CLEP vs AP

[cookderosa]

All good info. I'll add a few. Yes, all AP exams have essays (yikes) that are not optional. Additionally, AP tests all fall - during AP test week (yikes again) so you need allllll your tests in your brain at the same time. Lastly, you'll have to hunt and peck for testing locations- and you have to hope that all the tests you want are offered at the same high school. Otherwise, you may have to choose between 2 tests locally or 1 an hour away.

ALL CLEP testing centers offer ALL CLEPs, but each individual high school decides which AP tests to offer. (it may be 1, or may be 20)

One other thing, you do NOT have to enroll in an AP "course" to take an AP exam. You can self-teach the material just as with the CLEP. Lastly, AP is a graded score (1-5, 5 highest) and many schools award credit or placement based on your score. Commonly, you'll see "3 credits for a score of 3 or higher" or "6 credits for a score of 4" or even "advanced placement for score of X"

There are a few AP courses that are not offered via CLEP, and in that case, AP is a good option.

In any event, be careful not to duplicate, because you can't get double credit for taking both exams.