What is CLEP?
CLEP lets a student demonstrate college-level knowledge on an exam. High-school students are allowed to take CLEP at approved test centers.
High school · College credit · Save money
Earn College Credit Before Graduation
CLEP, Modern States, AP, dual enrollment and other options can shorten college — if the student's future college actually accepts and applies the credit.
CLEP + Modern States
Modern States can cover the exam fee
Modern States offers free CLEP-prep courses. Learners age 13+ can work toward a CLEP Scholarship/voucher after meeting the course requirements.
Take CLEP locally at Ferris
Ferris State University in Big Rapids administers CLEP exams by appointment. Ferris generally requires a 50 for credit, with different rules for foreign-language exams.
Don't collect random credits
The goal is not the biggest credit total. The goal is credits that replace courses the student would otherwise need for the intended degree.
Other ways to earn college credit
Michigan dual enrollment
Qualified high-school students can take college courses for postsecondary credit. For state-paid dual enrollment, homeschool students have specific enrollment requirements and should verify the current process with their resident district and the college.
Michigan dual enrollment ↗AP exams
Students may earn college credit or placement from qualifying AP scores, depending on the college's policy. Homeschool families need to arrange testing through a school or exam center.
AP credit policies ↗DSST / other credit-by-exam
Some colleges accept DSST or their own challenge exams and prior-learning assessments. Verify the exact exam and course equivalency first.
DSST ↗Career & technical credit
Career-tech programs may offer articulated college credit or credentials. Ask the Mecosta-Osceola Career Center about current enrollment pathways and credit agreements.
MOCC ↗Simple CLEP plan
Pick likely colleges. Compare CLEP/AP/transfer policies.
Choose a useful course. Start with a general-education requirement or a subject the student already knows well.
Prepare. Use Modern States, Khan Academy, textbooks or other study materials.
Confirm the score requirement. Do this before scheduling.
Take the exam. Ferris is a local CLEP testing option.
Save records. Keep the score report and note the exam on the homeschool transcript.
Questions to ask before every college-credit option
- Does the likely college accept this exam/course?
- What exact college course does it replace?
- Does that course count toward the intended major or general education?
- Is there a limit on transfer or exam credit?
- Will taking the credit affect prerequisites later?