Taking pre-requisite classes vs CLEP test

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I posted this question in the pre-nursing student forum, but it didn't get any responses. I thought maybe people in the distance learning forum would have more experience with CLEP tests.

I'm applying to Nursing for next fall. I've gotten credit for some of the pre-requisites already, from a degree I have in nutrition. However, there are still a couple of classes that I need to take. I have to take one semester of English composition, Sociology, an arts/humanities elective, and A&P2. I'm thinking about taking a CLEP test for English, Sociology and Humanities, because I want to free up my schedule a bit next semester. The school I'm applying to does grant credit for CLEP tests. But I am wondering if it would be more useful to take the classes rather than the CLEP test? Has anyone taken these CLEP tests? How difficult are they, and did how did you prepare for them? I've heard that the English CLEP is the hardest. Would I be better off taking this in the classroom?

Thanks :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I took the Introductory Sociology CLEP -- thought it was rather easy, but I did study for it. I think I used a prep manual from REA, but it's been a while and I can't swear to it. :) Good luck in your endeavors!

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CLEP tests have their advantages if you are good at prepping for them and complete the program that you are using them for. The biggest advantage to taking a regular course, though, is that the course is more likely to transfer or be available for more than one "use" without problems in the future.

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I studied for 4 days and took the CLEP sociology and got a score equivalent to a B. I am a good test taker though so it depends on the person.

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

I CLEP'd Sociology and History of Art (well, that's not a CLEP, it's DANTES). For me that was fine as I only wanted to knock the requirement out of the way and had no burning desire to delve further into the subject.

HOWEVER, I do not recommend CLEPing English, even if you could pass. The most important part of an introductory English class the practice you'll get at writing papers, and getting critique and feedback. If you have a decent English professor he or she will actually correct your papers, comment on them, and maybe give you opportunities to rewrite. Solid English/writing skills are so fundamental to any career you'll go into. Many college graduates can barely write a decent paragraph and you wonder where they went to school and how they were ever allowed to graduate. Don't be one of those. I strongly recommend taking an in-class English course with regular writing assignments.

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Thanks for the advice everyone! I agree about English, that it might be a good idea to take that one in class.

What did you use to study for the CLEP tests? Do I need to read a textbook, or will a CLEP study guide probably be enough? Is the test format all multiple choice?

Thanks!

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Specializes in Pediatric Pulmonology and Allergy.

Yes, the tests are multiple choice, except for English which requires a writing sample, I think.

I found the sociology CLEP to be extremely easy. I read one Cliff-notes type sociology text and passed with a 78/80. The arts test was a bit harder, it took me like a month to read the art textbook and I think I passed with a 65. But you may have different options to cover the humanities requirement, some easier than others. I took the analyzing-and-interpreting-lit and it was easy--basically it gives you quotations from poetry or literature, and then multiple choice asking you what you think it means, or what word x in line 3 represents.

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Try the REA clep books. You can buy them from any book store, or even E-bay and Amazon for used prices. This is where I usually get mines. they are so much cheaper, and the books are in good condition. I CLep almost 40 credits, and am working on credits for my BSN, for when I pass my boards.

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ERIKADAWN,

What subjects did you CLEP, are you attending Excelsior? Im a LPN and ready to continue my education. Had attempted ITT-Tech but couldnt commit to the expensive bill!

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I Clepped. Humanities 6 credits,analyzing &Interperting Literature 6 credits, History &social Sciences 6 credits, Intro to Sociology , 3. Credits, Intro to Psychology, 3 credits, Technical Writing, 3 credits, Substance Abuse, 3 credits, Here's to your Health, 3 credits,

principles of supervision, 3 credits. Some of these are Dantes test also. Yes I am doing Excelsior also. I have an overflow for the ASN program, but I plan to go on for my BSN in the future.

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I Clepped. Humanities 6 credits,analyzing &Interperting Literature 6 credits, History &social Sciences 6 credits, Intro to Sociology , 3. Credits, Intro to Psychology, 3 credits, Technical Writing, 3 credits, Substance Abuse, 3 credits, Here's to your Health, 3 credits,

principles of supervision, 3 credits. Some of these are Dantes test also. Yes I am doing Excelsior also. I have an overflow for the ASN program, but I plan to go on for my BSN in the future.

Erikadawn,

Thank you for the quick reply. What materials did you use to prepare for the test?

Thank you in advance

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
ERIKADAWN,

What subjects did you CLEP, are you attending Excelsior? Im a LPN and ready to continue my education. Had attempted ITT-Tech but couldnt commit to the expensive bill!

I am in the same boat as you!! I too tried ITT but the education was not worth they charged, so after 2 semesters & feeling like I wasn't learning anything I decided to go a cheaper & more practical route & joined EC. I too would like to CLEP several classes, definately going to try to CLEP English because last Jan when I took an entrance exam I got a 97% on the English/Writing portion so I figure the CLEP can't be much worse & the CLEP fee is much less expensive than the exam fee!

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