Category: CLEP FAQ

Study Tips

It’s important to note that we don’t all study the same way. These tips worked for me, but it’s important to find a study method that works best with your individual learning style.

• Look for free resources at your local library, such as study guides.
• Schedule your CLEP exams in advance as a motivator to keep your studies on-track.
• Taking multiple exams? Look for overlap in subject areas. (For example, US History I and US Government have overlapping content, so studying for both simultaneously may save you time.)
• Use multiple study resources for each exam. Your mileage may vary, but I found that no single study resource covered everything I needed to know. It’s best to pull from a variety of resources to ensure your bases are covered.
• Get your hands on as many practice exams as possible, particularly ones that offer explanations following each question. Practice exams do more than gauge readiness, they can help you identify knowledge gaps.
• Got a question wrong on a practice exam? Research it! Don’t just get questions wrong, and move on. Make sure you understand the correct answer.

Check out my list of favorite study resources and guides for CLEP.

Test-Taking Tips

• You’ll have the opportunity to take a deep breath. Use it. When you sit down to take your exam, you’ll be asked to read through a series of on-screen disclosures before the clock begins. Take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and get your heart rate down before you begin.
• You’ll feel like you’re failing. That’s normal. Out of the 19 exams I took, I felt like I was failing every one of them during the exam. Don’t be discouraged. You’re likely doing much better than you think you are.
• Never ever skip questions. You don’t lose points for incorrect answers, so it’s important to at least guess.
  

Annual pass rates for each CLEP and DSST exam were once available through DANTES. Unfortunately, as of August 2018, the agency no longer posts this information in detail.

Here is the formerly-published data, from 2017. Unfortunately, these numbers are not likely to be updated, but they should still be helpful in estimating exam difficulty. For access to the limited 2018 pass rates, visit the DANTES website.

CLEP Pass Rates

DSST Pass Rates

* It’s unclear whether the Public Speaking exam includes those who took the speaking portion of the exam.

What’s the difference between civilian and military pass rates?

Many military members are able to take CLEP and DSST exams for free. Because of this, military test takers are more likely to attempt exams ‘cold’ or with minimal studying. While this isn’t true across the board, it explains the overall lower pass rates for military vs civilian test takers.