What This Exam Covers
The Precalculus CLEP covers the mathematical foundations required for calculus, including algebraic reasoning, functions in multiple forms, analytic geometry, and trigonometry. You'll do real math, not just memorize terms.
Exam at a Glance
| Questions | 48 (two sections) |
| Time | ~90 minutes |
| Section 1 | 25 questions, ~50 min (graphing calculator provided) |
| Section 2 | 23 questions, ~40 min (no calculator) |
| Passing score | 50 (most schools) |
| College credits | 3 semester hours (typical) |
| Exam fee | $97 |
What's on the Precalculus CLEP*?
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Representations of Functions: Symbolic, Graphical, and Tabular | 30% | Transformations (shifts, reflections, stretches and compressions), function operations across multiple representations; elementary functions including linear, quadratic, absolute value, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise-defined |
| Algebraic Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities | 20% | Operations on algebraic expressions; solving linear, quadratic, absolute value, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric equations; systems of equations (linear and nonlinear); inequalities |
| Functions: Concept, Properties, and Operations | 15% | Function concept, domain and range, function notation, inverse functions, composite functions, symbolic operations with functions |
| Trigonometry and Its Applications | 15% | Trigonometric functions and their inverses, unit circle, right triangle trigonometry, basic identities, solving trig equations, applications and problem-solving contexts |
| Analytic Geometry | 10% | Lines, circles, parabolas, ellipses, and hyperbolas — equations, graphs, and properties |
| Functions as Models | 10% | Interpreting and constructing functions as models; translating among symbolic, graphical, tabular, and verbal representations |
Source: For a full breakdown of what is on the exam, see the College Board Precalculus CLEP page.
How hard is the Precalculus CLEP*?
This is one of the harder CLEPs because you need to learn how to solve equations, rather than just memorizing facts like many CLEPs. If you took advanced math in high school, then this exam can be pretty easy, but many people do not have much knowledge of trigonometry or other advanced concepts. The no-calculator section (23 questions) can sometimes be a surprise for those who have only used a calculator to solve equations.
If you took advanced math or trigonometry before, you should be able to study for this exam in a couple of weeks. However, those starting from scratch may need several months, as you really need to learn a lot of math.
How to study for the Precalculus CLEP*
- Work through the InstantCert flashcards, solving every problem and not just guessing to see the explanation. For math, trying to solve problems does a lot more than simply learning theory. Focus on functions and representations first, since they account for 45% of the exam combined, then work through trigonometry.
- If you want a full textbook, this one is available online for free, covering the first 7 chapters, which are what will be on the exam.
- Khan Academy's Precalculus and Trigonometry courses cover every topic on this exam for free.
- Use the College Board's free Precalculus practice questions for 10 free questions similar to the exam.
What score do you need to pass?
The official passing score for the Precalculus CLEP is 50, but some schools require a 60 to award the credit. This exam typically satisfies a math general education or quantitative reasoning requirement.
Pass and the credit appears on your transcript. Fail and the attempt does NOT appear on your transcript. You can retake after 3 months, but you lose the $97 fee.
Can you pass Precalculus CLEP* with just flashcards?
The 400 flashcards cover the content well, but the main thing is for you to actually work through the problems. If you can solve all the problems on the flashcards, you'll be good for the real exam.
Which colleges accept the Precalculus CLEP*?
Most colleges and universities accept the Precalculus CLEP for 3 semester hours of credit. It usually counts toward a math general education or quantitative reasoning requirement.
Use the College Board's CLEP credit-granting policy search tool to look up your school's policy. The tool can be out of date, so confirm directly with your registrar, especially if you need Precalculus as a calculus prerequisite.
Precalculus CLEP* vs. taking the class
If you have the math background and just need the credit, the CLEP is dramatically cheaper and faster than a semester-long course. If you plan to continue into calculus or a STEM major, think carefully about whether the CLEP builds the problem-solving you will need in those courses. Structured practice, office hours, and math labs in an actual class can matter for upper-year success.
| 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 | 4 to 12 weeks depending on background |
| GPA impact | None (pass/no record) |
| Calculator | On-screen graphing calculator for Section 1 only; no calculator for Section 2 |
Happy testing!