How much does a CLEP exam cost?

CLEP fees as of October 2026

Most test centers charge an administration fee, and the amount varies. Ask when you call to book.

Ways to pay less

• Modern States: finish one of its free courses with the required scores and it gives you a voucher for the exam fee. You still pay the test center fee, but keep your receipt, as you may be able to get it reimbursed.
• Military: DANTES pays the exam fee for eligible service members on their first attempt at each exam, and DANTES-funded and on-base test centers waive their administration fee.
• Veterans: you may be able to use GI Bill benefits for CLEP exam and administration fees.
• Your school or employer: some buy CLEP vouchers for their students or staff. Ask before you pay.

Refunds

You can get a refund on a CLEP exam within 7 days of buying it, as long as you haven’t used it yet. Test center fees follow each center’s own rules.

If you change your test location or exam title, your registration is canceled and a new one is created. Any voucher or DANTES funding moves to the new registration.

Is it worth it?

One exam can earn 3 to 6 credits, and on some language exams up to 9, if your college accepts it. Compare that with what your college charges for the same course. Just confirm the college’s policy first, because credit it won’t accept is $97 wasted.