What does CLEP stand for?

CLEP stands for the College Level Examination Program. To learn more about CLEP check out the college board website.

When are CLEP dates offered?

Tests are offered by Suffolk once monthly. Generally, we offer two testing times per testing date. Please check the current exam schedule.

Which exams does Suffolk's CLEP test center offer?

We offer all exams EXCEPT the language exams. We also do NOT offer the College Composition Modular. We do offer the regular College Composition exam, which is 120 minutes long, 30 minutes longer than the other CLEP exams. If taking the College Composition exam, we ask that you register for the later time offered on a given exam date.

Where are CLEP exams held?

CLEP exams are held in the Fenton computer lab, located at 32 Derne Street Boston, MA 02114.

How do I register for an exam?

We prefer for students to register in person when possible, bringing both the test center fee ($30 money order) and registration form to our center. Registration forms can be obtained at the Ballotti Learning Center, Donahue 208.

If you cannot come to Suffolk, please call 617-573-8531 or email mshea@suffolk.edu for more information.

Returning the registration form and test center fee does not guarantee confirmation of registration. You will receive a confirmation email after your registration has been approved.

How much does a CLEP examination cost?

The total cost to take a CLEP examination at Suffolk University is $110 per test.

Suffolk's test center fee is $30 per exam. The test center fee is non-refundable. The test center fee must be paid upon registration and the only payment method accepted is a money order made out to Suffolk University. Personal checks, credit card and cash are not accepted for the test center fee.

$80 per test will need to be charged to a personal credit card on the day of the exam. Arrivals without proper payment methods will not be able to take the test.

Where can I get a money order?

Money orders can be purchased through financial institutions (banks), the U.S. Postal Service or at many convenience stores.

Can I take more than one CLEP exam in a day?

Yes. Please note that the $30 non-refundable test center fee is per exam.

Does Suffolk offer test prep for the CLEP exams?

No. Test guides for the exam can be purchased through the college board.

How long do I have to wait before I retake an exam?

The College Board requires that you wait six months before you re-take an exam.

When do I get my score?

For every CLEP exam, except College Composition, scores are printed out as soon as the student is finished with the test. The College Board provides a timeline for the scoring of the College Composition essay portion.

My institution has not received my score yet. Help?

After tests are completed, all scoring information is submitted to the College Board. For scoring information, please contact them at 800.257.9558.

Can I take the exam if I am a senior?

Students who have 30 credits remaining to complete their degree (i.e. seniors) are not encouraged to take the CLEP exam because there is lengthy six month wait to retake an exam.

If you are a Suffolk student, you must receive special permission from an academic dean to register and take a CLEP exam to count towards your last 30 credits. For CAS students, email Dean Lenzie, and for SBS students email Dean Mahoney or Jack Shields.

If you are not a Suffolk student, you should check with your institution to determine your eligibility to take a CLEP exam.

Can I take a CLEP Examination for a major requirement?

No.

Will the biology and chemistry CLEP exams count for my lab science requirement?

For Suffolk University students, the biology and chemistry CLEP exams each provide 6 credits - two semesters of a non-lab science.

If you require a 4-credit lab science, the remaining lab credits can be received by registering for and passing a semester of just the the lab course associated with the exam that you passed.

Suffolk students who require a lab science and pass the biology or chemistry CLEP examination must speak with the biology or chemistry department prior to registering for the lab course. The registrar's office will not allow you to register for only the lab course without receiving special permission from the department first.