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
varies
Published exam data
Prep Time
15-25h
Typical for first attempt
Units
5
Covered on the exam
CLEP College Algebra covers algebraic foundations through exponential and logarithmic functions. Exam: 60 questions, 90 minutes, multiple choice. Passing score (~50 correct) earns 3 college credits. Typical credit value: ~$1,200 in tuition savings at most colleges. Topics: algebraic operations (25%), equations/inequalities (25%), functions and their graphs (30%), number systems (10%), sequences/series (10%).
Unit 1: Algebraic Foundations
real numbers · order of operations · absolute value
Unit 2: Equations and Inequalities
linear equations · quadratic equations · systems of equations
Unit 3: Functions and Their Graphs
domain and range · function notation · transformations
Unit 4: Polynomial and Rational Functions
polynomial division · rational roots theorem · asymptotes
Unit 5: Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
exponential growth and decay · logarithm properties · change of base
CLEP College Algebra 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 College Algebra. Use them, then come back here for exam-format practice and a readiness check.
Modern States: College Algebra
Modern States (College Board partner)
Free full video course. Earn the free CLEP voucher after 70% completion.
OpenStax: College Algebra 2e
OpenStax (free, peer-reviewed)
Matches the CLEP exam's algebra, functions, and equations units.
Khan Academy: Algebra 1 & 2
Khan Academy
Functions, equations, and graphs — covers most CLEP topics.
YouTube: Professor Leonard / Khan
YouTube
Topic-by-topic walkthroughs aligned with CLEP units.
Before you study anything, know where you stand. You'll get a readiness signal, 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 exam under time pressure. Miss it, and you'll know exactly which unit to revisit.
Full CLEP College Algebra prep
Complete breakdown, units, resources, pricing.
3-day pass plan
Day-by-day plan if you're testing this week.
How hard is CLEP College Algebra?
Difficulty factors, pass rates, what trips people up.
Exam-aligned flashcards
Free preview — 12 cards generated to the blueprint.
Printable cheat sheet
High-yield formulas, facts, and graph-reading rules.
Free readiness check. No credit card, no signup.
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