College-Level Examination Program®

The College-Level Examination Program ® (CLEP) is a nationwide credit-by-examination program that offers students the opportunity to obtain recognition for college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. Onondaga Community College is a CLEP National Open Test Center. The college grants CLEP credit when these examinations cover material comparable to that covered in courses offered by Onondaga Community College in areas that can be applied to an associate's degree. CLEP credits are treated as transfer credits and must be completed the semester prior to that in which a course is required. If credit has been granted through examination prior to a student's application to Onondaga, an official transcript must be sent to the Certification and Records office. As an incoming student transferring CLEP credit, you must successfully complete at least half the required academic credit hours at Onondaga Community College in order to fulfill requirements for the Associates degree from Onondaga. For CLEP examinations, you must meet the minimum score to receive credit.  OCC does not grant credit for modern language CLEP tests.

All CLEP exams are computer-based and are offered on the main campus throughout the year by the Testing Services Office. CLEP is not available on Saturdays or at the North Site. Students must begin exams within 2 hours of the testing lab’s posted opening time. Find our days and hours here.

Steps to Take CLEP Exams

Please note: CLEP testing is not available on Saturdays or at the North Site.  

1. There is no pre-registration and no is appointment necessary.
2. CLEP exams must be started within 2 hours of the testing lab’s posted opening time. Please note: CLEP testing is not available on Saturdays or at the North Site. Plan approximately two hours for test taking. Find days and hours here. 
3. Pay testing fees-
   • Effective July 1, 2012 the CLEP exam fee will be $80 (per exam) that you must pay on the day of the exam. You may pay by credit card (preferred payment method) or by check or money order made payable to "College-Level Examination Program." If paying by card, you will pay on the computer prior to starting your exam. If paying by check or money order, your payment will be mailed to CLEP by Testing Services staff.
   • An Exam Fee of $26 is due on the day of the test payable at the Bursar’s Office (Gordon Student Center, Room 114). Bring the receipt with you on the day you test. It is recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment in order to make payment. All transactions for exam fees are non-refundable.
   • All transactions for exam fees are non-refundable. 
   • CLEP for Veterans/Military - The $26 exam proctoring fee is waived for retired and active duty Military. Active Duty Military members will also have their $80 CLEP fee waived. Retired Military must submit proof of service to have proctoring fee waived. Active duty candidates must submit a current military ID as one of two forms of ID prior to testing. Visit the CLEP website for more details on fee waivers, ID requirements and possible reimbursement for Military & Veterans.
    
4. After paying the proctoring fee, go upstairs to the Gordon Student Center main lobby, pull a ticket for Placement Testing from the kiosk next to the main entrance. Wait in the lobby for your number to be called.
5. When your number is called, a test administrator will meet you at counter 1, room G230. 
   • The test administrator will need to see your receipt from the Bursar’s office.
   • Two forms of identification are also necessary: One must have your photo and signature on it, the other must have either your photo or your signature on it. A credit card, Social Security Card or employment ID is not an acceptable form of ID.
   • After check-in and registration, you will be started on your exam. 
   • Active Duty Military must submit a current Military ID card as one form of ID in order to have the $26 proctoring fee and $80 CLEP fee waived. Retired Military members must submit two forms of ID and proof of service in order to have the $26 testing fee waived. Reimbursement is available for some retired Military members, visit the CLEP website for more information.
    

Please note: CLEP testing is not available on Saturdays or at the North Site. 

Tips for Taking CLEP Exams

CLEP exams are not easy. Before you consider taking a CLEP exam, please go to www.collegeboard.com/clep to download an exam guide, read tips and view other resources. Review sample questions and exam topics to determine whether you are prepared to take the CLEP exam. If you fail an exam you must wait six months before you can retake it.

You can also visit the CLEP web site for scores and transcripts, exam descriptions, and CLEP publications.

2012 CLEP Official Study Guides are available at the reserve desk in Onondaga Community College’s Coulter Library. You will need a library card to check out any item from the reserve desk. OCC students and guests can get a library card barcode with a student ID or other photo ID at the main circulation desk. Items can only be used on the 2nd floor of the library reserve and cannot leave the room. For your convenience you can copy or scan sections of the study guide for use outside of the library.

Questions about CLEP?

If you have questions about CLEP exams, send an e-mail to testingservices@sunyocc.edu.

Subject Examinations

The following are CLEP exams that Onondaga Community College currently accepts for credit: