WHAT’S ON IT
The College Algebra exam covers material that’s usually taught in a one-semester college course in algebra. Nearly half the test is made up of routine problems requiring basic algebraic skills; the remainder involves solving nonroutine problems in which test takers must demonstrate their understanding of concepts. The test includes questions on basic algebraic operations; linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and graphs; algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and miscellaneous other topics.
NUMBER OF CREDITS
The College Algebra CLEP is worth 3 college credits. It can serve as 1 high school credit (1 year). See Locating College CLEP Lists and College CLEP Policies to learn about the CLEP exams that your target college accepts. For ways to record CLEP credits on the high school transcript read CLEP Credit on the High School Transcript.
NUMBER OF QUESTIONS
There are 60 questions to answer in 90 minutes.
PASSING SCORE
This exam is pass/fail. A passing score is 50. Read CLEP Exam Scoring.
DIFFICULTY RATING
The College Algebra CLEP is rated as a mid 3 out of 5 with 5 being the most difficult on websites that rank these exams. See CLEP Difficulty Rankings based on our experiences for middle and high schoolers.
WHEN TO TAKE
A student has a fair chance of passing this exam after completing Algebra I and certain concepts from Algebra II. It’s safer to say a student has a higher chance of passing this CLEP after completing Algebra II. The College Board lists the topics and concepts on the exam for a reference point. A student can take a practice CLEP test to determine readiness. Speed is important on this exam.
See Which CLEP When: How We Tracked from Middle School to Graduation.
RESOURCES
My older daughter used the older version of Saxon Algebra I. Since she had no interest in math or science, she wanted to complete her math journey as early as possible. My husband, a math guy, coached her through the important concepts of Algebra II just to pass the CLEP.
My younger daughter waited to take the College Algebra CLEP after completing Algebra II in Saxon. They also used the practice tests in the REA CLEP Study Guide for College Algebra as well as the practice test in the CLEP Official Study Guide.
- Saxon Algebra I (older version)(entire course)
- Saxon Algebra II (older version)(partial or entire course)
- REA CLEP Study Guide for College Algebra (provides practice tests)
- CLEP Official Study Guide (provides one practice test)(available at public library)
FINAL PREPARATION
See CLEP Prep Boot Camp: The Final Weeks and Determining CLEP Readiness.
USING THESE CREDITS IN COLLEGE
These credits are accepted at our community college. One of my daughters used these credits to earn an associate’s degree in high school. Even if you must take more math, these credits can fulfill general education credits in the math area which is not fun for some students. Some four-year colleges may accept these credits as elective credits. If your state has an articulation agreement like North Carolina, CLEP credits not normally accepted at a state college can be transferred if an associate degree has been earned at a community college in that state. For more information, read CLEP and NC’s Comprehensive Articulation Agreement.
PLACING CREDIT ON THE HIGH SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT
After studying for and taking this exam, a student can confidently place one credit on the high school transcript. It could be notated as Advanced Algebra on the high school transcript. Passing this exam has the additional value of hushing up the homeschool skeptics in your life – which may actually be your student.
Read CLEP on the High School Transcript for ideas on how to record these credits. For ideas on how to determine a letter grade for the material studied read Determining Grades for CLEP Courses. Finally, if you need help on how to calculate a credit read Transcripts: How to Determine Course Credits.
My experience with CLEPs. I have coached my kids and their friends through 16 different CLEP exams over a period of 9 years. Collectively, they have passed 39 CLEP exams and earned over 159 college credits. I’m still coaching my younger son through his CLEP journey. My high school graduates have received full-ride merit scholarships.
Musing: a period of reflection or thought. As such this post reflects my thoughts, opinions, and experiences on the topic. The choice to home school and the methods you choose are yours to determine.