CLEP Calculus

It contains 44 questions in two sections, to be answered in approximately 90 minutes. Section 1 has approximately 27 questions and approximately 50 minutes with no calculator. Section 2 has approximately 17 questions and approximately 40 minutes with an online graphing calculator permitted.

The ACE credit-granting recommendation for Calculus is a score of 50, worth 4 semester hours. Each institution sets its own policy, which may differ from ACE's, so contact your college to confirm the score required for credit and the number of credit hours it grants.

Approximately 60% limits and differential calculus and 40% integral calculus. Topics include limit calculations and continuity, definitions and techniques of differentiation, graph characteristics, the Mean Value Theorem, L'Hopital's Rule, curve sketching, related rates, antiderivatives and substitution, the definite integral and the Fundamental Theorem, and applications like area and average value.

Only in Section 2. A TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator is integrated into the exam software and is available there; no calculator is allowed in Section 1. Only some Section 2 questions require it, and you are expected to know when it is appropriate, so practice deciding rather than reaching for it automatically.

About 50% are routine problems applying calculus techniques and about 50% are nonroutine problems testing conceptual understanding and applications. Algebraic, trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic, and general functions all appear, and figures are drawn as accurately as possible unless a question states otherwise.

Weight it toward differential calculus, which is half the exam, then integral calculus at 40%, leaving limits at about 10%. Within that, drill differentiation and integration techniques until they are automatic, then spend serious time on applications such as related rates, curve sketching, and area problems, which is where conceptual questions cluster.

Two things: calculator dependence and shaky prerequisites. Section 1 forbids calculators, so estimation and algebra must be fluent. Weakness in trigonometry, exponents, and logarithms undermines both sections. Also watch the exam's conventions, such as radian measure and ln x meaning the natural logarithm, and read figures carefully.

The official source does not state a retake policy or a score validity period, so confirm both with the College Board and your target institution before planning a second attempt. Scores are reported immediately after the exam for most CLEP subjects, so you will know your result right away.

Registration costs $97.00. You can test at official CLEP test centers, offered year-round at more than 2,000 locations worldwide, or at home with remote proctoring. Register through the College Board CLEP site, then send your score to the college whose policy you have already checked.