CLEP Study Guide
What's on the exam, which units to prioritize, the best free resources — and a 3-minute check to know if you're ready.
Pass Rate
35-45%
Published CLEP data
Prep Time
15-25h
Typical for first attempt
Units
5
Covered on the exam
CLEP Precalculus — 48 questions, 90 minutes, 3 credits. Covers algebraic expressions, trigonometry, analytic geometry, functions, sequences, and introductory limits. Passing score earns 3 semester hours of college credit (~$1,200 tuition savings). Content aligns with a precalculus course that prepares students for calculus.
Unit 1: Algebraic Expressions & Equations
Polynomial operations and factoring · Rational expressions and equations · Systems of equations and inequalities
Unit 2: Trigonometry
Unit circle and radian measure · Trigonometric functions and identities · Law of sines and law of cosines
Unit 3: Analytic Geometry
Conic sections: circles, ellipses, parabolas, hyperbolas · Parametric equations and polar coordinates · Vectors in two dimensions
Unit 4: Functions & Modeling
Polynomial, rational, and piecewise functions · Exponential growth and decay models · Logarithmic functions and equations
Unit 5: Sequences, Series & Limits
Arithmetic and geometric sequences · Series and summation notation · Intuitive concept of limits
CLEP Precalculus rewards students who've seen the question patterns, not just the definitions. Budget half your prep for recall and half for applying concepts to scenarios.
These are the best free resources for CLEP Precalculus. Use them, then come back here for exam-format practice and a pass-probability check.
Modern States: Precalculus
Modern States (College Board partner)
Free full video course. Earn the free CLEP voucher after 70% completion.
OpenStax: Precalculus 2e
OpenStax (free, peer-reviewed)
Functions, trigonometry, and analytic geometry.
Khan Academy: Precalculus
Khan Academy
Functions, trig, vectors, and complex numbers.
YouTube: Professor Leonard
YouTube
Full-depth lecture series.
Before you study anything, know where you stand. You'll get a pass-probability, a weakest-unit callout, and an estimate of hours to ready. No signup.
Don't re-watch content you already know. Drill the 1-2 units flagged as weak. Exam-format flashcards + MCQs give you the question patterns, not just terms.
Simulate the real CLEP under time pressure. Hit 50+ and you're ready to book the test. Miss it, and you'll know exactly which unit to revisit.
Free Am I Ready assessment. No credit card, no signup.
Start the 3-minute check