Pass rates from College Board's published research. Higher isn't always "easier" — it reflects who takes the exam.
Ranges are approximate and vary year-to-year. The pass rate is the population's — your personal rate depends on prep. Use the pass rate to pick a reasonable target CLEP, then run a diagnostic for your actual readiness.
| Exam | Pass Rate | Band | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 70-80% | High | Prep → |
| Spanish Language | 70-80% | High | Prep → |
| Spanish with Writing | 65-75% | High | Prep → |
| French Language | 65-75% | High | Prep → |
| German Language | 65-75% | High | Prep → |
| Principles of Marketing | 65-75% | High | Prep → |
| Introductory Sociology | 65-75% | High | Prep → |
| American Literature | 60-70% | High | Prep → |
| English Literature | 60-70% | High | Prep → |
| Introductory Psychology | 55-65% | Medium | Prep → |
| American Government | 55-65% | Medium | Prep → |
| Humanities | 55-65% | Medium | Prep → |
| Principles of Management | 55-65% | Medium | Prep → |
| Human Growth and Development | 55-65% | Medium | Prep → |
| Social Sciences and History | 50-60% | Medium | Prep → |
| College Composition Modular | 50-60% | Medium | Prep → |
| College Composition | 50-60% | Medium | Prep → |
| Western Civilization I | 50-60% | Medium | Prep → |
| Western Civilization II | 50-60% | Medium | Prep → |
| History of the United States I | 50-60% | Medium | Prep → |
| History of the United States II | 50-60% | Medium | Prep → |
| Financial Accounting | 45-55% | Medium | Prep → |
| Educational Psychology | 45-55% | Medium | Prep → |
| Information Systems | 45-55% | Medium | Prep → |
| Business Law, Introductory | 45-55% | Medium | Prep → |
| Macroeconomics | 40-50% | Low | Prep → |
| Microeconomics | 40-50% | Low | Prep → |
| College Mathematics | 40-50% | Low | Prep → |
| Natural Sciences | 40-50% | Low | Prep → |
| College Algebra | 35-45% | Low | Prep → |
| Precalculus | 35-45% | Low | Prep → |
| Biology | 30-40% | Low | Prep → |
| Chemistry | 25-35% | Low | Prep → |
| Calculus | 25-35% | Low | Prep → |
Picking your first CLEP? Start in the High band — you get a win that motivates the next attempt. Already committed to a Low-band exam for your degree? Budget 3-4 weeks, not 1-2, and expect one retake possibility. The easiest CLEPs guide and 2-week feasibility guide drill into the specifics.
Free diagnostic → your personal pass probability on the exam you pick.
Start free diagnostic →