What This Exam Covers
The Biology CLEP is equivalent to a full year of introductory college biology. The testing categories are: Molecular and Cellular Biology, Organismal Biology, and Population Biology, which are weighted roughly equally at about 33% each.
Exam at a Glance
| Questions | 115 multiple choice |
| Time | 90 minutes |
| Passing score | 50 (most schools) |
| College credits | 6 semester hours (typical) |
| Exam fee | $97 |
What's on the Biology CLEP*?
Three categories, each weighted roughly 33%:
| Category | Weight | Topics |
|---|---|---|
| Molecular and Cellular Biology | ~33% | Cell structure and function, enzymes, DNA and RNA, cell division, energy transformations |
| Organismal Biology | ~34% | Plant structure and reproduction, animal structure and reproduction, development, principles of heredity |
| Population Biology | ~33% | Ecology, evolution, animal behavior, social biology |
Source: For a full breakdown of what is on the exam, see the College Board Biology CLEP page.
How hard is the Biology CLEP*?
The Biology CLEP is middle of the road but on the harder side if you don't have past experience. There is just a lot to learn and memorize. On top of straight memorization you'll need to know concepts. That being said if you took Biology in high school you shouldn't need to study for that long. However if you are starting from zero then plan for 6 to 10 weeks of real study time.
How to study for the Biology CLEP*
If you haven't taken Biology recently you'll need some practice:
- Of course we have to promote our study guide so work through the flashcards, note the ones you get wrong and carefully read the answers.
- If you can't afford it then look for some free exams such as the College Board's free CLEP biology sample questions.
- Use Khan Academy's AP Biology course for visual reinforcement. Free, thorough, and covers the same content as the CLEP. It fills in the conceptual gaps that text-based cards leave open — especially for cell biology and genetics. Khan Academy AP Biology is here.
- ModernStates.org has a free Biology course built specifically for CLEP prep and is always a great resource.
What score do you need to pass?
A score of 50 is the standard passing threshold at most schools, equivalent to a B or better in a year-long intro Biology course. Some schools set their cutoff at 60 so make sure to check with your institution before you start studying for the exam.
Pass and you typically earn 6 semester hours of credit which can often be counted towards a general science requirement. Fail and the attempt does NOT appear on your transcript and tou can retake after 3 months. That being said you will lose your exam fee
Can you pass Biology CLEP* with just flashcards?
Some students do but Biology is one of the exams where we'd recommend supplementing if you have not taken a biology course recently. The conceptual load is high and memorization of facts may not be enough. Strong biology background or just finished your high school class? Flashcards alone may get you there. Starting from scratch? Plan to use some of the sites above.
Which colleges accept the Biology CLEP*?
Most accredited colleges and universities in the United States accept the Biology CLEP for credit but the credits awarded and minimum score can change. Also be aware that some schools only accept a certain amount of CLEP or DSST credits. A few schools particularly highly selective universities such as Harvard do not accept CLEP credit at all.
Biology CLEP credit typically counts toward a general science or natural science distribution requirement. Whether it counts as a lab science credit depends on the school, many will not award lab credit since there is no lab component to the exam. If a lab science credit is specifically required for your degree, check with your advisor before relying on CLEP Biology to satisfy it.
Use the College Board's CLEP credit-granting policy search tool to look up exactly what your school awards. Search by institution and select Biology to see their minimum score requirement and how many credits they grant.
Biology CLEP* vs. taking the class
The Biology CLEP is equivalent to a full year of introductory college biology (two semesters). At $97 for the exam, it is dramatically cheaper than tuition for those courses at most schools. The tradeoff is that you have to do the studying yourself without a professor, structured assignments, or a lab component.
| Exam fee | $97 one-time |
| Typical tuition equivalent | $1,000–$6,000+ (two semesters) |
| Credits earned | 6 semester hours (typical) |
| Time to prepare | 4–10 weeks self-study |
| Lab science credit | Usually no, check your school |
| GPA impact | None, pass/fail, not graded |
CLEP is the right call if you already have a solid biology background, want to free up your schedule, or are trying to reduce total tuition costs. Taking the class makes more sense if you need the lab credit or are planning to take upper-level biology courses.
Happy testing!