CLEP Calculus study materials
CLEP Calculus study resources

CLEP Calculus study plan

CLEP Calculus · Give each week a clear focus.

8 weeks · About 6 hours per week

Week 1

Limits

  • Evaluate limits graphically, numerically, and algebraically, including one-sided limits

  • Apply limit laws and algebraic manipulation (factoring, rationalizing, common denominators) to resolve indeterminate forms

  • Distinguish removable, jump, and infinite discontinuities and classify them from a given function

  • State and apply the formal epsilon-delta definition of a limit at an introductory level

Your checkpoint

A 20-question self-made limit quiz scored at 80% or higher, with every missed item rewritten and re-solved correctly

Week 2

Differential Calculus

  • Compute derivatives from the limit definition for polynomial and simple radical functions

  • Apply power, constant multiple, sum, product, and quotient rules fluently

  • Differentiate composite functions using the chain rule in nested and multi-layer forms

  • Differentiate trigonometric, exponential, and logarithmic functions

Your checkpoint

A one-page derivative-rules reference sheet plus 30 solved derivative problems with work shown

Week 3

Differential Calculus

  • Perform implicit differentiation and solve for dy/dx

  • Differentiate inverse trigonometric functions and apply logarithmic differentiation

  • Solve related-rates problems by setting up and differentiating a geometric relationship

  • Interpret derivatives as instantaneous rates of change and as slopes of tangent lines

Your checkpoint

Five fully worked related-rates word problems with labeled diagrams and final answers with units

Week 4

Differential Calculus

  • Find critical points and use first and second derivative tests to classify extrema

  • Determine intervals of increase/decrease and concavity, and locate inflection points

  • Apply the Mean Value Theorem and Rolle's Theorem to verify conditions and conclusions

  • Solve applied optimization problems with constrained variables

  • Sketch accurate curves from derivative sign information

Your checkpoint

A timed 45-minute mock exam covering differential calculus, scored and error-logged by topic

Week 5

Integral Calculus

  • Compute antiderivatives using the power rule and basic trigonometric and exponential forms

  • Evaluate definite integrals using the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus

  • Approximate definite integrals with left, right, midpoint, and trapezoidal sums and compare to exact values

  • Interpret definite integrals as net signed area and as accumulated change

Your checkpoint

A comparison table of four Riemann-sum approximations versus the exact integral for three functions, with error analysis

Week 6

Integral Calculus

  • Apply u-substitution to indefinite and definite integrals, changing limits of integration

  • Use integration by parts and recognize when it is the appropriate technique

  • Set up and evaluate area between curves and volumes of solids of revolution

  • Apply the Mean Value Theorem for Integrals

Your checkpoint

A worked problem set of 15 integrals and 5 area/volume applications, with substitution steps shown explicitly

Week 7

Limits & Differential Calculus & Integral Calculus

  • Review limit, derivative, and integral techniques in interleaved practice rather than blocked practice

  • Diagnose recurring error patterns from prior weeks' logs and correct them

  • Complete full-length timed practice under exam conditions

  • Manage pacing to finish all sections within time limits

Your checkpoint

Two full-length timed practice exams with a written error-pattern summary identifying the top three recurring mistakes

Week 8

Differential Calculus & Integral Calculus

  • Re-drill the highest-frequency differential and integral techniques to automaticity

  • Re-solve every previously missed problem without notes

  • Verify formula recall for rules, theorems, and standard integrals

  • Simulate final-day exam pacing and confirm test-day logistics

Your checkpoint

A clean-slate retake of all missed problems achieving 90% or higher, plus a one-page final formula sheet

Milestones

Week 2: Score 80% or higher on a 15-question limit-and-derivative-rule quiz without notes

Week 4: Complete the differential calculus mock exam within 45 minutes with at least 75% accuracy

Week 6: Correctly evaluate 12 of 15 mixed integration problems, including at least 4 u-substitution and 2 by-parts items

Week 8: Score 85% or higher on a final full-length timed practice exam and clear the missed-problem retake at 90%