CLEP exam for Psychology...did anyone take it?

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 22, 2009

I have not taken the psychology CLEP. However, I have taken other CLEPs, such as Sociology and Human Dev, and they were very easy. If you have upper-level Psych credits and are only missing intro to Psych, you will probably ace the CLEP.

FLmomof5 · Feb 22, 2009

Before you do that.....check with your nursing program....

I CLEP'd English for 6 cr back in 79. As I entered pre-nursing, I counted ENC1101 as one class I wouldnt need to take. (understand I already have a bachelors!) Well, for the points for the NS application, I was told that CLEP would be given a C! Boy is that a crock.....so regardless of the CLEP, I had to take ENC1101.

Maybe your nursing program will do the same with this psych class....OR check with them: ours required College Algebra -> or higher. Maybe since you have a higher level psych course, they will substitute.

Just my :twocents:

sunray12 · Feb 22, 2009

Many pre-nursing school applicants already have undergraduate degrees, some already have graduate degrees. But the nursing program admissions office is the final word on what courses they will or will not accept and its common that they don't accept higher level courses as a substitute for the lower level course that is on the checklist. If you want to get around this issue it can be easier to look at direct entry master's programs because they are more flexible about substitutions. Depending on the course it could be just as convenient to do the course at community college - especially if you can find a short session class. Be sure to check with the nursing program to make sure that they accept clep before you take the exam.

cookderosa · Feb 22, 2009

Yes, I took the CLEP exam for psychology. Go wide, not deep. You need to review- see if you can pick up one of the laminated study cards they sell at Borders for intro psych. It will have all you need and more.

If your college accepts CLEP credit for nursing, I'd say ABSOLUTELY try it (study first) before sitting through 16 weeks and paying the $. It's only pass/fail, and pass is roughly a "C" grade equivalency- but won't show up on your transcript as a grade (doesn't impact your GPA). Worst case, you can take the class, but it's only $80.

JeanettePNP, MSN, RN, NP · Feb 22, 2009

I CLEP'd a few pre-reqs--Anthropology and Sociology, and one English requirement. I didn't think about them being scored as C's (even though I scored well above passing). I don't think my school cares that much about grades on pre-reqs though. They mainly care about the sciences.

CraftyStarr · Feb 22, 2009

Hello-

I know this is a bit off topic and I am sure you have already done this, but I would check to make 100% sure the program you are looking at accepts CLEP. I was planning on taking the English CLEP and just found out my school doesn't accept CLEP for nursing pre-reqs. It almost caused me to have to put school off for another year.

kim

k-t-did · Feb 22, 2009

Thanks so much for the input, everyone!

Yes, my school does accept CLEP, and for course credit. I can get an "A" for the class with a 63 on the CLEP, and it goes down from there. I made sure to meet with the Dean of the nursing school before even thinking about it, even though the requirement for credit by testing are in the catalogue.

I took the practice test last night and scored high enough on it for the A level at school. A couple more days of studying, I should be ok.

I am using the REA study guide. Anyone use this one?

cookderosa · Feb 22, 2009

Thanks so much for the input, everyone!
Yes, my school does accept CLEP, and for course credit. I can get an "A" for the class with a 63 on the CLEP, and it goes down from there. I made sure to meet with the Dean of the nursing school before even thinking about it, even though the requirement for credit by testing are in the catalogue.
I took the practice test last night and scored high enough on it for the A level at school. A couple more days of studying, I should be ok.
I am using the REA study guide. Anyone use this one?

>>

Yes, REA is hands-down the best guides. I used a lot of bad ones before I found out about REAs. (I earned 51 credits through testing)

k-t-did · Mar 1, 2009

UPDATE:

I took the test friday and scored a 73 out of 80, well enough for an A in the class. 2 weeks of HARD studying with the REA guide (Which was very good!) was SO worth it! time wise and financially!

cookderosa · Mar 1, 2009

UPDATE:
I took the test friday and scored a 73 out of 80, well enough for an A in the class. 2 weeks of HARD studying with the REA guide (Which was very good!) was SO worth it! time wise and financially!

>>

You didn't pass, you ROCKED that exam! A 73 is an amazing score!! :yeah:

k-t-did · Mar 1, 2009

thanks! I was super excited! I have no frame of reference... So I saw the score and was like "eh" until I realized it was out of 80! I'm looking forward to submitting my app tomorrow!