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Key Facts: CLEP College Algebra Exam

60

approximate number of multiple-choice questions on the exam

College Board

90 minutes

time limit for the exam

College Board

20-80

score scale, with 50 the ACE credit-granting score

College Board / ACE

3

semester hours of credit recommended for a passing score

American Council on Education

30%

of the exam covers functions and their properties, the largest content area

College Board

TI-30XS

scientific nongraphing calculator built into the exam software

College Board

The CLEP College Algebra exam has approximately 60 multiple-choice questions answered in 90 minutes and is scored on a 20-80 scale, with 50 the ACE-recommended credit-granting score (typically worth 3 semester hours). Content is weighted across functions and their properties (30%), algebraic operations (25%), equations and inequalities (25%), and number systems and operations (20%). About half the questions are routine computation and half require applying concepts. A scientific nongraphing TI-30XS MultiView calculator is integrated into the exam software; no formula sheet is provided (source: College Board, clep.collegeboard.org).

Sample CLEP College Algebra Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to review concepts for the CLEP College Algebra exam. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Simplify the expression (x^3)(x^5) using the rules of exponents.
A.x^15
B.x^2
C.x^8
D.x^{3/5}
Explanation: When multiplying powers with the same base, you add the exponents: x^3 times x^5 = x^(3+5) = x^8. This product rule applies only when the bases are identical.
2Factor the polynomial x^2 - 9 completely.
A.(x - 3)(x - 3)
B.(x + 9)(x - 1)
C.(x - 9)(x + 1)
D.(x + 3)(x - 3)
Explanation: The expression x^2 - 9 is a difference of squares, since 9 = 3^2. A difference of squares a^2 - b^2 factors as (a + b)(a - b), giving (x + 3)(x - 3).
3Expand and simplify the product (2x + 3)(x - 4).
A.2x^2 + 11x - 12
B.2x^2 - 5x - 12
C.2x^2 - 8x - 12
D.2x^2 - 5x + 12
Explanation: Using FOIL: (2x)(x) = 2x^2, (2x)(-4) = -8x, (3)(x) = 3x, and (3)(-4) = -12. Combining the middle terms -8x + 3x gives -5x, so the result is 2x^2 - 5x - 12.
4Simplify the expression (3x^2 y^4) / (6x^5 y) assuming x and y are nonzero.
A.y^3 / (2x^3)
B.2y^3 / x^3
C.x^3 y^3 / 2
D.y^5 / (2x^7)
Explanation: Divide the coefficients: 3/6 = 1/2. Subtract exponents for like bases: x^(2-5) = x^-3 and y^(4-1) = y^3. This gives (1/2) x^-3 y^3 = y^3 / (2x^3).
5Using the properties of logarithms, which expression is equivalent to log(xy)?
A.log x - log y
B.(log x)(log y)
C.log x + log y
D.log x / log y
Explanation: The product rule for logarithms states that log(xy) = log x + log y. The logarithm of a product equals the sum of the logarithms of the factors.
6Evaluate the absolute-value expression |3 - 8| + |(-2)|.
A.3
B.-7
C.-3
D.7
Explanation: First, 3 - 8 = -5, and |-5| = 5. Then |-2| = 2. Adding the two absolute values gives 5 + 2 = 7. Absolute value always yields a nonnegative result.
7Simplify the expression (2x^3)^4.
A.8x^7
B.2x^12
C.16x^12
D.8x^12
Explanation: Raise each factor to the fourth power: 2^4 = 16 and (x^3)^4 = x^(3 times 4) = x^12. The result is 16x^12.
8Factor the trinomial x^2 + 7x + 12 completely.
A.(x + 2)(x + 6)
B.(x + 1)(x + 12)
C.(x + 3)(x + 4)
D.(x - 3)(x - 4)
Explanation: Find two numbers that multiply to 12 and add to 7. Those numbers are 3 and 4, since 3 times 4 = 12 and 3 + 4 = 7. So x^2 + 7x + 12 = (x + 3)(x + 4).
9Simplify the rational expression (x^2 - 4) / (x + 2) for x not equal to -2.
A.x - 2
B.x + 2
C.x - 4
D.(x - 2)(x + 2)
Explanation: Factor the numerator as a difference of squares: x^2 - 4 = (x + 2)(x - 2). The common factor (x + 2) cancels, leaving x - 2.
10Which expression is equivalent to log_b(x^5) by the power rule of logarithms?
A.5 log_b(x)
B.5 + log_b(x)
C.(log_b x)^5
D.log_b(5x)
Explanation: The power rule states that log_b(x^n) = n log_b(x). Therefore log_b(x^5) = 5 log_b(x), bringing the exponent down as a coefficient.

About the CLEP College Algebra Exam

The CLEP College Algebra exam, administered by the College Board, lets students earn college credit for material usually taught in a one-semester introductory college algebra course. It contains approximately 60 multiple-choice questions to be answered in 90 minutes, covering algebraic operations, equations and inequalities, functions and their properties, and number systems and operations. A scientific (nongraphing) TI-30XS MultiView calculator is built into the testing software.

Exam sponsor: College Board. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Questions

60 questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

50 (on a 20-80 scale)

Exam / Certification Fees

$97 plus a test-center administration fee

Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

~30%

Functions and Their Properties

Definition, interpretation, and modeling; domain and range; evaluation; algebra of functions; graphs and their properties; and inverse functions.

~25%

Algebraic Operations

Operations with exponents; factoring and expanding polynomials; operations with algebraic expressions; absolute value; and properties of logarithms.

~25%

Equations and Inequalities

Linear and quadratic equations and inequalities; absolute-value equations and inequalities; systems of equations and inequalities; and exponential and logarithmic equations.

~20%

Number Systems and Operations

Real numbers; complex numbers; and factorials and the binomial theorem.

Preparing for the CLEP College Algebra Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 50 (on a 20-80 scale)
  • Exam length: 60 questions
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: $97 plus a test-center administration fee Official sources

Using Our Practice Resources

  • Work through all 100 available questions
  • Review every answer and explanation
  • Track weak areas and revisit them
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

CLEP College Algebra: Suggested Study Strategy

1Memorize core formulas — the quadratic formula, exponent and logarithm rules, and the binomial theorem — because no formula sheet is provided on the exam.
2Practice with a scientific (nongraphing) calculator like the TI-30XS MultiView, since that is the only calculator available and you cannot rely on graphing features.
3Spend the most time on functions (30%): domain and range, composition, inverses, and reading properties from graphs.
4Drill factoring, exponent simplification, and solving quadratics until they are automatic — these underpin most other question types.
5Work mixed timed sets at about 90 seconds per question to match the 60-question, 90-minute pace.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many questions are on the CLEP College Algebra exam and how long is it?

The CLEP College Algebra exam has approximately 60 multiple-choice questions and a 90-minute time limit. Some questions are unscored pretest items that do not count toward your score.

What score do I need to pass CLEP College Algebra?

CLEP exams are scored on a 20-80 scale, and the American Council on Education recommends a score of 50 as the credit-granting score. Most colleges award credit at 50, but individual institutions can set their own requirement.

Can I use a calculator on the CLEP College Algebra exam?

Yes. A scientific (nongraphing) TI-30XS MultiView calculator is built into the exam software. You cannot bring your own calculator, and no formula sheet is provided.

What topics does the CLEP College Algebra exam cover?

It covers functions and their properties (30%), algebraic operations (25%), equations and inequalities (25%), and number systems and operations (20%) — the material of a one-semester college algebra course.

How much does the CLEP College Algebra exam cost?

The CLEP exam fee is $97, plus a separate administration fee charged by the test center. Many colleges and military programs cover or reduce these costs.

How much college credit is CLEP College Algebra worth?

The ACE-recommended credit for a passing score is 3 semester hours. The exact credit and the course it satisfies depend on the accepting institution's CLEP policy.