CLEP Natural Sciences — Information & Free Practice
US · Examination information
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CLEP Natural Sciences
- Provider
- College Board; ETS operates the online testing platform as its subcontractor.
- Format
- Computer-administered, with multiple-choice questions; test-center and remote-proctored delivery are the same examination.
- Exam questions
- Total questions: 120; The total includes the scored and unscored questions.
- Time limit
- 90 minutes
- Passing score
- ACE recommends 50 for six semester hours; each institution sets its own credit-granting score and policy.
- Exam fee
- $97 examination fee, plus the applicable test-center or remote-proctoring administration fee; funding eligibility is separate.
Examination outline
Biological Science (50%)
- Origin and evolution of life; classification of organisms
- Cell organization, cell division, chemical nature of the gene, bioenergetics, and biosynthesis
- Structure, function, and development in organisms; patterns of heredity
- Concepts of population biology with emphasis on ecology
Physical Science (50%)
- Atomic and nuclear structure and properties, elementary particles, and nuclear reactions
- Chemical elements, compounds and reactions, molecular structure and bonding
- Heat, thermodynamics, and states of matter; classical mechanics; relativity
- Electricity and magnetism, waves, light, and sound
- The universe: galaxies, stars, and the solar system
- The Earth: atmosphere, hydrosphere, structure features, geologic processes, and history
Examination sources
- College Board — Natural Sciences
Knowledge and Skills Required, subject-matter control statement and Biological Science / Physical Science lists
- College Board — Natural Sciences
Knowledge and Skills Required, abilities introduction and three bullets
- College Board — Natural Sciences
Knowledge and Skills Required, paragraph following Physical Science
- College Board — Natural Sciences
Overview, nonspecialist coverage and emphasis
- College Board — Natural Sciences
Overview, final paragraph
- College Board — What Your CLEP Score Means
PDF p. 1, left column, scoring calculations and independent-examination paragraph
- College Board — Earn College Credit with CLEP
Key Facts about CLEP, item format
- College Board — What Your CLEP Score Means
PDF p. 1, left column, paragraph beginning Note that
- College Board — Natural Sciences
Score Information, ACE Recommendation for Natural Sciences table and note
- College Board — Register for an Exam
Introduction, year-round administration and cost
- College Board — Register for an Exam
Keep in Mind, registering and scheduling are separate
- College Board — Find a Test Center and Schedule Your Test
Instructions, step 2, test-center access labels
- College Board — Find a Test Center and Schedule Your Test
Instructions, step 3, contact the test center
- College Board — CLEP Exam Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility, test centers and remote proctoring
- College Board — CLEP Exam Eligibility Requirements
Who Can't Take a CLEP Exam
- College Board — CLEP Terms and Conditions
Section 2.a, admission and required items
- College Board — CLEP Terms and Conditions
Section 2.b, remote eligibility and remote requirements