How uneducated can you be and still pass a CLEP?

[Tedium]

Your question is not dumb, but it's really difficult for anyone to look at someone's history or level of education or whatever, and decide if that person will pass or fail a CLEP. I may not know material for a certain test really well, but I might be amazing a taking standardized tests. Or the other way around. Things like that all factor in, so it's not just an issue of educated or uneducated.

Honestly, you don't sound uneducated from your post. I think this is more of an issue of you being new to the world of testing and American education. Every single person on this board started where you are at one time. They have many practice tests available, so if I were you I would sit down and take a few to see where you are at in your studies right now. When you take them time yourself. Most tests give you a suggested amount of time for completion. It may be that you don't do as poorly as you think you will.

Have you taken or thought about taking the TOEFL test? I suspect that studying for that might really help to increase your reading speed and comprehension. That will help you with your English classes and any other future tests/classes you take. Also, it will help by giving you actual testing experience. That's just a suggestion, though. I am not saying you have to do that. If you are interested: TOEFL: Home

You said you can apply yourself, and really that's half of the battle. As long as you are able to learn you can succeed if you put in the time and effort. Don't sell yourself short by thinking you are dumb. You can work at and solve all of the problems you have described.