
- Adults who are returning to school
- Professionals who want to use the exam results to help advance their careers
- Applicants to master’s degree programs that still have undergraduate prerequisites they need to fulfill
CLEP College Mathematics Exam Outline
The CLEP College Mathematics exam contains 60 questions and has a time limit of 90 minutes.
About half of the questions will focus on your ability to solve simple, straightforward problems, while the other half of the questions are centered on more complex problems that require you to fully understand the concepts at hand.
The questions are split into seven categories:
Algebra and Functions (20%)
The knowledge and skills tested in this section include:
- Solving equations
- Solving linear inequalities and systems of linear equations
- Interpretation and evaluation of functions
- Graphs of functions
- Linear and exponential growth
The types of functions covered in this category are linear, polynomial, exponential, radical, piecewise defined, and logarithmic.
Counting and Probability (10%)
The knowledge and skills tested in this section include:
- Multiplication rules
- Intersection
- Complementary events
- Conditional probability
- Expected value
Data Analysis and Statistics (15%)
The knowledge and skills tested in this section include:
- Data interpretation and representation
- Numerical summaries of data
- Standard deviation
- Normal distribution
Financial Mathematics (20%)
The knowledge and skills tested in this section include:
- Percents
- Interest
- Present value
- Future value
Geometry (10%)
The knowledge and skills tested in this section include:
- Properties of triangles
- Properties of quadrilaterals
- Parallel and perpendicular lines
- Properties of circles
Logic and Sets (15%)
The knowledge and skills tested in this section include:
- Logical operations and statements
- Set relationships
- Subsets
- Disjoint sets
- Equality of sets
- Venn diagrams
- Operations on sets
Numbers (10%)
The knowledge and skills tested in this section include:
- Properties of numbers
- Elementary number theory
- Measurements
- Absolute value
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CLEP College Mathematics Exam Registration
The CLEP College Mathematics exam is administered on a flexible schedule throughout the year, and you can register online via the College Board website.
Before you can register, you will need to create a College Board account on their website. This account will allow you to manage your profile, see the exams you have taken, and view the grades of the exams you have taken.
During the registration process, you will need to pay the $90 exam fee. You will also choose whether to take the exam at a testing center or remotely.
Testing In-person
Once you have selected the test center and time that you want to take the exam, you will need to return to the portal of the CLEP website and print your ticket. You will not be admitted into the testing center without this printed ticket.
Testing Remotely
Before registering to take the exam remotely, you should ensure that you meet the technical requirements:
- You must have a PC desktop or laptop (Macs, Chromebooks, and tablets are not supported).
- Your computer must be using the Windows 10 operating system (Windows 11 is not supported).
- Your computer must have the most recent version of Google Chrome installed.
- You must have a speaker of some kind, internal or external (headphones are not allowed).
- You must have a camera and microphone, internal or external.
- You must have a reliable internet connection.
Once you have selected the day and time that you want to take the exam, you will need to return to the portal of the CLEP website and download the ETS Online Test application. This application is what allows you to take the exam on your computer at home.
Test Day
In-person Testing
You should arrive at the testing center 15-30 minutes earlier than your scheduled exam time. After you arrive, you will be asked to provide a valid form of photo ID and your printed registration ticket.
Before you enter the testing room, you will be asked to leave all personal items behind. These include your cell phone, pencils, books, notes, calculators, bags, and food items.
Because you cannot bring your own calculator, a TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculator will be made available within the testing software throughout the entire exam:
Remote Testing
You should log in to your CLEP account 15-30 minutes prior to the scheduled time. Once you have logged in, you will need to download and install the Proctortrack desktop app. Within this app, you will be asked to verify your identity with a face scan and a scan of a valid photo ID. You will also be instructed to scan your testing room with your webcam so the proctor can determine that there are no prohibited items in your testing area.
Once the verification process is complete, you will need to open the ETS Online Test application, where the proctor will get you set up and begin the exam.
During the exam, you must ensure that no one enters your testing room. If someone does enter, you must ask them to leave, and you cannot say anything else to them.
How the CLEP College Mathematics Exam is Scored
the CLEP College Mathematics exam is scored on a point system, with each correct answer adding one point to your score. You will not have points taken away for any incorrect answers. If you skip a question, you will not have points taken away.
The number of correct answers you have will be your raw score. The raw score that you receive will be converted into a scaled score. A scaled score is typically in numeric form ranging from 20 to about 80.
Your unofficial score report will be available on your screen as soon as you finish the exam, and an official report will be made available the next day when you log in to your CLEP account.
Passing Score
There is no set passing score for this exam. The college of your choice will have its own score requirements. You can generally find this score requirement on the college website.
According to the American Council on Education, a score of 50 or higher on the scaled score is often what colleges require.
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How to Study for the CLEP College Mathematics Exam
How to Study Effectively
Your success on CLEP test day depends not only on how many hours you put into preparing but also on whether you prepared the right way. It’s good to check along the way to see whether your studying is paying off. One of the most effective ways to do this is by taking CLEP College Mathematics practice tests to evaluate your progress. Practice tests are useful because they show exactly where you need to improve. Every time you take a free CLEP College Mathematics exam practice test, pay special attention to these three groups of questions:
- The questions you got wrong
- The ones you had to guess on, even if you guessed right
- The ones you found difficult or slow to work through
This will show you exactly what your weak areas are and where you need to devote more study time. Ask yourself why each of these questions gave you trouble. Was it because you didn’t understand the material? Was it because you didn’t remember the vocabulary? Do you need more repetitions on this type of question to build speed and confidence? Dig into those questions and figure out how you can strengthen your weak areas as you go back to review the material.
Answer Explanations
Additionally, many CLEP practice tests have a section explaining the answer choices. It can be tempting to read the explanation and think that you now have a good understanding of the concept. However, an explanation likely only covers part of the question’s broader context. Even if the explanation makes sense, go back and investigate every concept related to the question until you’re positive you have a thorough understanding.
Comprehend Each Topic
As you go along, keep in mind that the CLEP College Mathematics practice test is just that: practice. Memorizing these questions and answers will not be very helpful on the actual test because it is unlikely to have any of the same exact questions. If you only know the right answers to the sample questions, you won’t be prepared for the real thing. Study the concepts until you understand them fully, and then you’ll be able to answer any question that shows up on the test.
Strategy for CLEP College Mathematics Practice
When you’re ready to start taking practice tests, follow this strategy:
- Remove Limitations. Take the first test with no time constraints and with your notes and CLEP College Mathematics study guide handy. Take your time and focus on applying the strategies you’ve learned.
- Time Yourself. Take the second practice test “open book” as well, but set a timer and practice pacing yourself to finish in time.
- Simulate Test Day. Take any other practice tests as if it were test day. Set a timer and put away your study materials. Sit at a table or desk in a quiet room, imagine yourself at the testing center, and answer questions as quickly and accurately as possible.
- Keep Practicing. Keep taking practice tests on a regular basis until you run out of practice tests or it’s time for the actual test. Your mind will be ready for the schedule and stress of test day, and you’ll be able to focus on recalling the material you’ve learned.
FAQs
Q
Can I use a calculator on the CLEP College Mathematics exam?
A
Yes, a digital calculator will be provided for you to use on this exam.
Q
How many questions are on the CLEP College Mathematics exam?
A
There are 60 questions on this exam.
Q
How long is the CLEP College Mathematics exam?
A
The time limit for this exam is 90 minutes (1.5 hours).
Q
Are formulas given on the CLEP College Mathematics exam?
A
No, there will not be a list of formulas provided for this exam.
Q
What is the passing score for the CLEP College Mathematics exam?
A
There is no set passing score for this exam.
Q
How much does the CLEP College Mathematics exam cost?
A
The examination fee is $90.
