CLEP Examination

Prior Learning Credit is marked CL or LE on the Bucks County Community College transcript. This credit is not automatically accepted by transfer schools, and anyone planning to transfer should look into this matter with the transfer schools(s) concerned, before starting the Prior Learning Assessment process.

The College-Level Examination Program ® or CLEP provides students of any age with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses.

  1. Courses Open to Challenge by Examination at Bucks.
    http://www.bucks.edu/catalog/crex.php
    • CLEP Examination Titles with BCCC Course Equivalencies
      Be careful to confirm that the CLEP exam you take is the equivalent of the BCCC class for which you expect to get equivalent credit. http://www.bucks.edu/pla/clepequiv.php
    • Note the following:
      • BCCC awards credit for many but not all of the 34 CLEP exams.
      • All CLEP exams can be taken at the Bucks County Community College Testing Center, & transcripts sent to the college of the student's choice.
      • Any grade earned in a class at BCCC, remains on the transcript and calculates into the GPA even if credit for that course is later earned through a CLEP exam.
      • The science exams are not accepted by BCCC, since lab work is considered an essential part of evaluating competency in a science.
      • The only CLEP exam considered the equivalent of BCCC course COMP110 English Composition I, is 'English Composition with Essay'. The only exception to this rule is for those candidates for the nursing program who have already passed the equivalent of COMP110 at another Middle States accredited school, who may take 'English Composition without Essay', if they prefer. A transcript demonstrating this equivalency must be given to the Coordinator, Experiential Learning.
      • COMP 111 English Composition 11 is not open to challenge by a CLEP exam unless a student hoping to enter the nursing program has passed an equivalent course at a regionally accredited college. In this case only, students may take the CLEP exam Analyzing & Interpreting Literature to challenge COMP 111 English Composition II. A transcript demonstrating this equivalency must be given to the Coordinator, Experiential Learning.
  2. CLEP Examinations & Transfer
    It is the responsibility of all students planning to transfer to ensure that their transfer school is willing to accept CLEP credits.

  3. Official CLEP Examination website.
    http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html

  4. Preparing for the CLEP Examination
    • The BCCC Library has a current edition of The CLEP Official Study Guide , in the reference section at all three campuses. Published by the sponsor of CLEP (the College Board) this is the only complete source of information about the CLEP exams. It contains sample questions and answers (more than 50 questions per exam) for all 34 exams, information on getting credit for CLEP, and exam-taking tips.
    • The book is also available at the BCCC bookstore.
    • Individual study guides for each CLEP EXAM are also available at the Official CLEP website (web address above).
  5. CLEP Testing Site at BCCC
    http://www.bucks.edu/testing/
    CLEP examinations can be taken at the Testing Center at Bucks. This is an open test site open to all CLEP candidates. A government issued ID is required to test (e.g. a driver's license or a non-driver's State ID card).  Underage students who are unable to acquire a State ID card should contact the Director of Testing at 215-968-8466.

  6. CLEP Exam Costs
    Each CLEP exam requires two fees. These fees are specified on the Application Form. (See point 7 below.)The first fee payable to CLEP via check or credit card covers the cost of the exam and the reporting of scores. The second fee payable by check to Bucks County Community College (BCCC) is for the administrative activities associated with the exam and its delivery. The fee to BCCC must be paid again if you choose to reschedule your appointment once it has been set. The CLEP fee would not need to be paid again if you rescheduled your appointment.

  7. CLEP Application form
    http://www.bucks.edu/academics/pla/clepapp.pdf