CLEP and PLA CLEP and PLA Using Credit by Exam to Demonstrate Learning College-Level Examination Program ® (CLEP ® )

Why Do We Want or Need Adult Learners? Only 39% of the U.S. adult population hold a two- or 4- year degree (SOURCE: Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, 2007) There are 6.8 million adult learners or 70% of the enrollment involved in some form of post-secondary education (SOURCE: National Center for Education Statistics) Our national and states’ economic recovery depends on a highly skilled and educated labor force.

CLEP AND PLA Efficiency and Effectiveness  Early research indicates assessing prior college-level learning experiences increase effectiveness and efficiencies for the college student.  A greater emphasis on seamless articulation across higher education systems and institutions increases.  Ways to standardize the assessment of prior learning:  PLA recognition for “course-match” models.  Nationally recognized, standardized credit by exam increases credit portability (See-ACE, CLEP, CAEL) CLEP is the most widely used, college-based credit-by-examination system in the United States and is also used by international students. By succeeding on a CLEP exam, individuals may earn between three and 12 college credits at 2,900 institutions.

CLEP Overview CLEP Overview Credit-by-examination program serving a diverse group of students, including adults, non-traditional learners, and military service members More than seven million exams taken since ,700+ colleges administer CLEP 211,000 exams administered in 2009–10, including 76,500 administered to military service members Exam fee = $77.00 New website-

CLEP Core Purposes CLEP allows students to demonstrate acquired mastery of college-level course content. CLEP allows students to translate knowledge into college credit, commonly recognized by qualifying scores in the program’s 33 exams. CLEP allows diverse groups, including adult students, non- traditional learners, and military service members to save time and money as they pursue a college degree.

Where can I find more information about the College Level Examination Program? Save Time. Save Money. Take CLEP. The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) provides the opportunity to receive college credit for prior learning by earning qualifying scores on any of 33 examinations. Earn credit for knowledge you've acquired through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships. Check out the College Board CLEP website to find out- How to prepare? What do the exams cover? Where to test? How to order a transcript for scores? Which colleges accept CLEP for credit?

About the CLEP Exams Structure  33 computer-based exams.  Mostly multiple-choice, essays, and listening sections for foreign languages  Most are approximately 90 minutes in length. Scoring  “Rights-only” scoring (no penalty for wrong answers).  Immediate score reports (except exams with essays).  Scores based on American Council of Education (ACE) recommendations for credit-granting. Development  More than 600 faculty contribute to the development of and standard-setting for CLEP examinations.  Standing faculty committees oversee ongoing test development, shape content, review data, set exam policies.  Opportunities to participate in College Board ACES Placement Validity studies.

33 CLEP Examinations Composition and Literature  American Literature  Analyzing and Interpreting Literature  College Composition  College Composition Modular  English Literature  Humanities History and Social Sciences  American Government  History of the United States I  History of the United States II  Human Growth and Development  Introduction to Educational Psychology  Principles of Macroeconomics  Principles of Microeconomics  Introductory Psychology  Introductory Sociology  Social Sciences and History  Western Civilization I  Western Civilization II Business  Information Systems and Computer Applications  Principles of Management  Financial Accounting  Introductory Business Law  Principles of Marketing Science and Mathematics  Calculus  College Algebra  Precalculus  College Mathematics  Biology  Chemistry  Natural Sciences Foreign Languages  French Language  German Language  Spanish Language

New CLEP Composition Exams College Composition College Composition Modular Effective July 1, 2010 Has your institution set credit policy for the new exams?

CLEP Scoring and Standard Setting What does the recommended credit-granting score of 50 represent? A scaled score of 50 is used as the passing score—equivalent to a C in the comparable course—for all CLEP exams. Each exam undergoes a standard-setting study by a panel of college faculty who teach the equivalent course. The panel determines the skills and knowledge that a typical C student can demonstrate upon completing the comparable course. Then each exam question is evaluated for difficulty and relevance in light of that typical student’s abilities. CLEP scaled score range is The final credit-granting score recommended by the panel is converted to a scaled score of 50.

Who Takes CLEP?  Adults returning to college  Military service members and veterans  Students who are fluent in Spanish, French, or German  Students at risk for stopping out or struggling with finances  Students with high SAT or ACT scores and homeschooled  Juniors or seniors who have not met lower-division requirements  Transfer students  International students needing to translate their overseas credit

CLEP Makes a Difference to Students 91% said CLEP made a difference in their ability to complete their degrees 70% said CLEP made a difference in their ability to finance their degrees 2004 Survey of Students

2008 Survey of National Test Takers 70% are working full- or part-time 45% are first-generation college students 45% have taken an online course

Age Group Age Group Exams Administered to National Candidates,

Education Level Education Level Exams Administered to National Candidates,

Advising Students about CLEP Connect your students to CLEP! Easy to follow steps: 1.Review Campus credit-by-exam policy. 2.Talk to your advisor. Determine how CLEP will fit with your academic plan and degree program. 3. Identify which exam(s) to take. 4. Locate a CLEP test center by visiting: 5. Schedule an appointment with the test center. 6. Prepare/review for the exam. 7. Take the exam. 8. Count the money you saved on tuition and textbook costs!

Strategies to Connect Adult Learners with CLEP  Partnerships with local, regional, and state agencies.  State and system policies (Adult Learning Consortiums) support consistent credit policies for CLEP to minimize course duplication and accumulation of excess credits.  Partnerships with military and reserve units.  CLEP exams are fully funded for active military and costs can be reimbursed for veterans.

Highest Volume CLEP Exams Highest Volume CLEP Exams National CBT,

Highest Volume CLEP Exams Exams Administered to National and Military Candidates, *Freshman College Composition, English Composition with and without Essay

CLEP Test Prep for Students CLEP prep center provides links to free online resources and textbook suggestions CLEP Official Study Guide, covering all 33 exams Downloadable study guides for each exam

CLEP Services for Students and Colleges CLEP website for professionals: professionals.collegeboard.com/clepprofessionals.collegeboard.com/clep – Information on test development, administering CLEP exams, advising students, self-paced CLEP 101 tutorials CLEP website for students: – Exam descriptions, test prep information, test center search, transcript request forms Order form for free publications for students:

Students Registrar’s Office Test Center Faculty & Advisers Admissions Office Adult &/or Veterans Office Connecting Students to CLEP on Your Campus

The College Board College Completion Agenda In a knowledge-based economy, critical-thinking and research-oriented skills are necessary to be successful productive employees. The % of American adults with postsecondary credentials is not keeping pace with other industrialized nations. To help policymakers and educators achieve the goal of 55% by 2025, The College Board Advocacy & Policy Center has developed the College Completion Agenda- Two new resources for policymakers and educators, The College Completion Agenda 2010 Progress Report and The College Completion Agenda State Policy Guide provide:The College Completion Agenda 2010 Progress ReportThe College Completion Agenda State Policy Guide –groundbreaking reports to provide the best state by state data and information to inform and shape education policy and improve college success. ( Chapter 10-Adult Education) – a new dynamic, interactive website combines data with policy strategies, allowing information to be easily accessed and customized by each state.

Contact Pamela A. Kerouac Senior Assessment Manager The College Board CLEP