Answers to frequently asked questions about CLEP at Southern Nazarene University
What is CLEP?
They are national tests standardized by Educational Testing Service to measure college level performance in several courses that are typically in the undergraduate curriculum.
What score must I make to bypass a course?
Southern Nazarene University uses the ACE recommended score of 50 for all subjects.
When are they given?
SNU is a national testing center. Tests are given by appointment only, Monday through Thursday, even during the summer months. There is a complete listing of test centers on the CLEP website. Each test center sets up their own schedule.
How much do they cost?
The cost is currently $77 for each test. Payment must be made the day of the test by credit card (preferred method) or with a check or money order made out to CLEP. There is also a $15.00 administration fee for each test. Payment for this may be made by cash, check, or money order to Southern Nazarene University.
What time do they start?
Generally they begin at 9:00 or 10:00 a.m., or 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. The exams are 90 minutes in length, except for College Composition with Essay, which is 120 minutes. In addition there is a tutorial that takes from 10 to 30 minutes depending on your familiarity with computers.
Where are they given?
At the Testing Service Office in the Science Bldg., Room 433. You must call the Testing Center at 491-6323 or come by to make an appointment.
What about an application?
There is nothing to fill out; just call or come by for an appointment.
What identification do I need in order to take a test?
On test day be sure to bring two forms of identification. Your primary ID must include your photo and signature; e.g. your driver's license or passport. Your secondary ID must have a signature and/or photo; e.g. a social security card or student ID. (These are acceptable only as a secondary form of ID.)
What are the courses for which I may receive credit?
In the Composition and Literature area:
American Literature, Analysis and Interpretation of Literature, College Composition with Essay, English Literature and *Humanities
**In the Foreign Languages area:
French and Spanish
In the Social Sciences and History area:
American Government, U.S. History, *Western Civilization, Educational Psychology, Introductory Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Introductory Sociology, Macroeconomics and Microeconomics
In the Business area:
Information Systems & Computer Application, Principles of Management, Financial Accounting, Intro. to Business Law, and Principles of Marketing
In the Mathematics and Science area:
Calculus, College Algebra, College Mathematics (elective credit), Biology, Chemistry and Natural Sciences
* Humanities and Western Civilization are only for Professional Studies and Enrichment Track Students.
**Before credit is awarded for foreign languages a local speaking/listening test will be administered by the Modern Language Department.
How soon are scores received after testing?
You will receive a score report upon completion of the exam. If you want your scores sent to a college, employer, or certifying agency, you must select this option through the examination software. This service is free only if you select your score recipient at the time you test. A $20 fee will be charged for each score recipient you select at a later date. If you take the College Composition with Essay you will receive one combined score after the essays have been scored, which could take three (3) to four (4) weeks.
How much does CLEP credit cost if it is recorded on the transcript?
There is a fee of $7. You will be billed by the business office. (This is in addition to the Administration Fee paid at the time of the test.)
How do I remove CLEP credit from my transcript? Once CLEP credit is recorded on your transcript, it cannot be removed.
Must I register in advance?
Yes, you may register by calling the Testing Service Office at 491.6323, or coming to Science Bldg., Room 433. There is no need to fill out a registration form.
What is the test like?
You may order the book The Official Study Guide for the CLEP Examinations ($25.00 plus postage, handling, and tax). You may order using a major credit card by calling toll free in the U.S.: 1.800.323.7155, ask for department CLS0201. It is also available through local bookstores. Visit the College Board Web site at www.collegeboard.com/clep for useful tips and the CLEP Sampler (free) at the CLEP Prep Center.
How can I prepare for the test?
(See information from previous question) or get a book called "How to prepare for CLEP" or a similar title from one of several publishers of such material. These are usually available from local bookstores and libraries. Another good source to review is the textbook used for the class for which you are trying to get CLEP credit. You may also call the SNU Test Center and request sample tests (491-6323).
May I take the tests in another location?
Yes, you make take these tests at any CLEP national testing center. A listing of such centers is available on the College Board website at www.collegeboard.com/clep.
My scores were sent to another college, how can they be sent to SNU? or My scores were sent to SNU, how can they be sent to another college?
They must be sent by the CLEP Transcript Service, P.O. Box 6600, Princeton, New Jersey 08541-6600. You may call (800) 257.9558 if ordering with a credit card. You must make your request to them. There is a $20.00 fee for each transcript.
How soon may CLEP tests be retaken?
After 6 complete months, you may retake a test. If you retake before 6 months, your test will not be scored by ETS.
May I cancel my registration?
Yes, if you call the Testing Service Office at 491-6323, or any other testing location where you made an appointment.
What grade is recorded on my transcript if I receive credit?
A "P" for pass
How does the "P" affect my grade point average?
It doesn't.
Is there a limit on the number of hours I can get by taking CLEP exams?
Yes, 30 hours. This includes CLEP, AP, Departmental Proficiency, Military Credit, etc.
This information is subject to change without notice.
Updated 6-23-10