College Credit Exams

College credit exams allow students to earn credit for knowledge and skills they already have, often gained through self-study or work experience. These exams help accelerate academic progress through bypassing introductory courses, reducing educational costs, and validating prior learning. They provide a flexible way to advance in one's education and can support career growth by recognizing existing expertise.

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides an opportunity for students to earn college credit by demonstrating mastery of college-level material through standardized exams—without taking traditional classes. By earning qualifying scores, students may accelerate their academic progress and potentially complete their degree in less time.

Important Information

  • Consult Your Advisor: Before registering, students must speak with their academic advisor to confirm which CLEP exam is appropriate and to ensure all requirements for receiving academic credit are met.
  • Program Suitability: Testing Services does not provide guidance on which CLEP exams are suitable for specific degree programs or institutions.
  • Jax State Students: If you are currently enrolled or planning to enroll at Jax State, consult with the Registrar’s Office prior to scheduling your CLEP exam(s) to confirm eligibility and credit policies.

CLEP exams are computer-based and cover a wide range of subject areas. For more details about the exams offered and the requirements for earning credits, visit our Prior Learning Assessment page.

CLEP Test Dates and Registration

Please contact Jax State Testing Services for current scheduling availability.

There are two separate fees associated with CLEP testing:

  1. $97 CLEP Exam Fee – Paid directly to CLEP when registering through the CLEP website.
    (Registration tickets are valid for six months from the date of purchase.)
  2. $35 Administration Fee – Paid to Jax State Testing Services.
    (Discounted to $15 for currently enrolled Jax State students.)

How to Register and Schedule Your CLEP Exam

Step 1: Register for your CLEP exam through the CLEP website and pay the $97 exam fee.

Step 2: After completing your CLEP registration, contact Jax State Testing Services to schedule your exam. Once your appointment is confirmed, you will receive a link to pay the administration fee online ($35, or $15 for currently enrolled Jax State students).

Important: The administration fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

After both steps are completed, Testing Services will send a confirmation email with your official test date and time.

Retake Policy: If you need to retake a CLEP exam, a three-month waiting period is required between attempts.

Need Help or More Info?

Testing Services
Location: B22 Houston Cole Library
Phone: 256-782-8378 (782-TEST)
Email: testingservices@jsu.edu 

We are an approved DSST (Dantes Subject Standardized Tests) testing site. This designation allows us to offer a variety of DSST exams to students and the community, providing an opportunity to earn college credit for knowledge acquired outside of the traditional classroom setting. For more information on testing dates and registration, please contact Testing Services.

Visit the following link for more information about DSST exams.

If you are a military service member, please see their Active Duty Veteran Military Members page for more information.

If you need additional information or are interested in scheduling a DSST test, contact:

Testing Services
B22 Houston Cole Library
P: 256-782-8378 (782-TEST)
E: testingservices@jsu.edu

Jax State is excited to present our students with an opportunity to earn college credit that will save time and money. Modern States Education Alliance is a non-profit dedicated to making a high-quality college education free of cost and accessible to any person who seeks one.

For a limited time*, Modern States will cover the $97 cost of the CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exam fee for courses that Jax State accepts for credit.

Modern States fund availability may change without notice.

To take advantage of the Modern States grant voucher program:

  1. Sign up on the informational platform (https://modernstates.org).
  2. Enroll in a course.
  3. Complete the online, self-paced coursework and practice questions.
  4. Request a CLEP voucher code from the Modern States website.
  5. Schedule an exam at a testing center or visit one of Jax State’s testing centers.
  6. When prompted for payment, enter the voucher code you received from Modern States to cover the $95 exam fee.
  7. Remember to select Jax State as the institution where you want your official score/transcript sent.
  8. Request a Test Center Reimbursement once you sit for the exam.

Note: You must have used a Modern States CLEP voucher and provide a copy of your CLEP exam score to request test center reimbursement.

To proceed with a self-pay CLEP exam:

Step One: Register for and purchase your CLEP exam ($97 per exam) through College Board. Visit https://clep.collegeboard.org/ and follow the instructions on the College Board website.

Step Two: After registering for your CLEP exam through College Board, schedule your exam and pay your test administration fee ($35.00 per exam).

  • On the day of your test, remember to bring your CLEP Exam Registration Ticket to the testing center.