Chemistry

EXAM GUIDE

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Contents
1 Introduction
1 CLEP Study Materials: A Word of Warning
1 American Council on Education (ACE)
3 I. The College-Level Examination Program
3 How the Program Works
3 The CLEP Examinations
3 What the Examinations Are Like
4 Where to Take the Examinations and How to Register
4 College Credit Recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE)
4 How Your Score Is Reported
5 II. Approaching a College About CLEP
5 How to Apply for College Credit
6 Questions to Ask About a College’s CLEP Policy
9 III. Deciding Which Examinations to Take
9 If You’re Taking the Examinations for College Credit or Career Advancement . . .
11 IV. Preparing to Take CLEP Examinations
11 Using the Examination Guides
13 Assessing Your Readiness for a CLEP Exam
14 Suggestions for Studying
15 Test Preparation Tips
17 Accommodations for Students with Disabilities
19 V. Taking the Examinations
19 Test-Taking Strategies for Multiple-Choice Questions
20 Answering Essay Questions
20 Test-Taking Strategies for Essay Writing
21 VI. Interpreting Your Scores
21 How CLEP Scores Are Computed
21 How Essays Are Scored
23 VII. Examination Guide
23 Chemistry
39 Appendix
39 What Your CLEP Score Means

[Link] College-Level Examination Program

Introduction
This is the only official guide to the College-Level important tips to get ready for the tests. The guides
Examination Program® (CLEP®) exams. CLEP exams are not meant to help you learn all the subject matter
are administered on computers at test centers across CLEP exams cover. We suggest you study a textbook
the country. for the relevant course at your college or access
one of the suggested resources listed on the CLEP
This guide has been written for adults making plans
website to learn or review the content of the exam in
to enroll in college, and it contains information of
which you’re interested.
interest to others as well. College-bound high school
students, current college students, military personnel, Many private companies offer preparation services
professionals seeking certification, and persons of all for CLEP exams. Some companies are legitimate, but
ages who have learned or wish to learn college-level others make promises they can’t keep and sell services
material outside the college classroom will find the and products you don’t need.
guide helpful as they strive to accomplish their goals.
We’ve received complaints from CLEP candidates
CLEP is based on the premise that some individuals regarding the following practices (practices we consider
enrolling in college have already learned part of what unfair or inappropriate).
is taught in college courses through job training,
ƒ Attempts to sell preparation services for many
independent reading and study, noncredit adult
CLEP exams at once, with sizable payment up front
courses, and advanced high school courses. Often,
or on credit
their jobs and life experiences have enhanced
and reinforced their learning. CLEP gives these ƒ Credit agreements with companies other than the
individuals a chance to show their mastery of one selling the preparation material
college-level material by taking exams that assess ƒ Contacts from salespeople to you or your family
knowledge and skills taught in college courses. at home

The first few sections of this guide explain how CLEP ƒ Promises that you can get college credit without
can earn you credit for the college-level learning you enrolling in college
have acquired and provide suggestions for preparing ƒ Efforts to sell dictionaries or encyclopedias as part
for the exams. The individual exam section includes of a test preparation package
test descriptions, sample questions, and study tips. If you feel you have been cheated, we recommend you
The guide also has an answer key for each exam, as seek the assistance of an organization such as the
well as in-depth information about how to interpret Better Business Bureau ([Link]) or the Federal
your scores. Trade Commission ([Link]).

CLEP Study Materials: American Council on

A Word of Warning Education (ACE)
There are many free or inexpensive sources for CLEP If you still have general questions about continuing
preparation materials, including public or college or adult education after reading this book, ACE can
libraries, bookstores, and educational websites. CLEP provide advice and information:
exams reflect the material taught in introductory American Council on Education
college courses. Check with local colleges to see what One Dupont Circle, NW
texts are being used in the subject you hope to study Washington, DC 20036
for a CLEP exam. 202-939-9300
The College Board provides the CLEP Official Study [Link]
Guide and individual exam guides so you get to know
the types of questions on the exams. You also get

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 1

I. The College-Level
Examination Program
How the Program Works retesting on a previously funded CLEP exam. However,
you may personally fund a retest after the specified
CLEP exams are administered at over 2,000 test
wait period.
centers nationwide, and 2,900 colleges and universities
award college credit to those who do well on the tests.
This rigorous program lets self-directed students of
The CLEP Examinations
a wide range of ages and backgrounds show their
CLEP exams cover material directly related to specific
mastery of introductory college-level material and
undergraduate courses taught during a student’s first
pursue academic success. Students earn credit for
two years in college. The courses may be offered for
what they already know by getting qualifying scores on
three or more semester hours in general areas such
any of the 34 examinations.
as mathematics, history, social sciences, English
CLEP exams cover material taught in introductory- composition, natural sciences, and humanities.
level courses at many colleges and universities. Institutions will either grant credit for a specific course
Faculty at individual colleges review the exams to based on a satisfactory score on the related exam,
ensure that they cover the important material currently or in the general area in which a satisfactory score is
taught in their courses. earned. The credit is equal to the credit awarded to
Although CLEP is sponsored by the College Board, students who successfully complete the course.
only colleges may grant credit toward a degree.
To learn about a particular college’s CLEP policy,
contact the college directly. When you take a CLEP
What the Examinations Are Like
exam, request that a copy of your score report be CLEP exams are administered on computer and are
sent to the college you’re attending or planning approximately 90 minutes long, with the exception
to attend. After evaluating your score, the college of College Composition, which is approximately
will decide whether or not to award you credit for, 120 minutes long, and Spanish with Writing, which is
or to exempt you from, one or more courses. 110 minutes long. Most questions are multiple choice;
other types of questions require you to fill in a numeric
If the college decides to give you credit, it records
answer, to shade areas of an object, or to put items in
the number of credits on your permanent record,
the correct order. Questions using these kinds of skills
indicating that you completed work equivalent
are called zone, shade, grid, scale, fraction, numeric
to a course in that subject. If the college decides
entry, histogram, and order match questions.
to grant exemption without giving you credit for
a course, you’ll be permitted to omit a course that CLEP College Composition includes a mandatory
would normally be required of you and to take a essay section, responses to which must be typed into
course of your choice instead. the computer. CLEP Spanish with Writing contains
two writing tasks that measure interpersonal and
The CLEP program has a long-standing policy that an
presentational communication.
exam can’t be retaken within the specified wait period.
This waiting period gives you a chance to spend more Some examinations have optional essays. You should
time preparing for the exam or the option of taking a check with the individual college or university where
classroom course. If you violate the CLEP retest policy, you’re sending your score to see whether an optional
the administration will be considered invalid, the score essay is required for those exams. These essays are
canceled, and any test fees forfeited. If you’re a military administered on paper and are scored by faculty at the
service member, note that DANTES (Defense Activity institution that receives your score.
for Non-Traditional Education Support) won’t fund

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 3

 I. The College-Level Examination Program

Where to Take the Examinations How Your Score Is Reported

and How to Register You have the option of seeing your CLEP score
CLEP exams are administered throughout the year immediately after you complete the exam, except for
at over 2,000 test centers in the United States and College Composition and Spanish with Writing; scores
select international sites. Once you have decided for these exams are available online one to two weeks
to take a CLEP exam, log into My Account at after the exam date. Once you choose to see your
[Link]/myaccount to score, it will be sent automatically to the institution you
create and manage your own personal accounts, designated as a score recipient. It can’t be canceled.
pay for CLEP exams, and purchase study materials. You’ll receive a candidate copy of your score before
You can self-register at any time by completing the you leave the test center. If you tested at the institution
online registration form. that you designated as a score recipient, it will have
immediate access to your test results. Additionally,
Through My Account, you can access a list of you’ll be able to view your CLEP exam scores by
institutions that administer CLEP, and you can locate logging into My Account and clicking on “View My
a test center in your area. After paying for your CLEP Exam Scores.” Scores are available online one
exam through My Account, you must still contact business day after taking an exam with the exception of
the test center to schedule your CLEP exam. College Composition and Spanish with Writing.
If you’re unable to locate a test center near If you don’t want your score reported, you may select
you, call 800-257-9558 for help. that as an option at the end of the examination before
the exam is scored. Once you have selected the option
to not view your score, the score is canceled. The score
College Credit Recommendations won’t be reported to the institution you designated,
of the American Council and you won’t receive a candidate copy of your score
on Education (ACE) report. In addition, scores of canceled exams can’t be
viewed on My Account. You’ll have to wait the specified
For many years, the American Council on Education’s
wait period before you can take the exam again.
College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE
CREDIT) has periodically evaluated CLEP processes CLEP scores are kept on file for 20 years. During this
and procedures for developing, administering, and period, for a small fee, you may have your transcript
scoring the exams. ACE recommends a uniform sent to another college or to anyone else you specify.
credit-granting score of 50 across all subjects (with Your score(s) will never be sent to anyone without
additional Level-2 recommendations for the world your approval.
language examinations), representing the performance
of students who earn a grade of C in the corresponding
course. The score scale for each CLEP exam is decided
by a panel of experts (college faculty teaching the
course) who provide information on the level of student
performance that would be necessary to receive
college credit in the course.

The American Council on Education, the major

coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education
institutions, seeks to provide leadership and a unifying
voice on key higher education issues and to influence
public policy through advocacy, research, and program
initiatives. For more information, visit ACE CREDIT at
[Link]/higher-education/topics/Pages/Credit-
[Link].

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 4

II. Approaching a College
About CLEP
The following sections provide a step-by-step guide to considering. If you’re a nontraditional student, be sure
learning about the CLEP policy at a particular college to check whether the school has separate admission
or university. The person or office that can best assist requirements that apply to you. Some schools are
you may have a different title at each institution, but the selective, while others are “open admission.”
following guidelines will point you to information about
Contact the admission office for an interview with a
CLEP at any institution.
counselor. State why you want the interview, and ask
Adults and other nontraditional students returning to what documents you should bring with you or send in
college often benefit from special assistance when advance. (These materials may include a high school
they approach a college. Opportunities for adults transcript, transcript of previous college work, or
to return to formal learning in the classroom are completed application for admission.) Make an extra
widespread, and colleges and universities have worked effort to get all the information requested in time for
hard to make this a smooth process for older students. the interview.
Many colleges have established special offices
During the interview, relax and be yourself. Be prepared
staffed with trained professionals who understand
to state honestly why you think you’re ready and able
the problems facing adults returning to college. If you
to do college work. If you have already taken CLEP
think you might benefit from such assistance, be sure
exams and scored high enough to earn credit, you have
to find out whether these services are available at your
shown you’re able to do college work. Mention this
college.
achievement to the admission counselor because it
may increase your chances of being accepted. If you
haven’t taken a CLEP exam, you can still improve your
How to Apply for College Credit chances of being accepted by describing how your job
Step 1. Obtain, or access online, the general training or independent study prepared you for college-
information catalog and a copy of the CLEP policy level work. Discuss with the counselor what you
from each college you’re considering. learned from your work and personal experiences.
Learn about admission and CLEP policies on the Step 3. Evaluate the college’s CLEP policy.
college’s website at [Link]/school-
policy-search, or by contacting or visiting the Typically, a college lists all its academic policies,
admission office. Ask for a copy of the publication including CLEP policies, in its general catalog
that explains the college’s complete CLEP policy. Also, or on its website. You’ll probably find the CLEP
get the name and the telephone number of the person policy statement under a heading such as Credit-
to contact in case you have further questions about by-Examination, Advanced Standing, Advanced
CLEP. Placement, or External Degree Program. These
sections can usually be found in the front of the
Step 2. If you haven’t already been admitted catalog. Check out the institution’s CLEP Policy on
to a college that you’re considering, look at [Link]/school-policy-search.
its admission requirements for undergraduate
students to see whether you qualify. Many colleges publish their credit-by-examination
policies in separate brochures distributed through the
Whether you’re applying for college admission as campus testing office, counseling center, admission
a high school student or transfer student, or as an office, or registrar’s office. If you find an overly
adult resuming a college career or going to college general policy statement in the college catalog, seek
for the first time, you should be familiar with the clarification from one of these offices.
requirements for admission at the schools you’re

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 5

 II. Approaching a College About CLEP

Review the material in the section of this chapter Transcripts only include CLEP scores for the past 20
entitled “Questions to Ask About a College’s CLEP years; scores more than 20 years old are not kept on file.
Policy.” Use these guidelines to evaluate the college’s
Your CLEP scores will be evaluated, probably by
CLEP policy. If you haven’t taken a CLEP exam, this
someone in the admission office, and sent to the
evaluation helps you decide which exams to take.
registrar’s office to be posted on your permanent
Because individual colleges have different CLEP
record once you are enrolled. Procedures vary from
policies, reviewing several policies helps you decide
college to college, but the process usually begins in
which college to attend.
the admission office.
Step 4. If you haven’t yet applied for admission, do so
Step 6. Ask to receive a written notice of the credit
as early as possible.
you receive for your CLEP score(s).
Most colleges expect you to apply for admission several
A written notice may save you problems later when
months before you enroll, and it’s essential that you
you submit your degree plan or file for graduation.
meet the published application deadlines. It takes time
In the event that there’s a question about whether
to process your application for admission. If you have
or not you earned CLEP credit, you’ll have an official
yet to take a CLEP exam, you can take one or more
record of what credit was awarded. You may also need
CLEP exams while you’re waiting for your application
this verification of course credit if you meet with an
to be processed. Be sure to check the college’s CLEP
academic adviser before the credit is posted on your
policy beforehand so that you’re taking exams your
permanent record.
college will accept for credit. You should find out from
the college when to submit your CLEP score(s). Step 7. Before you register for courses, seek
academic advising.
Complete all forms and include all documents
requested with your application(s) for admission. Talking with your academic adviser helps you avoid
Normally, an admission decision can’t be reached until taking unnecessary courses and lets you know exactly
all documents have been submitted and evaluated. what your CLEP credit will mean to you. This discussion
Unless told to do so, don’t send your CLEP score(s) may take place at the time you enroll. Most colleges
until you’ve been officially admitted. have orientation sessions for new students prior to
each enrollment period. During orientation, students
Step 5. Arrange to take CLEP exam(s) or to submit your
are assigned academic advisers who give them
CLEP score(s).
individual guidance in developing long-range plans and
CLEP exams can be taken at any of the 2,000 test course schedules for the next semester. In conjunction
centers worldwide. To locate a test center near you, with this counseling, you may be asked to take some
visit [Link]/search/test-centers. additional tests so you can be placed at the proper
course level.
If you have already taken a CLEP exam, but didn’t have
your score sent to your college, you can have an official
transcript sent at any time for a small fee. Prior to
sending a transcript to an institution, please ensure that
Questions to Ask About a
you have verified the institution’s CLEP credit-granting College’s CLEP Policy
policy. Order your transcript online by logging in to My Before taking CLEP exams for the purpose of
Account ([Link]/myaccount) earning college credit, try to find the answers to
using the same account you used to register. these questions:

Please note there are some instances in which CLEP 1. Which CLEP exams are accepted by the college?
exam scores cannot be ordered. If you have a score A college may accept some CLEP exams for credit
on hold, took an exam that was DANTES-funded or and not others—possibly not the exams you’re
retook a CLEP exam within the 3-month waiting period, considering. For this reason, it’s important you
those exam scores are considered non-orderable. In know the specific CLEP exams you can receive
addition, CLEP Transcript Requests are nonrefundable. credit for.
Once ordered, a request cannot be canceled, changed
or re-routed.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 6

 II. Approaching a College About CLEP

2. Does the college require the optional free- science, and six hours of social science, with no
response (essay) section for exams in particular courses in these disciplines specified. In
composition and literature, as well as the these instances, CLEP credit may be given as “6 hrs.
multiple-choice portion of the CLEP exam you’re English Credit” or “3 hrs. Math Credit” without
considering? Do you need to pass a departmental specifying for which English or mathematics
test such as an essay, laboratory, or oral exam in courses credit has been awarded. To avoid possible
addition to the CLEP multiple-choice exam? disappointment, you should know before taking a
Knowing the answers to these questions ahead of CLEP exam what type of credit you can receive or
time will enable you to schedule the optional free- whether you’ll be exempted from a required course
response or departmental exam when you register but receive no credit.
to take your CLEP exam.
4. How much credit is granted for each exam you’re
3. Is CLEP credit granted for specific courses at the considering, and does the college place a limit
college? If so, which ones? on the total amount of CLEP credit you can earn
toward your degree?
You’re likely to find that credit is granted for specific
courses and that the course titles are designated Not all colleges that grant CLEP credit award the
in the college’s CLEP policy. It’s not necessary, same amount for individual exams. Furthermore,
however, that credit be granted for a specific some colleges place a limit on the total amount
course for you to benefit from your CLEP credit. For of credit you can earn through CLEP or other
instance, at many liberal arts colleges, all students exams. Other colleges may grant you exemption
must take certain types of courses. These courses but no credit toward your degree. Knowing several
may be labeled the core curriculum, general colleges’ policies concerning these issues may
education requirements, distribution requirements, help you decide which college to attend. If you
or liberal arts requirements. The requirements, think you’re capable of passing a number of CLEP
are often expressed in terms of credit hours. For exams, you may want to attend a college that allows
example, all students may be required to take at you to earn credit for all or most of the exams.
least six hours of humanities, six hours of English, Find your institution’s CLEP policy by visiting
three hours of mathematics, six hours of natural [Link]/school-policy-search.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 7

III. Deciding Which
Examinations to Take
If You’re Taking the an understanding of the content and difficulty level
of the questions on an actual exam. Knowing the
Examinations for College Credit correct answers to all of the sample questions
or Career Advancement . . . is not a substitute for college-level study or
Most people who take CLEP exams want to earn credit a guarantee of satisfactory performance on the
for college courses. Others take the exams to qualify exam.
for job promotions, professional certification, or
Following the instructions and suggestions in
licensing. Whatever the reason, it’s vital for most
Chapter V, answer as many of the sample questions
test takers to be well prepared so they can advance
for the exam as you can. Check your answers
as fast as possible toward their educational or
against the answer key at the end of each section.
career goals.
ƒ Were you able to answer almost all of the
Those with limited knowledge in the subjects covered
questions correctly? You may not need to
by the exams they’re considering are advised to enroll
study the subject extensively.
in the college courses in which that material is taught.
Although there’s no way to predict whether you’ll pass ƒ 
a particular CLEP exam, you may find the following
guidelines helpful.

1. Test Descriptions 4. Previous Study

For each exam, read the test description and the Have you taken noncredit courses in this subject
outline set forth in the “Knowledge and Skills Required” offered by an adult school or a private school,
section provided in this guide. Are you familiar with through correspondence, or in connection with
most of the topics and terminology in the outline? your job? Did you do exceptionally well in this
subject in high school, or did you take an honors
2. Textbooks course in this subject?
Review the textbook and other resource materials
used for the corresponding course at your college. 5. Experience
You can find a list of suggested textbooks and Have you learned or used the knowledge or skills
free online resources for each exam at included in this exam in your job or life experience?
[Link]/exams. Are you familiar For example, if you lived in a Spanish-speaking
with most of the topics and terminology used in country and spoke the language for a year or more,
college textbooks on this subject? you might consider taking the Spanish Language or
Spanish with Writing exams. Or, if you have worked
3. Sample Questions at a job in which you used accounting and finance
The sample questions included in this guide are skills, Financial Accounting would be an exam to
representative of the content and difficulty of the consider taking. Or if you have read a considerable
exam questions. None of the sample questions amount of literature and attended art exhibits,
appear on any CLEP examination. Use them to get concerts, and plays, you might expect to do well on
the Humanities exam.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 9

 III. Deciding Which Examinations to Take

6. Other Exams
Have you done well on other standardized tests in
subjects related to the one you want to take? For
example, did you score well above average on a
portion of a college entrance exam covering similar
skills, or did you get an exceptionally high score
on a licensing exam in this subject? Although such
tests don’t cover exactly the same material as the
CLEP exams and may be easier, people who do well
on these tests often do well on CLEP exams too.

7. Advice
Has a college counselor, professor, or some other
professional person familiar with your ability
advised you to take a CLEP exam?

If you answered yes to several of the above questions,

you have a good chance of passing the CLEP exam
you’re considering. It’s unlikely you would have acquired
sufficient background from experience alone. Learning
gained through reading and study is essential, and you’ll
likely find additional study helpful before taking a CLEP
exam. Information on how to review for CLEP exams can
be found in Chapter IV and in Chapter VII.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 10

IV. Preparing to Take CLEP
Examinations
Having made the decision to take one or more CLEP Using the Examination Guides
exams, most people then want to know how to prepare
The individual exam guides contain the same information
for them—how much, how long, when, and how
you will find in the CLEP Official Study Guide. Each
should they go about it? The precise answers to these
exam guide includes an outline of the knowledge and
questions vary greatly from individual to individual.
skills covered by the test, sample questions similar to
However, most test takers find that some type of test
those that appear on the exam, and tips to get ready for
preparation is beneficial.
the exam.
Most people who take CLEP exams do so to show
You may also choose to contact a college in your
that they already learned the key material taught in a
area that offers a course with content comparable
college course. Many need only a quick review to assure
to that on the CLEP exam you want to take, or
themselves that they haven’t forgotten what they once
read the suggested resources for each exam on
studied, and to fill in the gaps in their knowledge of the
[Link]/exams. If possible, use the
subject. Others feel that they need a thorough review
textbook and other materials required for that course
and spend several weeks studying for an exam. Some
to help you prepare. To get this information, check the
people take a CLEP exam as a kind of “final exam” for
college’s catalog for a list of courses offered. Then
independent study of a subject. This last group requires
call the admission office, explain what subject you’re
significantly more study than do those who only need
interested in, and ask who in that academic department
to review, and they may need some guidance from
you can contact for specific information on textbooks
professors of the subjects they’re studying.
and other study resources to use. You might also be
The key to how you prepare for CLEP exams often lies able to find the course syllabus, which will list course
in locating those skills and areas of prior learning in materials and assignments, on the college’s website.
which you are strongest and deciding where to focus Be sure the college you’re interested in gives credit for
your energy. Some people may know a considerable the CLEP exam you’re preparing for.
amount about a subject area but may not test well.
Begin by carefully reading the test description and
These individuals would probably be just as concerned
outline of knowledge and skills required for the exam in
about strengthening their test-taking skills as they
the exam guide. As you read through the topics listed,
would about studying for a specific test. Many mental
ask yourself how much you know about each one. Also
and physical skills are required in preparing for a
note the terms, names, and symbols mentioned, and ask
test. It’s important not only to review or study for the
yourself whether you’re familiar with them. This will give
exams but also to make certain that you are alert,
you a quick overview of how much you know about the
relatively free of anxiety, and aware of how to approach
subject. If you’re familiar with nearly all the material,
standardized tests. Suggestions about developing
you’ll likely need a minimum of review. If topics and
test-taking skills and preparing psychologically
terms are unfamiliar, you’ll probably require substantial
and physically for a test are given in this chapter.
study to do well on the exam.
The following section suggests ways of assessing
your knowledge of the content of an exam and then If, after reviewing the test description provided in the
reviewing and studying the material. exam guide, you find that you need extensive review,
put off answering the sample questions until you have
done some reading in the subject. If you complete
them before reviewing the material, you’ll probably

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 11

 IV. Preparing to Take CLEP Examinations

look for the answers as you study, and this will not be
a good assessment of your ability at a later date. Don’t
refer to the sample questions as you prepare for the
exam. The sample questions are representative of
the types of questions you’ll find on a CLEP exam, but
none of the questions will actually appear on an exam.
Concentrating on them without broader study of the
subject won’t help you.

If you think you’re familiar with most of the test material,

try to answer the sample questions, checking your
responses against the answer key. Use the test-taking
strategies described in the next chapter.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 12

 IV. Preparing to Take CLEP Examinations

Assessing Your Readiness for a CLEP Exam

Select CLEP Exam Title

Read Exam Description

and Knowledge
and Skills Required

Don’t
Understand Terms
Understand Terms

Review Study Materials

Try Sample Questions Suggested in the Study
Resources Section of
Each Subject

Most
Sample Questions
Answered Di˜culty Answering
Correctly Sample Questions

Take CLEP Exam

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 13

 IV. Preparing to Take CLEP Examinations

Suggestions for Studying Most of this material is free. Educational websites,

like those offered by PBS ([Link]) or the National
The following suggestions have been gathered from
Geographic Society ([Link]),
people who have prepared for CLEP exams or other
can help. Find a list of suggested textbooks and
college-level tests.
online resources for each CLEP exam at
1. Review CLEP exam content. [Link]/exams.
Remember, if you want to review exam
Check with your librarian about study aids
content, Chapter VII of this study guide
relevant to the exams you plan to take. These
contains a complete exam description—
supplementary materials may include videos or
including a content outline, a description of
DVDs made by education-oriented companies
the knowledge and skills required to do well,
and organizations, language tapes, and computer
and sample questions. An answer key is also
software. And don’t forget that what you do with
included. However, the study guide is not
your leisure time can be very educational, whether
intended to replace a textbook. Additional
it’s surfing current-events websites, watching a PBS
study may be required.
series, reading a financial newsletter, or attending
2. Define your goals and locate study materials. a play.

Once you have determined how much preparation 3. Find a good place to study.
you’ll need to do, you’ll need to define your study
To determine what kind of place you need for
goals. Set aside a block of time to review the exam
studying, ask yourself the following questions: Do
content provided in this book. Using the guidelines
I need a quiet place? Does the telephone distract
for knowledge and skills required, locate suitable
me? Do objects I see in this place remind me of
resource materials. If a preparation course is
things I should do? Is it too warm? Is it well lit? Am
offered by an adult school or college in your area,
I too comfortable here? Do I have space to spread
you might find it helpful to enroll. (You should
out my materials? You may find the library more
be aware, however, that such courses are not
conducive to studying than your home. If you
authorized or sponsored by the College Board. The
decide to study at home or in your dorm, prevent
College Board has no responsibility for the content
interruptions by household members by putting
of these courses, nor are they responsible for books
a sign on the door of your study room to indicate
on preparing for CLEP exams published by other
when you’re available.
organizations.) If you know others who have taken
CLEP exams, ask them how they prepared. 4. Schedule time to study.

You may want to get a copy of a syllabus for the To help you determine where studying best fits
college course that is comparable to the CLEP into your schedule, try this exercise: Make a list of
exam(s) you plan to take. You can also ask the your daily activities (for example, sleeping, working,
appropriate professor at the school you’ll be eating, attending class, sports, or exercise), and
attending, or check his or her website, for a reading estimate how many hours a day you spend on
list. Use the syllabus, course materials, and/or each activity. Rate activities on your list in order of
reading list as a guide for selecting textbooks and importance, and evaluate your use of time. Often
study materials. You may purchase these or check people are astonished at how an average day looks
them out of your local library. Some websites offer from this perspective. You may discover that your
excellent course materials and lectures. Examples time can be scheduled in alternative ways. For
include: example, you could remove the least important
activities from your day, and devote that time to
ƒ MIT OpenCourseWare ([Link]) studying or to another important activity.
ƒ Carnegie Mellon’s Open Learning Initiative
5. Establish a study routine and a set of goals.
([Link]/oli/)
To study effectively, establish specific goals and
ƒ National Repository of Online Courses a schedule for accomplishing them. Some people
([Link]) find it helpful to write out a weekly schedule and
cross out each study period when it’s completed.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 14

 IV. Preparing to Take CLEP Examinations

Others maintain concentration by writing down e. To retain knowledge, most people have to
the time when they expect to complete a study review the material periodically. If you’re
task. Most people find short periods of intense preparing for an exam over an extended period
study more productive than long stretches of time. of time, review key concepts and notes each
For example, they may follow a regular schedule week or so. Don’t wait weeks to review the
of several 20- or 30-minute study periods with material or you’ll need to relearn much of it.
short breaks between them. Some people allow
themselves rewards as they complete each study
goal. It doesn’t matter whether you accomplish Test Preparation Tips
every goal on schedule. The point is to be 1. Familiarize yourself as much as possible with the
committed to your task. test and the test situation before the day of the
exam. It helps to know ahead of time:
6. Learn how to take an active role in studying.
a. how much time is allowed for the test and
If you haven’t done much studying lately, you may
whether there are timed subsections. (See
find it difficult to concentrate. Try a method of
Chapter VII.)
studying, such as the one outlined below, that
b. what types of questions and directions appear
gets you to concentrate on and remember what
on the exam. (See Chapter VII.)
you read.
c. how your test score is computed.
a. First, read the chapter summary and the
d. in which building and room the exam is
introduction so you’ll know what to look for
administered.
in your reading.
e. the time of the test administration.
b. Next, convert the section or paragraph
f. directions, transportation, and parking
headlines into questions. For example, if you’re
information for the test center.
reading a section entitled “The Causes of the
American Revolution,” ask yourself, “What 2. Register and pay your exam fee through My Account
were the causes of the American Revolution?” at [Link]/myaccount
Compose the answer as you read the and print your registration ticket. Contact your
paragraph. Reading and answering questions preferred test center to schedule your appointment
aloud let you grasp and retain the material. to test. Your test center may require an additional
administration fee. Check with your test center to
c. Take notes on key ideas or concepts as you
confirm the amount required and acceptable method
read. Writing fixes concepts more firmly in your
of payment.
mind. Underlining key ideas or writing notes in
your book may work for you and is useful for
review. Underline only important points. If you
underline more than a third of each paragraph,
you’re underlining too much.
d. If there are questions or problems at the end
of a chapter, answer or solve them on paper
as if you were asked to do them for homework.
Mathematics textbooks (and some other books)
sometimes include answers to exercises. If you
have such a book, write your answers before
looking at the ones given. When problem solving
is involved, work enough problems to master
the required methods and concepts. If you have
difficulty with problems, review any sample
problems or explanations in the chapter.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 15

 IV. Preparing to Take CLEP Examinations

3. On the day of the exam, remember to do the – two number 2 pencils with good erasers.
following: Mechanical pencils are prohibited in the
a. Arrive early enough so you can find a parking testing room.
place, locate the test center, and get settled c. Don’t bring a cell phone or other electronic
comfortably before testing begins. devices into the testing room.
b. Bring the following with you: d. Leave all books, papers, and notes outside the
–– completed registration ticket. test center. You aren’t permitted to use your
own scratch paper. It’s provided by the test
– any registration forms or printouts required
center.
by the test center. Make sure you have filled
out all necessary paperwork before your e. Don’t take a calculator to the exam. If a
testing date. calculator is required, it will be built into the
testing software and available to you on
– a form of valid and acceptable identification.
the computer. The CLEP website has a link
Acceptable identification must:
to a demonstration on how to use online
∙ Be government-issued. calculators.
∙ Be an original document—photocopied 4. When you enter the test room:
documents aren’t acceptable.
a. You’ll be assigned to a computer testing
∙ Be valid and current—expired
station. If you have special needs, be sure
documents (bearing expiration dates
to communicate them to the test center
that have passed) aren’t acceptable, no
administrator before your test date.
matter how recently they expired.
b. Be relaxed while taking the exam. Read
∙ Bear the test taker’s full name, in
directions carefully, and listen to instructions
English language characters, exactly as
given by the test administrator. If you don’t
it appears on the Registration Ticket,
understand the directions, ask for help before
including the order of the names.
the test begins. If you must ask a question not
∙ Include middle initials only if preferred related to the exam after testing has begun,
to be included by test taker. They’re raise your hand, and a proctor will assist you.
optional and only need to match the first The proctor can’t answer questions related to
letter of the middle name when present the exam.
on both the ticket and the identification.
c. Know your rights as a test taker. You can expect
∙ Bear a recent recognizable photograph to be given the full working time allowed for
that clearly matches the test taker. taking the exam and a reasonably quiet and
∙ Include the test taker’s signature. comfortable place in which to work. If a poor
∙ Be in good condition, with clearly legible testing situation prevents you from doing your
text and a clearly visible photograph. best, ask whether the situation can be remedied.
If it can’t, ask the test administrator to report the
Refer to the Exam Day Info page on the
problem on a Center Problem Report that will be
CLEP website ([Link]/
submitted with your test results. You may also
earn-college-credit/taking-the-test)
wish to immediately write a letter to CLEP, P.O.
for more details on acceptable and
Box 6656, Princeton, NJ 08541-6656. Describe
unacceptable forms of identification.
the exact circumstances as completely as you
– military test takers, bring your Geneva can. Be sure to include the name of the test
Convention Identification Card. Refer to center, the test date, and the name(s) of the
[Link]/military for additional exam(s) you took.
information on IDs for active duty members,
spouses, and civil service civilian employees.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 16

 IV. Preparing to Take CLEP Examinations

Accommodations for Students

with Disabilities
If you have a disability, such as a learning or physical
disability, that would prevent you from taking a CLEP
exam under standard conditions, you may request
accommodations at your preferred test center. Contact
your preferred test center well in advance of the test
date to make the necessary arrangements and to find
out its deadline for submission of documentation and
approval of accommodations. Each test center sets its
own guidelines in terms of deadlines for submission of
documentation and approval of accommodations.

Accommodations that can be arranged directly with

test centers include:

ƒ ZoomText (screen magnification)

ƒ Modifiable screen colors
ƒ Use of a human reader, a scribe/writer, or sign
language interpreter
ƒ Extended time
ƒ Untimed rest breaks
If the above accommodations don’t meet your needs,
contact CLEP Services at clep@[Link]
for information about other accommodations.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 17

V. Taking the Examinations
Test-taking skills enable a person to use all available 6. Watch for the following key words in test questions:
information to earn a score that truly reflects their all may only
ability. There are different strategies for approaching always must perhaps
different kinds of exam questions. For example, free- but necessary rarely
response and multiple-choice questions require very except never seldom
different approaches. Other factors, such as how the every none sometimes
exam will be scored, may influence your approach to generally not usually
the exam and your use of test time. Consequently, however often
your preparation for an exam should include finding
When a question or answer option contains words
out all you can about the exam so you can use the
such as ’’always,’’ ’’every,’’ ’’only,’’ ’’never,’’ and
most effective test-taking strategies.
“none,” there can be no exceptions to the answer
you choose. Use of words such as ’’often,’’ “rarely,”
’’sometimes,’’ and ’’generally’’ indicates that there
Test-Taking Strategies for may be some exceptions to the answer.
Multiple-Choice Questions
7. Make educated guesses. There’s no penalty for
1. Listen carefully to any instructions given by the test
incorrect answers. Therefore, guess even if you
administrator, and read the on-screen instructions
don’t know an answer. If you have some knowledge
before you begin to answer the questions.
of the question and can eliminate one or more
2. Keep an eye on the clock and the timing that’s
of the answer choices as wrong, your chance of
built into the testing software. You have the option
getting the right answer improves.
of turning the clock on or off at any time. As you
8. Don’t waste your time looking for clues to right
proceed, make sure that you’re not working too
answers based on flaws in question wording or
slowly. You should have answered at least half the
patterns in correct answers. CLEP puts a great
questions in a section when half the time for that
deal of effort into developing valid, reliable, and fair
section has passed.
exams. CLEP test development committees are
3. Before answering a question, read the entire
composed of college faculty who are experts in the
question, including all the answer choices.
subjects covered by the exams and are appointed
Instructions usually tell you to select the
by the College Board to write test questions and
“best’’ answer. Sometimes one answer choice is
to scrutinize each question on a CLEP exam. They
partially correct, but another option is better. It’s a
ensure that questions aren’t ambiguous, have only
good idea to read all the answers even if the first or
one correct answer, and cover college-level topics.
second choice looks correct to you.
These committees don’t intentionally include ’’trick’’
4. Read and consider every question. Questions that questions. If you think a question is flawed, ask the
look complicated at first glance may not actually be test administrator to report it, or write immediately
so difficult once you have read them carefully. to CLEP Test Development, P.O. Box 6600, Princeton,
5. Don’t spend too much time on any one question. NJ 08541-6600. Include the name of the exam and
If you don’t know the answer after you’ve test center, the exam date, and the number of the
considered it briefly, go on to the next question. exam question. All such inquiries are investigated by
Mark that question using the mark tool at the test development professionals.
bottom of the screen, and go back to review the
question later if you have time.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 19

 V. Taking the Examinations

Answering Essay Questions Test-Taking Strategies for

The College Composition and Spanish with Writing Essay Writing
exams are the only CLEP exams that include mandatory 1. Before you begin to respond, read the questions
writing sections. Both the multiple-choice and carefully, and take a few minutes to jot down
writing sections of the exams are administered on some ideas or create an outline. Scratch paper is
the computer. You’re required to type your written provided at the test center.
responses using a format similar to word processing.
2. If you’re given a choice of questions to answer,
The essays for the College Composition exam are choose the questions that you think you can
scored by English professors from various colleges and answer most clearly and knowledgeably.
universities who are trained by CLEP. A process called 3. Determine the order in which you’ll answer the
holistic scoring is used to rate your writing abilities. questions. First, answer those you find the easiest
This process is explained in the examination guide so you can spend any extra time on the questions
for College Composition, which also includes scored you find more difficult.
sample essays and essay questions.
4. When you know which questions you’ll answer and
The Spanish with Writing responses are scored twice in what order, determine how much testing time
monthly by college Spanish faculty from throughout remains, and estimate how many minutes you’ll
the country via an online scoring system. Each of devote to each question. Unless suggested times
the two writing tasks is scored independently by at are given for the questions, try to allot an equal
least two different readers, and the scores are then amount of time for each question.
combined. Additional scoring details can be found in 5. Before answering each question, read it again
the Spanish Language examination guide along with carefully to make sure you’re interpreting it
sample writing tasks. correctly. Pay attention to key words, such as
Four other CLEP exams have optional essays. Some those listed below, that appear in free-response
colleges or universities may require you to take one questions. Be sure you know the exact meaning of
of these optional essays as part of the American these words before taking the exam.
Literature, Analyzing and Interpreting Literature, analyze describe interpret
English Literature, or College Composition Modular apply determine justify
exam. There’s an additional fee for each of the optional assess discuss list
essays, payable to the institution that administers the compare distinguish outline
exam. These essays are scored by the faculty of the contrast enumerate prove
institution that grants the credit. Therefore, you may define explain rank
find it helpful to talk with someone at your college to demonstrate generalize show
find out what criteria are used to determine whether derive illustrate summarize
you’ll get credit. Ask how much emphasis is placed If a question asks you to ’’outline,’’ ’’define,’’ or
on your writing ability and your ability to organize ’’summarize,’’ don’t write a detailed explanation;
your thoughts, as opposed to your knowledge of the if a question asks you to ’’analyze,” ’’explain,’’
subject matter. Find out how much weight is given to “illustrate,’’ ’’interpret,’’ or ’’show,’’ you must do more
your multiple-choice test score, compared to your than briefly describe the topic.
free-response score, in determining whether you’ll get
credit. This gives you an idea of what to work hardest
on in preparing for and taking the exam.

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 20

VI. Interpreting Your Scores
CLEP score requirements for awarding credit vary from that appears on your score report. The American
institution to institution. The College Board, however, Council on Education (ACE) recommends that
recommends that colleges refer to the standards set colleges grant credit for a score of 50 or higher, but
by the American Council on Education (ACE). All ACE individual institutions can set their own CLEP credit
recommendations are the result of careful and periodic policies.
review by evaluation teams made up of faculty who
are subject-matter experts and technical experts in
testing and measurement. To determine whether you How Essays Are Scored
are eligible for credit for your CLEP scores, refer to The College Board arranges for college English
the policy of the college you’ll be attending. The policy professors to score the essays written for the
states the score that’s required to earn credit at that College Composition exam. These carefully selected
institution. Many colleges award credit at the score college faculty members teach at two- and four-year
levels recommended by ACE. However, some require institutions nationwide. The faculty members receive
scores higher or lower than these. extensive training and thoroughly review the College
Your exam score is printed for you at the test center Board scoring policies and procedures before grading
immediately upon completion of the examination, the essays. Each essay is read and scored by two
unless you took College Composition or Spanish with professors, the sum of the two scores for each essay
Writing. For these exams, you’ll receive your score is combined with the multiple-choice score, and the
online one to two weeks after the exam date. You can result is reported as a scaled score between 20 and 80.
also view your scores for other exams online one Although the format of the two sections is very different,
business day after taking the test by logging into My both measure skills required for expository writing.
Account ([Link]/myaccount). Knowledge of formal grammar, sentence structure, and
Your scores are kept on file for 20 years. Your CLEP organizational skills is necessary for the multiple-choice
exam scores are reported only to you, unless you ask section, but the emphasis in the free-response section
to have them sent elsewhere. If you want your scores is on writing skills rather than grammar.
sent to a college, employer, or certifying agency, you Spanish with Writing compositions are scored twice
must select this option through My Account. This monthly by college Spanish faculty from throughout
service is free only if you select your score recipient the country via an online scoring system. Each of
when you register. For a fee, you can request an official the two writing tasks is scored independently by two
transcript at a later date by logging in to My Account different readers, and the scores are then combined.
([Link]/myaccount). The multiple-choice section score (75%) and writing
The pamphlet, What Your CLEP Score Means, gives score (25%) are then combined to yield the candidate’s
detailed information about interpreting your scores and exam score. The resulting combined score is reported
is available at [Link]. A copy of the as a single scaled score between 20 and 80. Separate
pamphlet is also in the appendix of this guide. A brief scores are not reported for the multiple-choice and
explanation appears below. writing sections.

Optional essays for CLEP Composition Modular and the

literature examinations are evaluated and scored by the
How CLEP Scores Are Computed colleges that require them, rather than by the College
In order to reach a total score on your exam, two Board. If you take an optional essay, it’s sent to the
calculations are performed. institution you designate when you take the test. If you
didn’t designate a score recipient institution when you
1. Your “raw score” is the number of questions you
took an optional essay, you may still select one as long
answered correctly. Your raw score increases by
as you notify CLEP within 18 months of taking the exam.
one point for each question answered correctly.
Copies of essays aren’t held beyond 18 months or after
2. Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score they have been sent to an institution.
that ranges from 20 to 80, and this is the score

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 21

VII. Examination Guide
Chemistry
Description of the Examination 20% Structure of Matter
The Chemistry examination covers material that Atomic theory and atomic structure
is usually taught in a one-year college course • Evidence for the atomic theory
in general chemistry. Understanding of the • Atomic masses; determination by
structure and states of matter, reaction types, chemical and physical means
equations and stoichiometry, equilibrium, kinetics, • Atomic number and mass number;
thermodynamics, and descriptive and experimental isotopes and mass spectroscopy
chemistry is required, as is the ability to interpret • Electron energy levels: atomic spectra,
and apply this material to new and unfamiliar atomic orbitals
problems. During this examination, an online • Periodic relationships, including,
scientific calculator function and a periodic table for example, atomic radii, ionization
are available as part of the testing software. energies, electron affinities,
oxidation states
The examination contains approximately Nuclear chemistry: nuclear equations,
75 questions to be answered in approximately half-lives, and radioactivity; chemical
90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions applications
that will not be scored. Chemical bonding
Knowledge and Skills Required • Binding forces
– Types: covalent, ionic, metallic,
Questions on the Chemistry examination require macromolecular (or network),
candidates to demonstrate one or more of the dispersion, hydrogen bonding
following abilities.
– Relationships to structure and
• Recall — remember specific facts; demonstrate to properties
straightforward knowledge of information and – Polarity of bonds, electronegativities
familiarity with terminology
• VSEPR theory and Lewis electron-dot
• Application — understand concepts and diagrams
reformulate information into other equivalent
– Hybridization of orbitals
terms; apply knowledge to unfamiliar and/or
practical situations; use mathematics to solve – Geometry of molecules, ions, and
chemistry problems coordination complexes
• Interpretation — infer and deduce from data – Structural isomerism
available and integrate information to form – Resonance
conclusions; recognize unstated assumptions
– Sigma and pi bonds
The subject matter of the Chemistry examination is – Dipole moments of molecules
drawn from the following topics. The percentages
next to the main topics indicate the approximate – Relation of properties to structure
percentage of exam questions on that topic.

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 VII. Examination Guide
C H E M I S T R Y

19% States of Matter 10% Equations and Stoichiometry

Gases Ionic and molecular species present in
• Laws of ideal gases; equations of state chemical systems; net-ionic equations
for an ideal gas Stoichiometry: mass and volume relations
• The mole concept; Avogadro’s number with emphasis on the mole concept
• Kinetic-molecular theory Balancing of equations, including those
– Interpretation of ideal gas laws on the for redox reactions
basis of this theory
– Dependence of kinetic energy of 7% Equilibrium
molecules on temperature: Concept of dynamic equilibrium of
Boltzmann distribution physical and chemical changes;
LeChâtelier’s principle; equilibrium
– Deviations from ideal gas laws constants
Liquids and solids Quantitative perspective
• Liquids and solids from the kinetic- • Equilibrium constants for gaseous
molecular viewpoint reactions in terms of both molar
• Phase diagrams of one-component concentrations and partial pressure
systems (Kc, Kp)
• Changes of state, critical phenomena • Equilibrium constants for reactions in
solutions
Solutions – Constants for acids and bases; pK, pH
• Types of solutions and factors affecting
solubility – Solubility-product constants and their
application to precipitation and the
• Methods of expressing concentration
dissolution of slightly soluble
• Colligative properties; for example, compounds
Raoult’s law
• Effect of interionic attraction on – Constants for complex ions
colligative properties and solubility – Common ion effect; buffers
12% Reaction Types 4% Kinetics
Acid-base reactions; concepts of Arrhenius, Concept of rate of reaction
Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis; • Order of reaction and rate constant
amphoterism
• Determination of order of reaction and
Reactions involving coordination rate constant from experimental data
complexes • Effect of temperature change on rates
Precipitation reactions Activation energy and the role of catalysts
Oxidation-reduction reactions The relationship between the rate-determining
• Oxidation number step and reaction mechanism
• The role of the electron in
oxidation-reduction
• Electrochemistry; electrolytic cells,
standard half-cell potentials, prediction
of the direction of redox reactions, effect
of concentration changes

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 VII. Examination Guide
C H E M I S T R Y

5% Thermodynamics 9% Experimental Chemistry

State functions Some questions are based on laboratory
First law: experiments widely performed in general
• Heat of formation chemistry and ask about the equipment
• Heat of reaction, change in enthalpy, used, observations made, calculations
Hess’s law performed, and interpretation of the
• Heat capacity; heats of vaporization and results. The questions are designed to
fusion provide a measure of understanding of
the basic tools of chemistry and their
Second law:
applications to simple chemical systems.
• Free energy of formation
• Free energy of reaction
• Dependence of change in free energy on
enthalpy and entropy changes
Relationship of change in free energy to
equilibrium constants and electrode
potentials

14% Descriptive Chemistry

The accumulation of certain specific facts
of chemistry is essential to enable
students to
• comprehend the development of
principles and concepts
• demonstrate applications of principles
• relate fact to theory and properties to
structure
• develop an understanding of systematic
nomenclature that facilitates
communication.
The following areas are normally included
on the examination:
• Chemical reactivity and products of
chemical reactions
• Relationships in the periodic table:
horizontal, vertical and diagonal
• Chemistry of the main groups and
transition elements, including typical
examples of each
• Organic chemistry, including such topics
as functional groups and isomerism
(may be treated as a separate unit or as
exemplary material in other areas, such
as bonding)

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 VII. Examination Guide
C H E M I S T R Y

Sample Test Questions 4. Which of the following compounds is

amphoteric?
The following sample questions do not appear on
an actual CLEP examination. They are intended (A) HF
to give potential test takers an indication of the (B) Na2CO3
format and difficulty level of the examination and to (C) NH3
provide content for practice and review. Knowing
the correct answers to all of the sample questions (D) H2O2
is not a guarantee of satisfactory performance on (E) Al(OH)3
the exam.
Note: For all questions involving solutions and/or 5. Which of the following pure substances is a
chemical equations, assume that the system is reddish-brown liquid at 298 K and 1 atm?
in pure water and at room temperature unless (A) CuCl2
otherwise stated.
(B) Fe2O3
Directions: Each of the questions or incomplete (C) Br2
statements below is followed by ÿve suggested
(D) I2
answers or completions. Select the one that’s best in
each case. (E) CH3COCH3

1. Oxides of which of the following elements are 6. A white precipitate forms when BaCl2(aq) is
responsible for acid rain? added to an unknown blue solution. Which of the
following could be the identity of the blue
(A) F solution?
(B) S (A) MnCl2(aq)
(C) Mg (B) CuCl2(aq)
(D) Ar (C) CuSO4(aq)
(E) Mn (D) Na2SO4(aq)
(E) CoSO4(aq)
2. Which of the following elements is most likely
to be in the +2 oxidation state in its compounds? 7. Solid silicon dioxide, SiO2, is
(A) C (A) a network solid with covalent bonding
(B) Si (B) a molecular solid with London dispersion
(C) Ge forces
(D) Al (C) a molecular solid with hydrogen bonding
(E) Zn (D) an ionic solid
(E) a metallic solid
3. Which of the following transitions of an electron
in a hydrogen atom will emit a photon that has
the highest frequency?
(A) n = 7 to n = 6
(B) n = 6 to n = 4
(C) n = 3 to n = 4
(D) n = 2 to n = 4
(E) n = 1 to n = 3

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 VII. Examination Guide
C H E M I S T R Y

8. A solution containing which of the following

ions will give off a pungent odor when added Al Electrode Pb Electrode
dropwise to warm NaOH(aq) ?
(A) CO32–(aq)
(B) MnO4–(aq)
(C) NH4+(aq)
(D) Ba2+(aq)
1.0 M Al3+(aq) 1.0 M Pb2+(aq)
(E) Al3+(aq)

9. Based on periodic trends, which of the following 11. When the switch is closed in the cell shown
atoms has the largest atomic radius?
above, a current flows through the circuit and the
(A) K 
standard cell potential, Ecell , is +1.53 V.
(B) Ga 
Which of the following will happen to Ecell if
(C) Br
the salt bridge is replaced with a platinum wire?
(D) Cs
(E) Te (A) It will increase.
(B) It will decrease but remain positive.
10. What is the oxidation number of Cr in CrO42–? (C) It will become zero.
(D) It will decrease and become negative.
(A) +1
(B) +2 (E) It will not change.
(C) +4
(D) +6 12. Hydrogen Halide Normal Boiling Point, °C
(E) +8 HF +19
HCl –85
HBr –67
HI –35

The liquefied hydrogen halides have the normal

boiling points given above. The relatively high
boiling point of HF can be correctly explained
by which of the following?
(A) HF gas is more ideal.
(B) HF is the strongest acid.
(C) HF molecules have a smaller dipole
moment.
(D) HF is much less soluble in water.
(E) HF molecules tend to form hydrogen bonds.

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 VII. Examination Guide
C H E M I S T R Y

13. 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3 16. According to the rate law for the reaction, an
increase in the concentration of the hydronium
Atoms of an element, X, have the electronic ion has what effect on the reaction at 25°C?
configuration shown above. The compound
most likely formed with magnesium, Mg, is (A) The rate of reaction increases.
(B) The rate of reaction decreases.
(A) MgX
(C) The value of the equilibrium
(B) Mg2X constant increases.
(C) MgX2 (D) The value of the equilibrium
(D) Mg2X3 constant decreases.
(E) Mg3X2 (E) Neither the rate nor the value of the
equilibrium constant is changed.
14. The density of an unknown gas is 4.20 grams
per liter at 3.00 atmospheres pressure and 17. The critical temperature of a substance is the
127°C. What is the molar mass of this gas?
(R = 0.0821 [Link]/mole.K) (A) temperature at which the vapor pressure of
the liquid is equal to the external pressure
(A) 14.6 g/mol (B) temperature at which the vapor pressure of
(B) 46.0 g/mol the liquid is equal to 760 mm Hg
(C) 88.0 g/mol (C) temperature at which the solid, liquid, and
(D) 94.1 g/mol vapor phases are all in equilibrium
(E) 138.0 g/mol (D) temperature at which the liquid and vapor
phases are in equilibrium at 1 atmosphere
(E) lowest temperature above which a substance
Questions 15–16 cannot be liquefied at any applied pressure

H3AsO4 + 3 I– + 2 H3O+ → H3AsO3 + I3– + 3 H2O

18. Cu(s) + 2 Ag+ → Cu2+ + 2 Ag(s)
The oxidation of iodide ions by arsenic acid in
acidic aqueous solution occurs according to the If the equilibrium constant for the reaction
balanced equation shown above. The experimental above is 3.7 × 1015, which of the following
rate law for the reaction at 25°C is correctly describes the standard voltage, E°,
and the standard free energy change, ΔG°,
Rate = k [H3AsO4] [I–] [H3O+]. for this reaction?
(A) E° is positive and ΔG° is negative.
15. What is the order of the reaction with respect (B) E° is negative and ΔG° is positive.
to I– ? (C) E° and ΔG° are both positive.
(D) E° and ΔG° are both negative.
(A) 1
(E) E° and ΔG° are both zero.
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 5
(E) 6

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19. London (dispersion) forces are the only type of 23. The molality of the glucose in a 1.0 M glucose
intermolecular forces in which of the following solution can be obtained by using which of
pure liquids? the following?

(A) CHF3 (l ) (A) Solubility of glucose in water

(B) Degree of dissociation of glucose
(B) H 2S(l )
(C) Volume of the solution
(C) PCl3 (l ) (D) Temperature of the solution
(D) SO 2 (l ) (E) Density of the solution
(E) SiCl4 (l )
24. The geometry of the SO3 molecule is best
described as
20. The pH of 0.1 M ammonia is approximately
(A) trigonal planar
(A) 1
(B) trigonal pyramidal
(B) 4
(C) square pyramidal
(C) 7
(D) bent
(D) 11
(E) tetrahedral
(E) 14

25. Which of the following molecules has the

21. Which of the following has polar bonds but a longest bond length?
zero dipole moment?
(A) N2
(A) SO 2 (B) O2
(B) H 2S (C) Cl2
(C) CO32− (D) Br2
(E) I2
(D) NO 2
(E) ClO3− 26. What number of moles of O2 is needed to
produce 14.2 grams of P4O10 (molar
mass 284 g) from P?
← Cu(s) + H2O(g) ΔH < 0
22. CuO(s) + H2(g) →
(A) 0.0500 mole
The substances in the equation above are at (B) 0.0625 mole
equilibrium at pressure P and temperature T. (C) 0.125 mole
The equilibrium can be shifted to favor the (D) 0.250 mole
products by (E) 0.500 mole
(A) increasing the pressure by means of a
moving piston at constant T 27. If 0.060 faraday is passed through an
(B) increasing the pressure by adding an inert electrolytic cell containing a solution of In3+
gas such as nitrogen ions, the maximum number of moles of In
that could be deposited at the cathode is
(C) decreasing the temperature
(D) allowing some gases to escape at constant P (A) 0.010 mole
and T (B) 0.020 mole
(E) adding a catalyst (C) 0.030 mole
(D) 0.060 mole
(E) 0.18 mole
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28. CH4(g) + 2 O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2 H2O(l) 31. Pi (π) bonding occurs in each of the following
ΔH°rxn = −889.1 kJ mol−1 species EXCEPT

ΔHf° H2O(l) = –285.8 kJ mol–1 (A) CO2

ΔHf° CO2(g) = –393.3 kJ mol–1 (B) C2H4
(C) CN–
What is the standard heat of formation, ΔHf°,
of methane, CH4(g), as calculated from the (D) C6H6
data above? (E) CH4
(A) –210.0 kJ mol–1
(B) –107.5 kJ mol–1 32. 3 Ag(s) + 4 HNO3 → 3 AgNO3 + NO(g) + 2 H2O
(C) –75.8 kJ mol–1
The reaction of silver metal and dilute nitric
(D) 75.8 kJ mol–1 acid proceeds according to the equation above.
(E) 210.0 kJ mol–1 If 0.10 mole of powdered silver is added to
10. milliliters of 6.0-molar nitric acid, the
29. Each of the following can act as both a number of moles of NO gas that can be
Brønsted-Lowry acid and a Brønsted-Lowry formed is
base EXCEPT (A) 0.015 mole
(A) HCO3 – (B) 0.020 mole
(B) H2PO4– (C) 0.030 mole
(C) NH4+ (D) 0.045 mole
(D) H2O (E) 0.090 mole
(E) HS–
33. Which, if any, of the following species are in the
30. Which of the following is most directly greatest concentration in a 0.100 M solution of
responsible for the pressure of a gas in a sealed H2SO4 in water?
container?
(A) H2SO4 molecules
(A) The forces of attraction between the gas (B) H3O+ ions
molecules and the walls of the container.
(C) HSO4– ions
(B) The energy released as the average kinetic
energy of the molecules decreases. (D) SO42– ions
(C) The energy released as gas molecules collide (E) All species are in equilibrium and therefore
and react. have the same concentrations.
(D) The collisions of the gas molecules with the
walls of the container. 34. At 20.°C, the vapor pressure of toluene is
(E) The collisions of the gas molecules with one 22 mm Hg and that of benzene is 75 mm Hg.
another. An ideal solution, equimolar in toluene and
benzene, is prepared. At 20.°C, what is the mole
fraction of benzene in the vapor in equilibrium
with this solution?
(A) 0.23
(B) 0.29
(C) 0.50
(D) 0.77
(E) 0.83

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35. Which of the following aqueous solutions has 39. A 20.0-milliliter sample of 0.200 M K2CO3
the highest boiling point? solution is added to 30.0 milliliters of
0.400 M Ba(NO3)2 solution. Barium carbonate
(A) 0.10 M potassium sulfate, K2SO4 precipitates. The concentration of barium ion,
(B) 0.10 M hydrochloric acid, HCl Ba2+, in solution after reaction is
(C) 0.10 M ammonium nitrate, NH4NO3
(A) 0.150 M
(D) 0.10 M magnesium sulfate, MgSO4
(B) 0.160 M
(E) 0.20 M sucrose, C12H22O11
(C) 0.200 M
(D) 0.240 M
36. When 70 milliliters of 3.0 M Na2CO3 is added (E) 0.267 M
to 30 milliliters of 1.0 M NaHCO3, the resulting
concentration of Na+ is
40. One of the outermost electrons in a strontium
(A) 2.0 M atom in the ground state can be described by
(B) 2.4 M which of the following sets of four quantum
(C) 4.0 M numbers?
(D) 4.5 M
1
(E) 7.0 M (A) 5, 2, 0,
2
1
37. Which of the following species CANNOT (B) 5, 1, 1,
2
function as an oxidizing agent?
1
(C) 5, 1, 0,
(A) Cr2O72– 2
(B) MnO4– 1
(C) NO3– (D) 5, 0, 1,
2
(D) S 1
(E) I– (E) 5, 0, 0,
2

38. A student wishes to prepare 2.00 liters of 41. Which of the following reactions does NOT
0.100 M KIO3 (molar mass 214 g). The proper proceed significantly to the right in aqueous
procedure is to weigh out solutions?
(A) 42.8 grams of KIO3 and add 2.00 kilograms (A) H3O+ + OH– → 2 H2O
of H2O (B) HCN + OH– → H2O + CN–
(B) 42.8 grams of KIO3 and add H2O until the (C) Cu(H2O)42+ + 4 NH3 → Cu(NH3)42+ + 4 H2O
final homogeneous solution has a volume
of 2.00 liters (D) H2SO4 + H2O → H3O+ + HSO4–
(C) 21.4 grams of KIO3 and add H2O until the (E) H2O + HSO4– → H2SO4 + OH–
final homogeneous solution has a volume
of 2.00 liters
(D) 42.8 grams of KIO3 and add 2.00 liters
of H2O
(E) 21.4 grams of KIO3 and add 2.00 liters
of H2O

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42. A compound is heated to produce a gas whose 45. Which of the following indicators is most
molar mass is to be determined. The gas is appropriate for determining the equivalence
collected by displacing water in a water-filled point in the titration of a weak acid with a strong
flask inverted in a trough of water. Which of the base?
following is necessary to calculate the molar
Indicator pH Range of
mass of the gas but does not need to be measured
Color Change
during the experiment?
(A) Thymol blue 1.2–2.8
(A) Mass of the compound used in the (B) Methyl orange 3.1–4.4
experiment (C) Methyl red 4.4–6.2
(B) Temperature of the water in the trough (D) Bromcresol purple 5.2–6.8
(C) Vapor pressure of the water (E) m-cresol purple 7.6–9.2
(D) Barometric pressure
(E) Volume of water displaced from the flask 46. Equal numbers of moles of H2(g), Ar(g), and
N2(g) are placed in a glass vessel at room
43. A 27.0 gram sample of an unknown hydrocarbon temperature. If the vessel has a pinhole-sized
was burned in excess oxygen to form 88.0 grams leak, which of the following will be true
of carbon dioxide and 27.0 grams of water. What regarding the relative values of the partial
pressures of the gases remaining in the vessel
is a possible molecular formula of the
after some of the gas mixture has effused?
hydrocarbon?
(A) PH < PN < PAr
(A) CH4 2 2

(B) PH < PAr < PN

(B) C2H2 2 2

(C) PN < PAr < PH

(C) C4H3 2 2

(D) PAr < PH < PN

(D) C4H6 2 2

(E) PH = PAr = PN
(E) C4H10 2 2

47. Which of the following is a correct interpretation

44. If the acid dissociation constant, Ka, for an acid of the results of Rutherford’s experiments in
HA is 8 × 10–4 at 25°C, what percent of the acid which gold atoms were bombarded with alpha
is dissociated in a 0.50 M solution of HA at particles?
25°C?
(A) Atoms have equal numbers of positive and
(A) 0.08% negative charges.
(B) 0.2% (B) Electrons in atoms are arranged in shells.
(C) 1% (C) Neutrons are at the center of an atom.
(D) 2% (D) Neutrons and protons in atoms have nearly
(E) 4% equal mass.
(E) The positive charge of an atom is
concentrated in a small region.

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48. A 0.1 M solution of which of the following ions 51. . . . MnO4– (aq) + . . . NO2– (aq) + . . . H2O(l) →
is orange? . . . MnO2(s) + . . . NO3– (aq) + . . . OH– (aq)
(A) Fe(H2O)42+ When the redox equation shown above is
(B) Cu(NH3)42+ balanced by using coefficients reduced to lowest
(C) Zn(OH)42– whole numbers, the coefficient for MnO4– is
(D) Zn(NH3)42+ (A) 1
(E) Cr2O72–
(B) 2
(C) 3
49. In the formation of 1.0 mole of the following (D) 4
crystalline solids from the gaseous ions, the
most energy is released by (E) 6

(A) NaF
52. If a certain solid solute dissolves in water with
(B) MgF2
the evolution of heat, which of the following is
(C) MgBr2 most likely to be true?
(D) AlF3
(E) AlBr3 (A) The temperature of the solution decreases as
the solute dissolves.
(B) The resulting solution is ideal.
50. If 1 mole of a nonvolatile nonelectrolyte
dissolves in 9 moles of water to form an ideal (C) The solid has a large lattice energy.
solution, what is the vapor pressure of this (D) The solid has a large heat of fusion.
solution at 25°C? (The vapor pressure of pure (E) The solid has a large energy of hydration.
water at 25°C is 23.8 mm Hg.)
(A) 23.8 mm Hg 53. A 0.1-molar aqueous solution of which of the
9 following is neutral?
(B) 23.8 mm Hg
10 (A) NaNO3
10 (B) Na2CO3
(C) 23.8 mm Hg
9 (C) NH4Br
1 (D) KCN
(D) 23.8 mm Hg
10 (E) AlCl3
(E) It cannot be determined from the
information given.
54. Which of the following is a true statement about
the halogens?
(A) Fluorine is the weakest oxidizing agent.
(B) Bromine is more electronegative than
chlorine.
(C) The halide ions are larger than their
respective halogen atoms.
(D) Adding I2(s) to a solution containing
Br−(aq) will produce Br2(l).
(E) The first ionization energies increase as the
atomic number increases.

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CH3CHOHCH2OH CH3CH2CH2CH3 CH3CH2CHOHCH3 58. Which of the following best describes the role of
X Y Z a catalyst in a chemical reaction?

55. Considering the structures of the three (A) The catalyst lowers the activation energy by
compounds, X, Y, and Z, shown above, the changing the mechanism of the reaction.
ranking of their solubility in water from least (B) The catalyst increases the strength of the
to greatest is which of the following? chemical bonds in the reactant molecules.
(A) X < Y < Z (C) The catalyst increases the value of the
equilibrium constant.
(B) X < Z < Y
(D) The catalyst provides kinetic energy to
(C) Z < Y < X reactant molecules to increase the reaction
(D) Y < Z < X rate.
(E) Y < X < Z (E) The catalyst bonds to the reaction products
and drives the equilibrium toward the
products.
56. Of the following compounds, which is involved
in the environmental problem known as acid
rain? 59. On the basis of trends in the periodic table, an
atom of which of the following elements is
(A) CO2 predicted to have the lowest first ionization
(B) CF2Cl2 energy?
(C) SO2
(A) Ar
(D) H2S
(B) Cl
(E) SiO2
(C) K
(D) Rb
. . . P4O10 + . . . Ca(OH)2 → . . . Ca3(PO4)2 + . . . H2O
(E) I

57. When the chemical equation above is balanced

in terms of lowest whole-number coefficients, → Z(g)
X(g) + Y(g) ←
the coefficient for H2O is
60. Which of the following statements is true for the
(A) 1 chemical system represented above when the
(B) 2 system has reached a state of equilibrium at a
(C) 3 constant temperature and pressure?
(D) 6 (A) The forward and reverse reactions have
(E) 8 stopped.
(B) The forward and reverse reactions occur at
the same rate.
(C) The rate of formation of Z(g) is equal to half
the rate of consumption of X(g).
(D) Introducing a catalyst will result in an
increased amount of Z(g) at equilibrium.
(E) Introducing more Y(g) to the system will
cause more X(g) to form.

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61. If a 1.0 M solution of HA, a weak acid, has a pH 65. In which of the following are the compounds
of 2.0, then the value of Ka, the acid-dissociation listed correctly in order of increasing strength of
constant, for HA is closest to their oxygen-to-oxygen bonds?

(A) 1.0 × 10-4 (A) O2 < O3 < H2O2

-4 (B) O2 < H2O2 < O3
(B) 1.4 × 10
(C) O3 < O2 < H2O2
(C) 1.0 × 10-2
(D) H2O2 < O3 < O2
(D) 1.4 × 10-2
(E) H2O2 < O2 < O3
(E) 1.4 × 10-1
66. An atom of which of the following elements has
62. Which of the following elements is never found the smallest radius?
pure (i.e., chemically uncombined with one or
more other elements) in Earth’s crust? (A) K
(B) Ca
(A) S
(C) Br
(B) K
(D) Rb
(C) Cu
(E) Sr
(D) Pt
(E) Au
67. Which of the following is a Brønsted-Lowry
acid-base pair?
63. If an endothermic reaction occurs spontaneously,
then it can be correctly inferred that (A) H+ and Cl−
(B) Na+ and Cl−
(A) a catalyst must be present
(C) HCl and NaOH
(B) the reaction occurs at a slow rate
(D) H2SO4 and SO42−
(C) Δ Grxn > 0
(E) HCO3− and CO32−
(D) Δ Hrxn < 0
(E) Δ Srxn > 0
68. A sample of gas has a volume of 1.0 L at 300. K
and 2.0 atm. If the volume and the absolute
64. Which of the following single covalent bonds is temperature are both doubled, what is the final
the most polar? pressure of the sample?
(A) B − F (A) 0.50 atm
(B) F − F (B) 1.0 atm
(C) Cl − F (C) 2.0 atm
(D) P − Br (D) 4.0 atm
(E) Si − Cl (E) 8.0 atm

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C H E M I S T R Y

69. In coordination compounds, the ligands have in 73. A sample of argon gas and a sample of xenon
common the fact that they gas at low temperature do not exhibit ideal gas
behavior. Which gas deviates more from ideal
(A) act as Lewis acids gas behavior, and what is the major cause of the
(B) are positively charged ions deviation?
(C) form bonds using lone pairs of electrons Greater Deviation Cause of Deviation
(D) form long chains of atoms
(A) Argon Attractive forces
(E) have a relatively large molar mass between atoms
(B) Argon Volume of the atoms
70. The oxidation number of silicon in the (C) Argon Mass of the atoms
compound Na2Mg2Si6O15 is (D) Xenon Attractive forces
between atoms
(A) +1
(E) Xenon Mass of the atoms
(B) +2
(C) +3
74. Each of three flexible vessels contains a gas
(D) +4 at the same temperature and pressure. The
(E) +6 first contains 2.0 g of H 2 (g ) , the second contains
32.0 g of O2 (g ) , and the third contains
71. If a 0.15 molal aqueous solution of solute X has 44.0 g of CO2 (g ) . Which of the following
the same boiling point as a 0.30 molal aqueous
statements about the gases is FALSE?
solution of glucose, which of the following
statements is true? (A) The densities of the gases increase in the
order H 2 < O2 < CO2 .
(A) Solute X has a molar mass that is twice that
of glucose. (B) The number of molecules in each of the
(B) The ideal van’t Hoff factor of solute X is 2. three vessels is the same.
(C) The 0.15 molal solution has a higher vapor (C) The volume of each of the three vessels is
pressure than the 0.30 molal solution. the same.
(D) The 0.30 molal solution has a lower freezing (D) The average kinetic energy of the molecules
in each of the vessels is the same.
point than the 0.15 molal solution.
(E) The average speed of the molecules in each
(E) The 0.30 molal solution has a higher osmotic
of the vessels is the same.
pressure than the 0.15 molal solution.

75. Four pure substances are used to make 1 M

72. As intermolecular forces become stronger for
aqueous solutions: NaOH , Na 2 CO3 , NaNO3 ,
pure liquids, which of the following tends to
decrease? and HNO3 . Which of the following correctly
ranks the substances in order of increasing pH of
(A) Density the solution they produce?
(B) Boiling point
(C) Vapor pressure Lowest pH Highest pH
(D) Surface tension (A) HNO3 < NaNO3 < Na 2 CO3 < NaOH
(E) Heat of vaporization
(B) HNO3 < Na 2 CO3 < NaNO3 < NaOH
(C) HNO3 < NaNO3 < NaOH < Na 2 CO3
(D) NaNO3 < HNO3 < Na 2 CO3 < NaOH
(E) Na 2 CO3 < HNO3 < NaOH < NaNO3
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Study Resources
Most textbooks used in college-level chemistry Answer Key
courses cover the topics in the outline given
earlier, but the approaches to certain topics and the 1. B 39. B
emphases given to them may differ. To prepare for 2. E 40. E
the Chemistry exam, it is advisable to study one or 3. B 41. E
more college textbooks, which can be found in most 4. E 42. C
college bookstores. When selecting a textbook, 5. C 43. D
check the table of contents against the knowledge 6. C 44. E
and skills required for this test. 7. A 45. E
Visit [Link]/earn-college- 8. C 46. A
credit/practice for additional chemistry resources. 9. D 47. E
You can also find suggestions for exam preparation 10. D 48. E
in Chapter IV. In addition, many college faculty 11. C 49. D
post their course materials on their schools’ 12. E 50. B
websites. 13. E 51. B
14. B 52. E
15. A 53. A
16. A 54. C
17. E 55. D
18. A 56. C
19. E 57. D
20. D 58. A
21. C 59. D
22. C 60. B
23. E 61. A
24. A 62. B
25. E 63. E
26. D 64. A
27. B 65. D
28. C 66. C
29. C 67. E
30. D 68. C
31. E 69. C
32. A 70. D
33. B 71. B
34. D 72. C
35. A 73. D
36. D 74. E
37. E 75. A
38. B

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 37

Appendix
What Your CLEP Score Means Scores are kept on file for 20 years. During this
In order to reach the total score you see on your score period, score reports may be sent to an institution,
report, two calculations are performed. but only at the request of the candidate. Students can
order official transcripts through the CLEP My Account
1. Your “raw score” is the number of questions you portal ([Link]) and pay a fee.
answered correctly. Your raw score increases by one CLEP Transcript Requests are nonrefundable. Once
point for each question answered correctly. ordered, a request cannot be canceled, changed, or
2. Your raw score is then converted into a “scaled rerouted. To order official transcripts for DANTES-
score” that ranges from 20, the lowest, to 80, the funded exams, candidates need to place an order
highest. This scaled score is the score that appears on online using the Parchment Transcript Ordering Service
your score report. ([Link]
php?main_page=login&s_id=3q7ey35yiWKgVEiC).
The scores that appear in the table shown are the
credit-granting scores recommended by the American Test takers may not repeat an exam of the same
Council on Education (ACE). Each college, however, title within the specified wait period of the initial
can set its own credit-granting policy, which may testing date. If a test taker retakes the exam within
differ from that of ACE. If you haven’t already done so, the specified wait period, the administration will be
contact your college as soon as possible to find out the considered invalid, the score will be canceled, and
score it requires to grant credit, the number of credit any test fees will be forfeited. For military service
hours granted, and the course(s) that can be bypassed members: DANTES doesn’t fund retesting on a
with a satisfactory score. previously funded CLEP exam. However, service
members may personally fund a retest after the
Please note that College-Level Examination Program ®
specified wait period.
(CLEP®) exams are developed and evaluated
independently and aren’t linked to one another except If you have questions about your score report, a test
by the program’s common purpose, format, and method question, or any other aspect of a CLEP exam that your
of reporting results. For this reason, direct comparisons test center cannot answer, write to CLEP, P.O. Box 6600,
shouldn’t be made between CLEP exams in different Princeton, NJ 08541-6600 or email
subjects. CLEP scores aren’t comparable to SAT® clep@[Link].
scores or other test scores.

© 2019 College Board. College Board, CLEP, College-Level Examination Program, SAT, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of
College Board. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. Visit College Board on the web: [Link].

[Link] College-Level Examination Program 39

CLEP® Credit-Granting Recommendations (Effective June 2019)
ACE Recommended Score* Semester Hours*
Business
Financial Accounting 50 3
Information Systems 50 3
Introductory Business Law 50 3
Principles of Management 50 3
Principles of Marketing 50 3
Composition and Literature
American Literature 50 3
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 50 3
College Composition 50 6
College Composition Modular 50 3
English Literature 50 3
Humanities 50 3
World Languages**
French Language, Level 1 Proficiency 50 6
Level 2 Proficiency 59 9
German Language, Level 1 Proficiency 50 6
Level 2 Proficiency 60 9
Spanish Language, Level 1 Proficiency 50 6
Level 2 Proficiency 63 9
Spanish with Writing, Level 1 Proficiency 50 6
Level 2 Proficiency 65 12
** A test taker’s proficiency level on the CLEP World Language exams is dependent on the test score; American Council on Education (ACE) recommends different
credit-granting scores and amounts of credits at Level 1 and Level 2 for each of the exam subjects.

History and Social Sciences

American Government 50 3
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 50 3
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present 50 3
Human Growth and Development 50 3
Introduction to Educational Psychology 50 3
Introductory Psychology 50 3
Introductory Sociology 50 3
Principles of Macroeconomics 50 3
Principles of Microeconomics 50 3
Social Sciences and History 50 6
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 50 3
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present 50 3
Science and Mathematics
Biology 50 6
Calculus 50 4
Chemistry 50 6
College Algebra 50 3
College Mathematics 50 6
Natural Sciences 50 6
Precalculus 50 3
* The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®) has evaluated CLEP processes and procedures for developing,
administering, and scoring the exams. The scores listed above are equivalent to a grade of C in the corresponding course. The American Council on Education,
the major coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education institutions, seeks to provide leadership and a unifying voice on key higher education issues
and to influence public policy through advocacy, research, and program initiatives. For more information, visit the ACE CREDIT website at [Link]/acecredit.

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