What is CLEP?

CLEP offers exams to help students satisfy prerequisites for degree programs with just one exam per subject. No class meetings. No homework. No projects. All that one must do is simply study, apply, pay, and take the exam. There is no limit to the number of courses that one can take.

Students are interested in credit-by-exam for many reasons. Some are trying to stay on track for graduation. Others desire to complete more courses in the program of study or to double major. High school Advanced Placement students can use the CLEP program to avoid retaking a particular course when they get to college. Finally, students on a shoe string budget elect to take CLEP exams to help keep the cost of college down.

How do I prepare?

Should I take CLEP? Well, that all depends. Students are discouraged from attempting exams for subjects that they may not be academically proficient in. Content in exams is equal that of what is covered in the average college course of that subject. So, if you are thinking of attempting a CLEP exam, hit the books. The only method to ensure success is to study.

To assist in preparation, the Roberts Library has on reserve the CLEP Official Study Guide, 17th edition. Additional resources can be purchased for download from the CollegeBoard web site. However, the CollegeBoard is not the only source for study materials.  Many successful test takers have reported using REA, Cliffs Notes AP, Comex Systems or Kaplan study guides to help them prepare. Most study guides can be purchased in text book format or downloaded.

How much does it cost?

A $90.00 exam and proctoring fee is due no later than the day of the exam. Fees may be paid by money order, check or credit card at the time of your exam. Examinees must make payment before being allowed to begin the exam. $65.00 is the charge for the CLEP Exam and must be paid directly to collegeboard. There is a $25.00 proctoring fee that should be paid to Dalton State College in the Business Office which is located in the Westcott Building. Please note: For exams requiring an essay, there is an additional $10.00 fee instituted by the CollegeBoard. Essay exams must be scheduled no less than two weeks prior to ensure delivery.

How can I Register?

Administration of CLEP tests takes place each Friday by appointment. The CLEP Testing Lab is located in the lower level of the Pope Student Center. The lab features eight computers equipped for CLEP testing. Reservations are awarded on a first come, first serve basis.

Reservation, click here

Application, click here

What courses will DSC give me credit for?

*Students receiving CLEP for American Government and /or History of the United States must validate proficiency of legislative requirements by passing an exemption exam. A passing score on the CLEP examinations in American Government and History of the United States I and II does not include credit for the student's having satisfied the Georgia history requirement or the Georgia constitution requirement.

**Dalton State College proctors exams for all available CLEP subjects. However, students of Dalton State College should be aware that not all exams are acknowledge for credit by the college. Students testing from other institutions should check with their institution of enrollement to determine what exams they should take. For a complete list of exams, visit the CollegeBoard web site.