Many students are aware of the AP testing that comes with completing an AP class. However, many students are unaware of the possible benefits of CLEP testing. Compared to AP, CLEP testing does not require a formal class dedicated to it and is much cheaper than AP tests.

Ran by the College Board, CLEP testing is available to high school students and can be taken in place of or jointly with an AP test. It costs around $100 to take the exam; if one scores well enough on the test, they may earn college credit for the college the exam was taken through. Credits earned can often be transferred to other colleges.

Unlike AP testing, CLEP is less expensive and college credit is guaranteed as long as the test is passed. Still, Beth Burnham, the State High counseling coordinator, advised students to continue taking AP classes.

“The thing is — when you’re in high school, what are you going to take?” Burnham said. “[Your future colleges] want to see you taking the hardest rigor classes in order to get in. So you’re going to take AP or IB because it looks better in your transcript than taking regular college courses.”

Because CLEP gives credit in subjects that are not provided through AP and vice versa, the two compliment each other well for students who want to maximize the amount of college credits earned in high school. Burnham’s recommended course of action is to partake in both opportunities.

“That would be the best option — and I would throw IB in there as well,” Burnham said.

However, sophomore Madison Martin, who plans to take the CLEP exam, offered a different perspective. Due to the affordability of the brief test, Martin favored CLEP over the strain of AP classes.

“Compared to the cost of a single college credit, the test is a mere fraction of that, so you can save a lot of money in the future,” Martin said. “For me personally, [AP] was a little stressful last year and I will not be taking the AP exam for AP World History this year.”

Martin plans to utilize the credits earned through CLEP to help her transition from a high school graduate to college freshman. Getting credits out of the way earlier can ease the uncertainty of change and help with adjusting to college life.

Although CLEP is not completely acknowledged in State High, it is important for students to be aware of the benefits of the exam. From cost savings to flexible scheduling, CLEP provides an efficient path to college degree completion. It is an excellent opportunity for students to earn college credit through showcasing their knowledge.

Ultimately, AP and CLEP both have their own distinct advantages as well as disadvantages. Whether you choose to take one or the other—or even both—this depends on your individual goals.