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College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Policy Information

This testing program gives individuals the chance to earn college credit by examination in a variety of areas of study. There are two types of tests offered—general examinations and subject examinations. Interested students are encouraged to check with a WMU adviser before making testing plans.

CLEP credit cannot be transferred from another institution. CLEP scores for exams taken at previous institutions are evaluated only after WMU receives official CLEP score reports from the Educational Testing Service (ETS). WMU’s college code for student score report requests to CLEP is 1902.

CLEP Subject Examinations

Western awards credit for the thirteen CLEP subject examinations listed below. The required score for credit is a minimum of 50 on each exam. Students cannot qualify for credit if they have already received college credit for an equivalent below. The equivalents shown are subject to change without notice.

Exam	Required Minimum Score	WMU Equivalent	Credit
Algebra, College	50	MATH 1100, 1110	6 sem. hrs.
American Government	50	PSCI 2000	3 sem. hrs.
Biology, General	50	BIOS 1050, 1120*	6 sem. hrs.
Calculus	50 - 59	MATH 2000	4 sem. hrs.
	60 or higher	MATH 1220	4 sem. hrs.
Chemistry	50	CHEM 1100, 1110	4 sem. hrs.
History of the United States I	50	HIST 2100	3 sem. hrs.
History of the United States II	50	HIST 2110	3 sem. hrs.
Precalculus	60	MATH 1180	4 sem. hrs.
Principles of Macroeconomics	50	ECON 2020	3 sem. hrs.
Principles of Microeconomics	50	ECON 2010	3 sem. hrs.
Psychology, Introductory	50	PSY 1000	3 sem. hrs.
Sociology, Introductory	50	SOC 2000	3 sem. hrs.
Spanish	50 - 55	SPAN 1000	4 sem. hrs.
	56 - 62	SPAN 1000 and 1010	8 sem. hrs.
	63 - 67	SPAN 1000, 1010, and 2000	12 sem. hrs.
	68 - 80	SPAN 1000, 1010, 2000, and 2010	16 sem. hrs.
Western Civilization I	50	HIST 1000	3 sem. hrs.
Western Civilization II	50	HIST 1010	3 sem. hrs.

*Lab credit is not granted.

CLEP General Examinations

1. Students may take the general CLEP examinations only before completing twenty-four hours after entering or re-entering WMU.
2. The following eligibility rules apply to students who wish to take the general CLEP examinations:
   • Students who have already received credit for a college writing class cannot receive credit by passing the College Composition examination.
   • Students who have already received credit in a college mathematics course cannot receive credit by passing the College Mathematics examination.
   • Students who have completed a WMU course or transfer equivalent that applies to the General Education Distribution Areas of Fine Arts, Social and Behavioral Sciences, or Natural Sciences cannot receive credit for the corresponding CLEP examination.
3. The following guidelines shall apply in the earning of CLEP credit.
   • If a student passes the Humanities examination with a score of 50 or above, three hours of credit will be awarded in Area I (fine arts) of the General Education Program.
   • If a student passes the Social Sciences and History examination with a score of 50 or above, six hours of credit will be awarded to Area V (social and behavioral sciences) of the General Education Program.
   • If a student passes the College Composition examination with a score of 50 or above, three hours of credit for BCM 1420 will be awarded in Proficiency 1 of the General Education Program.
   • If a student passes the Natural Sciences examination with a score of 50 or above, three hours of elective credit will be awarded in Area VI (natural sciences) of the General Education Program, but will not satisfy the lab course requirement for Area VI.
   • If a student passes the College Mathematics examination with a score of 50 or above, three hours of credit will be awarded in Proficiency 3 (mathematics) of the General Education Program.

Questions about CLEP policy at Western Michigan University may be directed to the Office of Admissions at (269) 387-2000.