The Social Sciences and History CLEP exam covers a wide range of topics—many of which homeschool teens are already studying in high school!
Taking the Social Sciences and History CLEP is a great opportunity for students to earn college credit, while saving months of time and thousands of dollars by skipping a traditional college class.
What is on the Social Sciences and History CLEP Exam?
Based on introductory college courses, the Social Sciences and History CLEP exam covers four major areas. The breakdown of the Social Sciences and History CLEP is as follows:
History – 40%
United States History – 13-15% – The significant events from colonial period through the early twenty-first century
Western Civilization – 13-15% – Egypt, Greece, Rome and Western Asia as well as medieval Europe and modern Europe
World History – 13-15%- Prehistoric times to the present on the six major continents
Government/Political Science – 20% – Comparative politics, international relations, methods, United States institutions, culture, voting and political behavior
Geography – 20%- Physical, cultural and regional geography along with key geographical skills
Economics – 20%– Economic measurements, international trade, major theorists and schools, monetary and fiscal policy, product markets, resource markets, and scarcity, choice and cost
Additionally, this exam uses b.c.e. (before the common era), which is a chronological designation, instead of b.c. (before Christ) and c.e. (common era) instead of a.d. (anno Domini).
What’s the format of the Social Sciences and History CLEP?
This CLEP exam contains approximately 120 multiple-choice questions, with 90 minutes to complete them.
Pretest questions are not scored, just as the time you spend answering personal questions will not be deducted from your allotted time.
Social Sciences and History CLEP Exam Study Tips for Success
Because this exam covers so many topics, a quality study plan will increase your chances of earning a passing score. Dual Credit at Home offers a comprehensive Social Sciences and History CLEP Study Plan.
We’ve eliminated all the guesswork of what to study and how to study, so you can successfully pass this exam!
How to Take the Social Sciences and History CLEP Exam
Scheduling: You can follow this guide to register for the Social Sciences and History exam on the CLEP website.
Costs: The cost of the Social Sciences and History CLEP exam is $89, as of July 2019. Your local testing center might also charge you a fee, typically $25. If you are in the military, testing is free.
ACE recommended scores: The raw exam scores are converted into scaled numerical scores between 20 and 80. Students receive their score immediately after taking the exam. Many colleges, including the one we recommend, Charter Oak State College, require a passing score of 50, but always confirm that in advance.
Semester Hours: Many colleges will award you 6 lower-level college credit hours, but always check with your preferred college for information about credit hours.
For more information about how to schedule an exam, costs, recommended scores and related facts, visit the College Board’s CLEP-specific website at the following links:
Social Sciences and History CLEP Test
Final Thoughts for Optimal Performance
Dual Credit at Home will give you a complete Study Plan package for taking not just the Social Sciences and History CLEP exam, but 12 more CLEP & DSST exams that can earn you up to 51 college credits.
To learn how Dual Credit at Home is helping students save time and money on college, download our free e-book, The Dual Credit Secret.
Get Becky’s Weekly Newsletter on Homeschooling High School
We will never sell or share your email address.
