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The CLEP Natural Sciences exam

It has about 120 questions in 90 minutes, split evenly between biological and physical science. College Board built the CLEP Natural Sciences exam for students who aren’t science majors, to cover a general education science requirement, and ACE recommends 6 semester hours for a score of 50. Some colleges give credit for a two-semester survey course based on it.

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Updated October 2026 · Written from official sources, listed at the bottom of this page

What does the CLEP Natural Sciences exam cover?

TopicHalfShare
Origin and evolution of life, classificationBiological science10%
Cells, cell division, the gene, bioenergetics, biosynthesisBiological science10%
Structure, function and development in organisms, heredityBiological science20%
Population biology, mainly ecologyBiological science10%
Atomic and nuclear structure, elementary particles, nuclear reactionsPhysical science7%
Elements, compounds, reactions, molecular structure and bondingPhysical science10%
Heat, thermodynamics, states of matter, classical mechanics, relativityPhysical science12%
Electricity and magnetism, waves, light and soundPhysical science4%
The universe: galaxies, stars, the solar systemPhysical science7%
The Earth: atmosphere, oceans, landforms, geologic historyPhysical science10%

About 40% of questions test facts and principles, 20% ask you to read graphs, tables or passages, and 40% ask you to apply ideas, more often in words than with numbers. Some are lab questions, and some touch on the history of science and issues like pollution.

Is there a CLEP physics exam?

No. Physics isn’t one of the 34 CLEP subjects. Physics topics do show up here, though: atomic and nuclear structure, mechanics and heat, and electricity, waves, light and sound. By our count those rows add up to about 23% of the Natural Sciences exam. College Board doesn’t give a single physics figure.

Natural Sciences, Biology or Chemistry?

Biology and Chemistry each match a full year of one science and also carry 6 semester hours at a 50. Natural Sciences is broader and shallower. Which one helps you depends on what your degree asks for, so check your college’s policy first.

CLEP Biology exam →CLEP Chemistry →What colleges accept CLEP exams →Free sample questions: Natural Sciences ↗
Sources: College Board and 1 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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