The College Board created a series of exams designed to assess a student’s ability or knowledge in a particular subject that permit individuals to earn college credit without taking the course. The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is an innovative solution to get the most out of college because the exams save time and money. The College Board introduced a computer version of the CLEP tests at colleges beginning in 2001. The History CLEP exam is a way for individuals to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field of history.
The first part one of the History I CLEP test covers topics that reside from 1500 – 1789. These topics can include political institutions, public policy, culture, international relations and social and economic developments. The second part covers the same topics from 1790 – 1877. The History I exam covers material normally learned in the first-semester lessons in college history classes. The test highlights the era of history from the early beginning of European colonization through the ending of Reconstruction. The mainstream of questions will be on the years from 1790- 1877.


This is where a number of cultural changes, diplomatic, economic, and social challenges, would test the new US nation. Students should know about all of these factors and all the major movements and individuals that shaped the new nation. This exam covers a large section of history, but as mentioned, more emphasis is on the period from 1790 – 1877. An obvious tip for the History I test is to concentrate studying more heavily on the 1790 -1877 era.

The History test II covers material from 1865 to present time taught in, United States History, courses second-semester. The exam deals with the era of U.S. from the present time all the way back to the conclusion of the Civil War. A large portion of the examination covers the 20th century. The U.S. History examinations are little longer than some exams, instead of the usual 90 questions history exams consist of 120 questions.

Students can prepare for the History CLEP examination using a variety of methods. Some students may find that they already posses the knowledge needed to take and pass the exams. However, many students possess little knowledge about the CLEP material, so they need to find a way to prepare adequately for the exam. When preparing for the history exam a student can consult textbooks and materials used in comparable college courses. To prepare for the exam most first year college level US history books work well as studying resources.

There are a number of resources available online. Many preparation methods are available to help students prepare for CLEP examinations. These methods include exam study guides for CLEP, history textbooks, tutorials, practice exams and online preparation methods. Successfully passing the History CLEP exam will help the student gain 6 hours of credit. CLEP exams can benefit everyone that wants to gain valuable college credits. With CLEP knowledge acquired independently and life, experience can translate into college credits allowing students to graduate sooner saving money and time in the process.