​​College Level Examination Program (CLEP)​

• The minimum score needed on a CLEP exam is 50 to earn credit. 

• Exceptions for SHSU Students:   

• The Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam and College Composition Modular exams also require grading of the essay before credit may be considered.  

• For foreign language CLEP exams, the SHSU Department of World Languages and Cultures has established the following score requirements for credit 

• Letter grades A and B take precedence over credit-by-exam.  

• Credit-by-Exam will automatically replace letter grades D and F. If a letter grade of C is listed on the transcript for a course in which credit-by-exam is also applicable, the C will take precedence over the credit-by-exam. Students will have the option to request credit (via credit-by-exam) in lieu of letter grade C. Students will initiate the change with the respective academic department and Admissions to finalize the change. Although credit-by-exam replaces letter grades C, D, and F, it does not remove the letter grade from the transcript. 

• Specific course prefixes, numbers, and credit hours will be awarded for acceptable scores, but no grades will be awarded.  

Minimum Scores & Notable Exceptions 

• The minimum score needed on a CLEP exam is 50 to earn credit. 

• Exceptions for SHSU Students:   
  • The Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam and College Composition Modular exams also require grading of the essay before credit may be considered.  
  • For foreign language CLEP exams, the SHSU Department of World Languages and Cultures has established the following score requirements for credit  

• Test Delivery Options: In-person  

• In-person exams are located on the SHSU Huntsville campus.   

• Exam length: 90-160 minutes   

Fees & Payment Steps 

• $33.50 (paid to the Testing Center) 

• $95.00 (paid to CLEP)  

Please note, the CLEP fee must be paid before scheduling your appointment with the Testing Center. Visit CLEP to select your exam and pay the CLEP fee.   

All fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.   

What to Bring & When to Arrive 

• Please arrive to the Center 15 minutes before your exam start time.   

• Testers must bring the following forms of ID and information with them on test day:   
  • Valid Photo ID – may not be expired and must have photo. 
  • Examples: Driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, military ID, student ID.  

• CLEP Ticket ID  
  • This ID number is provided to you after your exam selection and payment on the CLEP website.   

When Scores Post  

• Scores will be displayed immediately following completion of the exam* and a paper copy of scores will also be provided*.   

• Additionally, students can view, download, or print a copy of their CLEP scores 24 hours after completing their exam by visiting their My CLEP portal*.   

• *Scores for the College Composition exam and the Spanish with Writing exam will be available in a student’s My CLEP portal 2-3 weeks after their exam day.  

• Test takers are provided with two free score requests during the registration process for their CLEP exam. This will allow you to send your scores to the institution(s) you desire.   

• After completion of your CLEP exam, you can request additional copies of your score report, or have your scores sent to another institution for a fee. This is handled through your My CLEP student portal.   

• If you are a SHSU student and wish to have your CLEP credit applied to your curriculum, you will need to request an official copy of your CLEP scores to be sent to SHSU.   

How Long Scores Remain Valid 

• CLEP exams completed on or after July 1, 2022, are valid for 10 years from the test date.   

• Scores for CLEP exams taken on or before June 30, 2022, will be valid for 20 years from the test day.   

When You Can Retake 

• Students may repeat CLEP exams, but must follow the criteria below: 
  • CLEP exams: must wait 90 days to retest 
  • Essay exams: must wait 30 days to retest 
    • (i.e., Analyzing & Interpreting Literature and College Composition Modular)  

Testing with Accommodations 

• Accommodation requests are processed through the Services for Students with Disabilities Office. 
  • Email: disability@shsu.edu 
  • Phone: (936) 294-3512  
  • Website: https://www.shsu.edu/dept/disability/   

• The Testing Center must receive documentation of your accommodation at least two weeks in advance of your scheduled test date

Study & Registration Links 

• CLEP Prep   

CLEP Program Contacts 

• Website: www.collegeboard.com   

• Email clep@info.collegeboard.org    

• Phone: 1-800-257-9558