Why CLEP Exams in 2026?
With rising tuition costs, CLEP exams are a treasure chest of time-saving and money-saving gems for graduating early. However, not all CLEP exams are created equal; some require months of prep, while others can be mastered much more quickly. We analyzed the latest CLEP pass rates to find the 5 subjects that offer the best return on effort for students.
Understanding the Data: What is a Good CLEP Pass Rate?
CLEP exam pass rates typically range from 50% to 90%, depending on the subject. Our data is based on the latest 2024 military pass rates for these exams. Military pass rates are often lower than civilian rates, as many people take the tests without prior study, since the first attempt is free for military service members. Remember that your ability to pass these exams is highly personal and depends on your previous knowledge of the subject. Exams that you’ve had previous coursework in may be easier to study for and pass than the exams listed below, especially if you have no previous experience with the subjects.
What is a Passing Score?
A score of 50 is the magic number for a passing CLEP exam score, as it is often the required score for credit. Individual colleges may have their own credit-by-exam passing requirements, so be sure to check with your university to determine the score you should aim for.
At-a-Glance Pass Rates
The Top 5 CLEP Exams for Fast Credit*
| Rank | CLEP Exam | CLEP Exam Pass Rates* |
| #1 | Spanish Language | 88% |
| #2 | College Composition | 78% |
| #3 | Introductory Sociology | 76% |
| #4 | Natural Sciences | 70% |
| #5 | Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 69% |
*Data Note: Pass rates are based on the most recent DANTES military performance reports. While individual results vary, these percentages represent the average success rate across thousands of annual test-takers. While French and German are also on the list of the top 5 tests with the highest passing scores, we’ve taken them off this list. More students in the US will likely have had experience with Spanish than with German and French, and therefore will be more likely to pass the Spanish exam.
3 Tips to Be in the CLEP Exam Pass Rates
- Take a Diagnostic Test or an Initial Practice Test: Don’t go into a CLEP exam without knowing where you stand first in your knowledge of the subject. Taking an initial test will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, so you can study effectively.
- Focus on High-Weight Topics: Use Peterson’s courses to see which 20% of the study effort will yield 80% of the points, based on your previous knowledge of the subject and experience.
- Use Active Recall: Practice CLEP exams beat re-reading textbooks every time, as it engages your brain in recalling the information you know and reinforcing the information you don’t yet know.
Start Your Fast-Track Today
Picking the right CLEP exams can save you a full semester of tuition, given the tests fulfill your credit needs! Check your specific college’s policy on CLEP exam credits, as this is crucial for earning college credit. Once you understand how to best fulfill credits at your university, you’ll be able to save time and money on semester-long classes with credit by exam. Start earning credit today with CLEP exams!
