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Key Facts: CLEP Precalculus Exam

48

approximate number of questions across two sections

College Board

90 minutes

total testing time for the exam

College Board

50

ACE-recommended credit-granting score on a 20-80 scale

College Board

30%

exam weight for representations of functions, the largest content area

College Board

$97

CLEP exam fee, plus a test-center administration fee

College Board

Section 1

the only section that allows an on-screen TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator

College Board

The CLEP Precalculus exam has about 48 questions split into two sections over roughly 90 minutes: Section 1 (~25 questions, ~50 minutes) allows an on-screen TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator, and Section 2 (~23 questions, ~40 minutes) is calculator-free. It covers algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities (20%), function concepts and operations (15%), representations of functions (30%), analytic geometry (10%), trigonometry (15%), and functions as models (10%). It is scored on a 20-80 scale, and a score of 50 is the ACE-recommended credit-granting score, typically worth 3 semester hours. The exam fee is $97 plus a test-center administration fee (source: College Board, clep.collegeboard.org).

Sample CLEP Precalculus Practice Questions

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

1Solve for x: 3x - 7 = 2x + 5.
A.x = 12
B.x = -2
C.x = 2
D.x = -12
Explanation: Subtract 2x from both sides to get x - 7 = 5, then add 7 to both sides to get x = 12. Linear equations are solved by isolating the variable.
2What is the solution set of the quadratic equation x^2 - 5x + 6 = 0?
A.x = -2 or x = -3
B.x = 2 or x = 3
C.x = 1 or x = 6
D.x = -1 or x = -6
Explanation: Factor the quadratic as (x - 2)(x - 3) = 0. Setting each factor equal to zero gives x = 2 or x = 3. The factors must multiply to +6 and add to -5.
3Simplify the expression (x^2 - 9) / (x + 3) for x not equal to -3.
A.x + 3
B.x - 9
C.x - 3
D.x^2 - 3
Explanation: The numerator factors as a difference of squares: x^2 - 9 = (x + 3)(x - 3). Canceling the common factor (x + 3) leaves x - 3.
4Solve the inequality 2x + 3 < 11 for x.
A.x > 4
B.x < 7
C.x > 7
D.x < 4
Explanation: Subtract 3 from both sides to get 2x < 8, then divide by 2 to get x < 4. Since we divide by a positive number, the inequality direction is unchanged.
5Using the quadratic formula, what are the roots of 2x^2 + 3x - 2 = 0?
A.x = 1/2 or x = -2
B.x = -1/2 or x = 2
C.x = 2 or x = -2
D.x = 1 or x = -2
Explanation: Apply x = (-b plus or minus sqrt(b^2 - 4ac)) / (2a) with a = 2, b = 3, c = -2. The discriminant is 9 + 16 = 25, so x = (-3 plus or minus 5)/4, giving x = 1/2 or x = -2.
6Solve the equation |2x - 1| = 7 for all real values of x.
A.x = 4 only
B.x = 4 or x = -3
C.x = 3 or x = -4
D.x = -3 only
Explanation: An absolute value equation splits into two cases: 2x - 1 = 7 gives x = 4, and 2x - 1 = -7 gives x = -3. Both values satisfy the original equation.
7Solve the system: x + y = 10 and x - y = 2.
A.x = 4, y = 6
B.x = 8, y = 2
C.x = 6, y = 4
D.x = 5, y = 5
Explanation: Adding the two equations eliminates y: 2x = 12, so x = 6. Substituting into x + y = 10 gives y = 4. The solution satisfies both equations.
8Solve for x: 3^(x+1) = 81.
A.x = 4
B.x = 2
C.x = 27
D.x = 3
Explanation: Write 81 as 3^4, so 3^(x+1) = 3^4. Equating exponents gives x + 1 = 4, so x = 3. Matching bases lets you equate exponents directly.
9Solve for x: log base 2 of (x) = 5.
A.x = 32
B.x = 10
C.x = 25
D.x = 7
Explanation: Rewrite the logarithmic equation in exponential form: x = 2^5 = 32. A logarithm asks what power of the base produces the argument.
10Solve the radical equation sqrt(x + 5) = 4 for x.
A.x = -1
B.x = 11
C.x = 9
D.x = 21
Explanation: Square both sides to get x + 5 = 16, so x = 11. Checking: sqrt(11 + 5) = sqrt(16) = 4, which is valid.

About the CLEP Precalculus Exam

The CLEP Precalculus exam assesses college-level precalculus skills and lets students earn credit for a one-semester precalculus course. It contains approximately 48 multiple-choice and numerical-response questions in two timed sections: Section 1 (about 25 questions, ~50 minutes) permits an on-screen TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator, while Section 2 (about 23 questions, ~40 minutes) is taken without a calculator. The total testing time is about 90 minutes, and scores range from 20 to 80 with 50 the ACE-recommended credit-granting score.

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

Questions

48 questions

Time Limit

90 minutes

Passing Score

50 (on a 20-80 scale)

Exam / Certification Fees

$97

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.

20%

Algebraic Expressions, Equations, and Inequalities

Simplifying expressions and solving linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, and logarithmic equations and inequalities.

15%

Functions: Concept, Properties, and Operations

Domain and range, function behavior, composition, inverse functions, and transformations.

30%

Representations of Functions: Symbolic, Graphical, and Tabular

Translating among formulas, graphs, and tables for many function families, including piecewise and trigonometric functions.

10%

Analytic Geometry

Lines, circles, conic sections, distance and midpoint, and symmetry in the coordinate plane.

15%

Trigonometry and its Applications

Unit circle, radian measure, trigonometric and inverse functions, identities, equations, and right-triangle applications.

10%

Functions as Models

Selecting and applying linear, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric models to real-world situations.

Preparing for the CLEP Precalculus Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: 50 (on a 20-80 scale)
  • Exam length: 48 questions
  • Time limit: 90 minutes
  • Exam / certification fees: $97 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 Precalculus: Suggested Study Strategy

1Master the unit circle and exact values for common angles; about 30-40% of questions involve trigonometry even though it is listed as 15%.
2Practice translating among a function's formula, graph, and table form, since representations of functions is the single largest content area at 30%.
3Memorize parent-function graphs and transformation rules (shifts, stretches, reflections) so you can read graphs quickly in the no-calculator section.
4Drill exponential and logarithmic properties and equation solving, including change of base and solving with logs.
5Use the calculator only where it helps in Section 1 (graphing, zeros, intersections), and build calculator-free fluency for Section 2.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The CLEP Precalculus exam has approximately 48 questions and takes about 90 minutes. It is split into Section 1 (about 25 questions, ~50 minutes, calculator allowed) and Section 2 (about 23 questions, ~40 minutes, no calculator).

Can I use a calculator on the CLEP Precalculus exam?

Yes, but only in Section 1. An on-screen TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator is built into the exam software for the first section. Section 2 must be completed without any calculator.

What score do I need to pass CLEP Precalculus?

CLEP Precalculus is scored on a 20-80 scale. The ACE-recommended credit-granting score is 50, which typically earns 3 semester hours of college credit, though each institution sets its own policy.

What topics does the CLEP Precalculus exam cover?

It covers algebraic expressions, equations and inequalities (20%), function concepts and operations (15%), representations of functions (30%), analytic geometry (10%), trigonometry and its applications (15%), and functions as models (10%).

How much does the CLEP Precalculus 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 waive these fees.

What types of functions appear on the CLEP Precalculus exam?

Questions test linear, quadratic, absolute value, square root, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric, and piecewise-defined functions across symbolic, graphical, and tabular forms.