Transfer Military College Credit: CLEP

What is CLEP?

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national program of credit by examination to obtain recognition of college-level achievement. It can help you meet general education requirements (in subjects like Math, English, Science, Business, foreign languages and others) and complete your degree requirements faster.

The 90- to 120-minute exams are administered at over 2,000 colleges across the country and at on-base testing centers worldwide. Credits are awarded for successful scores at 2,900 colleges and universities with the minimum score for eligibility determined by each individual institution¹. Check with the Prior Learning Assessment Department to confirm AIU’s requirements.

AIU is a registered CLEP credit-granting institution, awarding proficiency credit for comparable coursework based on CLEP examination scores as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) for the respective course requirements. Students should work with the Prior Learning Assessment Department to determine which CLEP examination(s) may work best within their individual degree plan. Official Military transcripts (JST) typically include CLEP scores; otherwise, final, official CLEP score reports should be mailed directly to the AIU Registrar. Students should consult https://www.collegeboard.org to find CLEP examination centers in their areas.

Exams are offered throughout the year, allowing for preparation time at your own pace. You can set a test date depending upon your schedule and the schedule of your local CLEP testing center.

CLEP exams are available in the following areas of study:

• Business
• English
• Mathematics
• Social Science
• Physical/Life Science
• Applied Technology
• Humanities

Students must submit an official CLEP score report or have one mailed to the University Registrar to be evaluated for potential proficiency credit. CLEP examinations can be taken an unlimited number of times; however, if a test is failed, a student must wait six months before the same test can be retaken. If successfully completed, proficiency credit (designated by a grade of “PR”) may be awarded at AIU for the respective course.

How much do CLEP exams cost?

There is no cost to take CLEP tests for military personnel taking a test title for the first time. Many base locations will also waive the test center administration fee. CLEP tests are funded by the United States government through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).

What CLEP exam scores must you get to receive college credit?

For your CLEP exam to be considered for proficiency credit, you must receive a passing score. You may take the CLEP exams as many times as necessary, but if you don't receive a passing score on an exam, you must wait six months before retaking the same test.

Passing scores for DANTES-funded CLEP exams taken by Air Force members are automatically reported to the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF).

Scores for all DANTES-funded CLEP exams taken by Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard are automatically reported to their Joint Service Transcript (JST). Air Force members should contact AFAEMS through the Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC) website.

Scores for self-funded CLEP exams are not reported to CCAF or JST. Ask the CLEP Test Administrator for score reporting instructions.

1. Source: https://clep.collegeboard.org/earn-college-credit/military-benefits (Date last visited 1/31/2020)