What This Exam Covers
The College Mathematics CLEP covers algebra and functions, financial mathematics, data analysis, probability, geometry, logic and sets, and number systems. It does not go into calculus or advanced algebra. This is the right CLEP if you need math credit but your degree path doesn't require higher-level math.
Exam at a Glance
| Questions | 60 multiple choice |
| Time | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 50 (most schools) |
| College credits | 6 semester hours (typical) |
| Exam fee | $97 |
| Calculator | Scientific calculator provided at testing center |
What's on the College Mathematics CLEP*?
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Algebra and Functions | 20% | Properties and graphs of functions, domain and range, composition, inverse functions, simple transformations (translations, reflections, symmetry) |
| Financial Mathematics | 20% | Simple and compound interest, present and future value, annuities, loans and amortization, percent applications, depreciation |
| Data Analysis and Statistics | 15% | Mean, median, mode, range, standard deviation, reading and interpreting charts and graphs, basic statistical inference |
| Logic and Sets | 15% | Conjunctions, disjunctions, implications, negations, conditional statements, converse/inverse/contrapositive; union, intersection, subsets, Venn diagrams, Cartesian product |
| Counting and Probability | 10% | Counting methods (permutations and combinations), probability of simple and compound events, conditional probability, independent events |
| Geometry | 10% | Perimeter, area, volume of basic figures, coordinate geometry, Pythagorean theorem, angles and parallel lines |
| Numbers | 10% | Prime and composite numbers, factors and divisibility, odd/even numbers, rational and irrational numbers, absolute value, order of operations |
Source: For a full breakdown of what is on the exam, see the College Board College Mathematics CLEP page.
How hard is the College Mathematics CLEP*?
This exam sits at moderate difficulty depending on what math classes you've taken in the past. The math itself is not advanced, there's no calculus and no advanced algebra, but it does require problem-solving ability and familiarity with mathematical reasoning, especially in the logic and sets sections which many students may not have learned in high school. If you haven't taken math in years, plan for 4 to 6 weeks. If you're comfortable with algebra and basic statistics then simply reviewing our flashcards will be enough. The logic section (conditionals, converses, contrapositives) is frequently where students lose points so give it extra attention.
How to study for the College Mathematics CLEP*
- Work through InstantCert flashcards, paying special attention to logic and sets sections. Many students don't have much practice with sets and logic problems so these often cause problems on the exam.
- Use the College Board's free College Mathematics practice questions.
- Khan Academy covers this exam well with sections on pre-algebra, statistics and probability, and logic/set theory. Work through areas where practice questions reveal gaps.
TIP: A scientific calculator IS provided at the testing center. You do NOT need to do arithmetic from memory. The calculator won't help with logic and sets, however. Understanding conditional statements, converses, and contrapositives is a reasoning skill, not a calculation one. You can get access to a free calculator to practice so you know what to expect.
What score do you need to pass?
A score of 50 is the standard passing threshold at most schools but some require 60. College Mathematics CLEP is usually worth 6 semester hours toward your degree. It typically satisfies a general education math requirement. Confirm with your school before testing because every school has different requirements.
Fail and the attempt does NOT appear on your transcript but you lose the testing fee and can only retake it after 3 months.
Can you pass College Mathematics CLEP* with just flashcards?
Yes for many of our students they've only used our flashcards but math benefits from doing problems rather than just reading cards. Work through practice questions until you can solve them without looking at the answer. That being said if you are stuck you can try to use the answer to see if it works. Flashcards build the conceptual foundation; practice problems build the speed and accuracy you need on exam day. Our 92% pass rate reflects the combination's effectiveness.
Which colleges accept the College Mathematics CLEP*?
More than 2,900 accredited colleges and universities accept CLEP credit. College Mathematics is a widely accepted exam and often satisfies a general education quantitative reasoning requirement. Some institutions grant 3 semester hours; others grant 6. Some schools, such as Harvard, don't accept CLEP at all. Confirm what your school awards before you start studying for the exam.
Use the College Board's CLEP credit-granting policy search tool to look up your school's requirements. Search by institution name and select College Mathematics to see the minimum passing score and the credit award.
College Mathematics CLEP* vs. taking the class
College Mathematics is typically a one-semester gen ed course aimed at non-STEM majors. At $97 for the exam versus tuition and a full course it's pretty amazing how much you save. The math isn't advanced, but you still have to study, especially the logic and sets material that rarely shows up in high school curricula.
| Exam fee | $97 one-time |
| Typical tuition equivalent | $500–$3,000+ (one semester) |
| Credits earned | 3–6 semester hours (varies by school) |
| Time to prepare | 2–6 weeks self-study |
| Calculator | Scientific calculator provided at testing center |
| GPA impact | None, pass/fail, not graded |
If you are in a major that doesn't require advanced math this CLEP exam can save you lots of money and time. If you will be taking calculus or statistics this CLEP exam may not count as a lower level credit.
Happy testing!