What This Exam Covers
The History of The United States I covers the period from the first contact with indigenous peoples to the end of Reconstruction in 1877. Key topics include early colonization, the American Revolution, the drafting of the Constitution, the institution of slavery, the Civil War, and the Reconstruction era. Understanding the causes, key figures, and consequences of these events will be crucial.
Exam at a Glance
| Questions | 120 multiple choice |
| Time | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 50 (most schools) |
| College credits | 3 semester hours (typical) |
| Exam fee | $97 |
What's on the History of the United States I CLEP*?
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Political Institutions, Developments, and Public Policy | 25% | Colonial governance, British-American relations, American Revolution, Constitution and amendments, political parties, democracy, nationalism, Civil War, Reconstruction |
| Social Developments | 25% | Indigenous societies, slavery and resistance, immigration, ethnic minorities, women and family roles, reform movements, abolitionism, social change through Reconstruction |
| Cultural and Intellectual Developments | 20% | Religion, Transcendentalism, abolitionism, literature and arts, education, popular culture, intellectual life through 1877 |
| Economic Developments | 15% | Colonial economies, agriculture and trade, westward expansion, industrialization, agrarian society, economic impact of the Civil War |
| Diplomacy and Transnational Interactions | 15% | American expansionism, causes and impact of major wars (Revolution, War of 1812, Mexican-American War, Civil War), Monroe Doctrine, foreign relations through 1877 |
Source: For a full breakdown of what is on the exam, see the College Board History of the United States I CLEP page.
How hard is the History of the United States I CLEP?
Considering it's hundreds of years of history this one can be a bit hard. That being said if you paid attention to your history classes you may know a lot of it. If you don't remember any history you're definitely going to need at least a few weeks of studying. Spend more time on the 1800s than the 1700s and before as there are many more questions on the US than colonization.
How to study for the History of the United States I CLEP*
U.S. History I rewards understanding patterns and causation, not just memorizing names and dates. Here's a solid approach:
- Work through the InstantCert flashcards. 365 cards covering colonial America through Reconstruction. Flag the ones you miss and read the explanations -- knowing why something happened matters as much as knowing that it happened.
- Use the College Board's free U.S. History I practice questions to get comfortable with how they phrase things. The exam tests cause-and-effect thinking, not trivia recall.
- If you need to fill in gaps, Crash Course U.S. History on YouTube covers every tested topic and is free. Modern States has a structured free course if you prefer text and practice questions over video.
TIP: Put more time into the 1800s than the 1600s and 1700s. The antebellum period, Civil War, and Reconstruction carry more weight on the exam. Don't skip early colonization entirely, but don't let it take over your prep time either.
What score do you need to pass?
A score of 50 is generally the standard passing threshold at most schools, though some institutions may require a score of 60 or higher. It's important to check your institution's CLEP credit policy before testing, as credit allocation can vary significantly and may affect your degree requirements. Contact your academic advisor for specific guidance.
Typically you earn 3 semester hours of credit for a pass and if you fail don't worry it will not appear on your transcript — you can retake after 3 months.
Can you pass History of the United States I CLEP* with just flashcards?
Many of our students have passed with just the flashcards but many of those took high school or other history classes. If you're starting with very little knowledge I would suggest reviewing some of the resources mentioned above and then start using the flashcards.
Which colleges accept the History of the United States I CLEP*?
Most colleges and universities in the United States accept the History of the United States I CLEP for credit, usually awarding 3 semester hours towards a social science or history requirement. Usually it counts as 3 semester hours towards a social science or history requirement.
Some schools require a score of 60 instead of 50. Some schools require a score of 60, while highly selective schools like Harvard don't accept CLEP credit at all. If your program requires a specific history course check with your advisor before assuming this exam satisfies it.
Use the College Board's CLEP credit-granting policy search tool to look up your school's minimum score requirement and credit award. If possible, verify the information directly with the school, as the tool may not be up to date.
History of the United States I CLEP* vs. taking the class
A U.S. History course runs 15 weeks and costs thousands. This exam runs 90 minutes and costs $97. You're paying a fraction of what a semester of tuition costs and you earn the same 3 credit hours either way, with no GPA impact.
| Exam fee | $97 one-time |
| Typical tuition equivalent | $500–$3,000+ (one semester) |
| Credits earned | 3 semester hours (typical) |
| Time to prepare | 2–6 weeks self-study |
| Questions | 120 multiple choice, no essay |
| GPA impact | None, pass/fail, not graded |
CLEP is the right call if you have any U.S. history background at all -- a high school course, AP prep, or just decent general knowledge. Taking the class makes more sense if your degree program requires the letter grade, if you need a professor to ask questions, or if you're starting from scratch and want the structured timeline.
Happy testing!