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 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 readiness 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 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 Precalculus prep
Complete breakdown, units, resources, pricing.
3-day pass plan
Day-by-day plan if you're testing this week.
How hard is CLEP Precalculus?
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.
Start the 3-minute check