CLEP Exam Credit
Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) students have the option of receiving credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) after matriculation. CLEP credit is considered transfer credit and is limited to the maximum of 30 alternative testing credits, as part of the overall 90 transfer credits that BLS students are able to use toward their degree.
Details about CLEP Credit
Students wishing to earn CLEP credit while attending UMW must fill out the Permission to Take Classes at Another U.S. Institution form, which is available on the registrar’s webpage, prior to taking the exam. Submit the form to registrar@umw.edu. If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at (540) 654-1063.
Visit the Registrar’s website for a current list of CLEP Equivalencies.
- CLEP credits are generally used to fill elective credit and do not substitute required upper division major courses; however, they can fill lower division courses and some general education requirements.
- You cannot receive duplicate credit for a course. For example, if you already have credit for BLAW 201: Introduction to Business Law, take a different test. If you already have credit for SPAN 101, you may earn additional credits for higher levels of Spanish, but you will not receive the 3 credits for SPAN 101 again.
- “NOTMJ” credit refers to elective credit. For example, the Literature CLEP exams award ENGL NOTMJ credit. Duplication is not an issue with NOTMJ credit, only with credit that has a specific course number.
- Check the equivalency guide and the list of exam topics to view all subjects offered. (Note: Leadership and Management majors should not take any Business-related CLEP exams due to a restriction on the number of Business-related credits allowed in their degree.)
- These tests are affordable, at just under $100 for 3-12 credits. However, choose carefully, and talk with your advisor if you aren’t sure about whether or not you should take one.
- Take your exam in early Fall so that if you don’t pass, you can retake it the following Spring. If you are taking one in Spring of your graduation term, take it as early as possible so your score has plenty of time to arrive at UMW. It is not recommended to take a CLEP exam any later than mid-March if you are graduating that term.
- Use the online study guides and practice tests, available from the CLEP website. Check your local library or bookstore for CLEP study guides. The BLS office has free practice tests that may be requested via email.
- Study hard. You will have to wait several months to retake the same test if you don’t pass. You must obtain the minimum score for each exam, as noted on the CLEP website and the equivalency guide.
- Scores must be received before the transfer credit receipt deadline, so don’t put off sending your scores.
For further information, including testing sites near you, see the College Board website.