Don’t overthink this- most CLEP or AP prep resources are probably going to help your student, but some companies just have exceptional pass rates Every. Single. Year. For sure you should layer CLEP resources into your HS4CC program. Spoiler: this list is the same list I’ve published every year for a decade because no one has beaten the pass rates of these companies. These really are the best of the best.
A key difference for teens vs adults when it comes to CLEP prep, is the adult method goes straight to testing out. HS4CC recommends using your full, regular homeschool curriculum for a semester or year as planned, and using CLEP (or AP) as your teen’s final exam. Using this approach, they earn high school credit no matter what, AND, CLEP test prep is straightforward, taking only a week or two.
The resources selected below are the BEST out there- and most happen to be free or low-cost.
1. Modern States – take unlimited CLEP exams for FREE! Always build your teen’s test prep plan with Modern States so you can fill in gaps and get the voucher. Modern States is a nonprofit org that offers CLEP prep and CLEP vouchers to the general public. You must complete the prep course first, and then you’ll receive the voucher. You can even pick up a second voucher if their first attempt is unsuccessful.
2. The Official CLEP App The official College Board CLEP study guide app! *FYI these questions are the same you’ll find in the Official CLEP Guide paperback or Modern States but with the convenience of accessing from your mobile device.
3. Crash Course These video-based mini-courses teach you the minimum you have to know in a subject. Perfect for visual learners, but fast-paced. (I think they must increase the speed of these videos 2x, no one talks this fast!!)
4. SparksNotes These are fantastic, well organized, and highly accurate for understanding what you need to know for a subject. Highly recommend.
5. REA Guides with Practice Tests are available in paperback or online for most CLEP exams. These guides include excellent and thorough practice tests that also have summaries of “why” each answer is correct. This brand of test prep is considered the golden standard by anyone who has taken multiple exams. I (Jennifer) used an REA guide for every CLEP exam I’ve ever taken, and they are excellent. You can get REA guides for full price on their website, or you can shop used editions (usually under $10). HS4CC has a marketplace on Facebook that always has a good inventory. In addition, your public library probably has paperbacks on the shelf, and SOME of you will get to access digital versions through Hoopla! (Try this – it worked for me!)
- Locate your local library card – you’ll need to know your number.
- Go to hoopladigital.com
- Create your username/password for a free account.
- Select your library from the list. If your library isn’t on the list, you can invite them to join.
- Enter your library card number when prompted.
- Search under ebooks using the term “CLEP” or “Advanced Placement” (you can use either guide to prepare for either test brand)
- Select the one(s) you want!
- Access to the guides will be for 2-3 weeks, then you can renew.
- Be sure to use the practice tests!
6. Peterson’s CLEP Prep Subscription: $49/ 1 month includes exam prep and full-length practice tests for every CLEP. You can get a lower price if you subscribe for 3 or 6 months. It’s the most expensive option here, but it’s considered the best program on the market if you have the budget.
