UW-Madison College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The following section describes the CLEP program and how students can qualify for academic credit by being part of the college-level examination program.

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) enables those students who have attained college-level competency outside the classroom to take examinations for college credit or placement. The General Examinations measure undergraduate achievement in five basic areas of liberal arts education: English composition, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences-history. The Subject Examinations measure achievement in undergraduate courses. Both sets of examinations are aimed at the public-at-large, returning service personnel, and entering freshmen. Credit will be granted for the General Examination according to the criteria established ONLY to freshmen before they have earned more than 15 degree credits in a residence program or elsewhere. 

Only a limited number of departments accept CLEP Subject Examination credits. A continuing student with no more than 15 completed degree credits may register for the General or Subject Examination(s) by contacting the Office of Testing and Evaluation Services, 608-262-5863.  

For further information, consult an L&S academic dean at 608-262-0617 or the Office of Admissions and Recruitment, 608-262-3961.