College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives you the opportunity to receive college credit for what you already know through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, cultural pursuits, or life experiences by earning qualifying scores on any of the many examinations. Computerbased CLEP examinations are administered by appointment¹ only through the Testing Program. As an open CLEP test center, Winthrop University administers all CLEP tests except those requiring essays. For a complete list of available CLEP tests, please visit the official CLEP website.
For Those Seeking Winthrop University Course-Equivalent Credit
Please Note: Winthrop University does not award credit for all of the CLEP examinations that are provided by the Test Center. The university does not require CLEP essay examinations or accept the General Examinations for exemption credit. For a list of tests currently accepted by the University, please see the Tests for Credit at Winthrop University link. The Testing Program makes no recommendations as to test selection. Prior to registering for any CLEP test, please speak with your advisor, Student Services personnel for your major, or department chair regarding intended test.
Candidates seeking course-equivalent credit from Winthrop University must request that official CLEP score reports be sent to Winthrop University. Winthrop University uses the American Council on Education (ACE) score³ on the examinee's official score report to determine whether credit is awarded.
Test credit is applied according to the published policy at the time the exam was taken and not the date the official CLEP score report transcript is received by the university. For updated infomation regarding this and all other CLEP policies, please review the University catalog section on CLEP.
Registration and Fees
The current CLEP test fee for most tests is $80.00. An additional non-refundable, non-transferable $40.00 per exam registration fee payable by check or money order to Winthrop University is also required². Complete the CLEP registration form (pdf - 54.85 KB) and submit along with your registration fee to Attn: Coordinator for Testing Program, Health & Counseling Services, 101 Crawford Building, Winthrop University, Rock Hill, SC 29733. Upon receiving, staff will attempt to contact you to schedule/confirm your request; however, it is your responsibility to do so. Because appointments will not be scheduled until your registration fee has been received, please allow sufficient time for mail delivery. The remaining test fee is due by credit card, check or money order payable to CLEP at the time of the exam. Cash and debit cards are not accepted.
On Test Day
Arrive ten minutes before your scheduled appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late for your appointment, you will not be allowed to take the exam and you will forfeit your registration fee. You may reschedule your appointment upon payment of an additional registration fee. You must provide two forms of identification (see CLEP registration form for latest ID requirements.) Because temperatures vary in the testing rooms, you may want to dress in layers.
Retest Policy
A CLEP examination may not be retaken within a 6-month period. This waiting period provides the student with an opportunity to spend additional time preparing for the exam or the option of taking a classroom course.
Score Reports
You will receive an unofficial score report immediately upon completion of your CLEP exam. A score recipient (college, employer, or certifying agency) that is selected through the software on the day of the exam is sent one time free of charge. Additional CLEP transcripts can be obtained for a fee by contacting College Board/CLEP directly.
It will take approximately 7-10 business days from the date of request through College Board/CLEP for the score recipient to receive the transcript. It may take an additional 1-2 weeks for the score to be entered and updated.
Requesting Testing Accommodations
To request American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodations, please contact the Coordinator for Testing Program well in advance of the proposed test date. Because the approval process involves the candidate, testing institution, and CLEP personnel, it may take some time to complete the process. Written documentation of no more than five years old must be submitted on official letterhead to the Coordinator.
Visitor Registration
Visitors to Winthrop University that desire to park on university property must obtain a visitor parking permit from the Campus Police Department. Visitor registration for 24 hours or less is free of charge. Current Winthrop students are not considered visitors and must have a permit. Please allow for time to locate parking.
¹Appointments are not available during midterms, finals or when the department is closed.
²CLEP registration and test fees are subject to change without prior notice.
³ACE scores may change without prior notice.