Back

Comparing CLEP and AP

Both CLEP and AP programs offer students the opportunity to master introductory college-level work. The main difference between the two programs is that you prepare for CLEP exams on your own, while AP exams are taken after completing an AP course. Review other key differences below.

 

CLEP

AP

Exams Offered3438
Exams DesignPrimarily multiple-choice; required writing sections for College Composition and Spanish with WritingMultiple-choice, free-response, short-answer
College Credit PolicyCredit (Search CLEP college credit policies)Credit or placement (Search AP credit policies)
Assessment FocusContent knowledge and skills equivalent to introductory college coursesContent knowledge and skills equivalent to introductory college courses
Instruction and CurriculumFree and low-cost practice resources; however, no CLEP-endorsed coursesCourses taught in high school modeled after introductory college courses; Courses designed by teachers using AP curriculum guidelines
Test DevelopmentDeveloped by committees of college faculty from wide variety of 2- and 4-year collegesDeveloped by committees of high-school teachers and college faculty
ScoringScaled score with a score range of 20–80Scaled score with a score range of 1–5
Primarily Used forEarning college credit toward a 2- or 4-year college degree and placing out of introductory college coursesGaining college-level knowledge and skills, admission advantages, earning college credit, placing out of introductory college courses
Testing Locations2,000+ CLEP test centers across the U.S. and overseas (includes colleges, military bases, high schools, private testing organizations)22,000+ high schools in the U.S. and overseas
Testing WindowYear-roundFirst two weeks in May
Exam Fee$95$98