CLEP Biology
Biology
More study resources
Cheat sheet
Keep the key ideas within reach.
ExploreKey terms
Get comfortable with the vocabulary.
ExploreStudy plan
Give each week a clear focus.
ExploreCommon mistakes
Understand the traps and how to avoid them.
ExploreCase studies
Put your knowledge to work in context.
ExploreExam-day guide
Prepare for the day ahead.
ExploreAbout this exam
The CLEP Biology exam is a College-Level Examination Program test that lets candidates earn college credit by demonstrating knowledge equivalent to a one-year college general biology course. It is aimed at students entering or already enrolled in college who want to place out of introductory biology, and it is accepted at institutions that set their own credit-granting policies. The exam covers molecular and cellular biology, organismal biology, and population biology, with approximately equal weight given to each area. It contains approximately 115 questions to be answered in 90 minutes, and some of those are pretest questions that are not scored. Questions test knowledge of facts, principles, and processes; understanding of how information is collected, interpreted, and used to form hypotheses and conclusions; and awareness that science is a human endeavor with social consequences. The American Council on Education recommends a credit-granting score of 50 and 6 semester hours, though each college sets its own policy. To prepare, review the official topic outline, work through sample questions, and build a study plan that covers all three content areas rather than focusing on a single one. The exam is offered year-round at official CLEP test centers or at home with remote proctoring, and scores are reported immediately after completion.
What you'll study
About CLEP Biology preparation
What is the format of the Biology CLEP exam?
It is a multiple-choice exam with approximately 115 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some questions are pretest items that are not scored. It is offered year-round at official CLEP test centers or at home with remote proctoring, and scores are available immediately after you finish.
How is the exam content weighted?
The exam is organized into three areas: molecular and cellular biology (33%), organismal biology (34%), and population biology (33%). The official outline gives approximately equal weight to all three, so dividing study time evenly is a reasonable starting strategy.
What score do I need to pass?
The American Council on Education recommends a credit-granting score of 50 and 6 semester hours. However, each institution sets its own credit-granting policy, which may differ, so contact your college to confirm the required score and the number of credit hours it grants.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
Registration costs $97.00. The exam itself lasts 90 minutes for approximately 115 questions. A separate CLEP Biology Examination Guide is available for $10.00 if you want additional official study material.
How should I order my studying?
Start with the official topic outline and map each topic to your current knowledge. Cover all three areas rather than only your strongest one, since they carry roughly equal weight. Then work through sample questions to identify weak topics, and revisit those before reviewing broad material again.
What are common ways candidates fall short?
A frequent mistake is over-studying molecular biology and neglecting population biology, even though the areas are weighted about equally. Another is memorizing isolated facts without practicing how data are interpreted and how conclusions are drawn, which the exam explicitly tests.
Can I retake the exam if I do not get the score I need?
The official source does not state a retake policy, so check with CLEP and your test center for current rules before assuming you can retest. Also confirm your college's policy, since a retake is only useful if the institution accepts the higher score.
How do I know whether my college accepts CLEP Biology?
CLEP exams are recognized at over 3,000 colleges, but each institution sets its own credit-granting policy. Search your college's CLEP policy or contact its registrar or advising office to confirm whether Biology credit is awarded and how many semester hours you would receive.