What This Exam Covers
Western Civilization I typically counts toward a humanities or history requirement. It starts from the Near East with Byzantium and Islam, then covers Greece, Rome, all the way up to the close of the Thirty Years' War in 1648. Certain eras are covered more thoroughly, so focus on the most important ones.
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 Western Civilization I CLEP*?
| Period | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Ancient Near East | 8%–10% | Mesopotamian civilizations (Sumer, Babylon, Assyria), Egyptian civilization, Persian Empire, Hebrews, political and cultural development in the Fertile Crescent region |
| Ancient Greece and Hellenistic Civilization | 15%–17% | Periclean Athens, Greek city-states, Persian and Peloponnesian Wars, Greek philosophy and culture, Macedon and Alexander the Great, Hellenistic period |
| Ancient Rome | 15%–17% | Roman Republic and Empire, Roman culture and law, early Christianity, Germanic invasions, fall of the Western Roman Empire |
| Medieval History (500–1400) | 23%–27% | Byzantium and Islam, Carolingian era, feudalism and manorialism, the medieval Church, crusades, medieval culture and thought, rise of towns, feudal monarchies, late medieval crisis |
| Renaissance and Reformation (1400–1560) | 13%–17% | Italian and Northern Renaissance, humanism, new monarchies, Protestant Reformation, Catholic Counter-Reformation |
| Early Modern Europe (1560–1648) | 10%–15% | Commercial Revolution, Atlantic expansion, dynastic and religious conflicts, Thirty Years' War |
Source: For a full breakdown of what is on the exam, see the College Board Western Civilization I CLEP page.
How hard is the Western Civilization I CLEP*?
This exam is medium to hard due to its vast scope, but many test-takers have some knowledge of at least one era. You need to know the main points of each era, not specific details like a Roman governor's name. Students who took a world history class or studied European history will find the exam relatively easy.
Starting from zero, plan for 5 to 7 weeks. Focus especially on the medieval and Renaissance sections, which make up about two-thirds of the exam.
How to study for the Western Civilization I CLEP*
- Work through InstantCert flashcards, noting eras that give you trouble. Read explanations carefully to recognize similar questions on the real exam.
- Use the College Board's free Western Civilization I practice questions to see a few free practice questions.
- Crash Course World History and European History cover the medieval and early modern periods in depth and can be great for those that learn better by video.
- ModernStates.org has a free Western Civilization I course built for CLEP prep.
What score do you need to pass?
The standard passing score is 50, but some schools set it at 60. Western Civilization I typically counts toward a humanities or history requirement. Confirm with your institution how the credit applies before testing.
Passing the CLEP shows up on your transcript as a Pass, with no letter grade or GPA impact. Failing the exam means the attempt won't appear on your transcript, but you'll need to wait 3 months to re-test and forfeit your $97 fee.
Can you pass Western Civilization I CLEP* with just flashcards?
Many of our students do, especially those with a bit of history background. The content is very learnable if you pay attention to the detailed answers. Even if you get an answer right on the flashcards, make sure to review the full answer so you can recognize similar questions on the real exam. Students who supplement with the Crash Course videos or other secondary sources tend to feel more confident going in. With a 95% pass rate, our students do great on this exam.
Which colleges accept the Western Civilization I CLEP*?
Most universities in the United States accept the Western Civilization I CLEP for 3 semester hours. Be aware that schools often cap the total CLEP and DSST credit you can apply toward a degree, and highly selective universities like Yale do not accept CLEP credit at all.
Use the College Board's CLEP credit-granting policy search tool to check your school's policy. The tool is not always up to date, so confirm with your college before you start studying so you don't waste your money.
Western Civilization I CLEP* vs. taking the class
If you just need the credit, the CLEP is dramatically cheaper and faster than a semester-long class. History majors or humanities concentrators will benefit from coursework that goes beyond the exam's broad material, making the classroom version a better choice for a deeper understanding of each era.
| Exam fee | $97 (military: 1 free attempt) |
| Tuition equivalent | $500 to $1,500+ for a 3-credit course |
| Credits earned | 3 semester hours |
| Prep time | 5 to 7 weeks depending on background |
| GPA impact | None (pass/no record) |
| Transcript for fail | No record |
Happy testing!