The CLEP Exam lets students earn college credits through tests instead of attending classes. With 34 exams available, it's a great option for homeschoolers.
Research from the National Home Education Research Institute (NHERI) shows that homeschooled students typically score 15 to 25 percentile points higher than public school students on standardized academic achievement tests. Studies show that homeschooled students are accepted to college at rates comparable to or higher than their traditionally schooled peers, and they tend to earn higher GPAs in their first year of college (Journal of College Admission, 2010).
What is the CLEP exam?
The College-Level Examination Program, or CLEP Exam, offers 34 tests in five subject areas. These exams let students earn college credit without taking courses. It started for adults and military members but is now a great option for homeschoolers. Each exam lasts 90 minutes and costs $93, allowing students to earn 3-12 college credits, depending on the subject and school. About 2,900 colleges accept CLEP scores. There’s no age limit, no required courses, and if you fail, it stays private—only passing scores show up on transcripts. Homeschoolers can mix CLEP prep into their regular studies and take the exams when they feel ready.
How CLEP saves money
The savings are clear. A CLEP exam costs $93, while a college course can set you back $500 to $3,000 or more, depending on the school. If a student passes 10 CLEP exams, they could earn over 30 credits—basically a full year of college—for under $1,000 instead of $15,000 to $30,000. Many homeschool families plan ahead. They use CLEP for general education classes like composition and psychology. This way, students can start college as sophomores or juniors, saving money for major courses. The savings can go beyond tuition, covering room and board, too.
Free CLEP preparation
You can prepare for CLEP exams for free! Modern States offers free prep courses. If you score 70% or higher on their quizzes, they’ll give you a voucher to cover the $93 exam fee and test center costs. So, it can be completely free for eager students. Their courses have video lessons, practice questions, and useful resources. Other prep options include REA study guides, Peterson's CLEP Prep, and InstantCert flashcards. Many families fit CLEP prep into their regular homeschooling, studying subjects like psychology throughout the year and then focusing on exam prep right before the test.
Strategic exam selection
Not every CLEP exam is the same in terms of difficulty or value. Spanish Language often has high pass rates for students who've studied it before. Subjects like Introductory Sociology, Psychology, and Western Civilization are usually easier. College Composition Modular and Analyzing & Interpreting Literature are best for strong readers and writers. Subjects like sciences and Calculus are trickier and need more prep. Start with your student’s strengths to build their confidence. Check what your target colleges accept for CLEP credits before you invest time in prep, as policies can differ.
The bottom line
CLEP provides a fantastic opportunity for homeschoolers to turn their high school learning into college credit for a low cost. This program is perfect for self-motivated students who can study for exams without a traditional classroom setup—a skill many homeschoolers already have. The key is to plan wisely: identify the colleges you’re interested in, check their CLEP policies, choose exams that fit your student’s strengths and college requirements, then blend prep into your current curriculum. If done well, CLEP can save you tens of thousands of dollars while proving college-level skills.
