College-Level Examination Program
The College-Level Examination Program uses St. Augustine College as one of the local testing centers in Chicago, Illinois. Students take advantage of CLEP to save money and time when pursuing a college degree. High schoolers, military personnel, current college students, and even seasoned workers who want to pursue higher education can all access the College-Level Examination Program and get ahead.
Testing
What is the CLEP exam?
The CLEP exam, short for College-Level Examination Program, is a set of standardized tests created by the College Board (the same organization that runs the SAT).
CLEP exams allow students to earn college credit for knowledge they already have—without taking the actual course. It’s a way to save time and money on a college degree by “testing out” of certain classes.
- Format: Most CLEP exams are computer-based, multiple-choice tests (some include
- essays or listening sections).
- Length: Usually 90–120 minutes.
- Score Range: 20–80; most colleges grant credit for scores of 50 or higher.
CLEP exams cover introductory college-level courses, such as:
- Composition & Literature (e.g., College Composition, American Literature)
- History & Social Sciences (e.g., U.S. History, Psychology, Sociology)
- Science & Mathematics (e.g., Biology, College Algebra)
- Business (e.g., Marketing, Management, Accounting)
- World Languages (e.g., Spanish, French, German)
Policies
Testing Center Policies
Applies to Pearson VUE and CLEP Testing Programs
1. General Testing Policies +
Our testing center in Chicago, IL, is committed to providing a secure, fair, and professional environment for all test takers. All candidates must comply with the following policies to ensure exam integrity and a positive testing experience.
- 1.1 Identification Requirements
-
- Candidates must present one (1) valid, government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver’s license, passport, state ID) with signature, matching the name on the exam registration.
- The ID must be current (not expired) and written in Roman alphabet.
- No digital or photocopied IDs will be accepted.
- For CLEP exams, test takers must also bring their CLEP Registration Ticket from the College Board.
2. Check-In Procedures +
- Arrive to St. Augustine College 15–30 minutes prior to the scheduled appointment time.
- Late arrivals may not be admitted and may forfeit their test fee.
- All personal belongings must be stored in the designated lockers before entering the testing room.
- A digital signature, palm vein scan (for Pearson VUE exams), and/or photo will be collected as part of the secure check-in process.
- The test administrator will verify your ID, explain procedures, and escort you to your workstation.
3. Personal Belongings +
The following items are not allowed in the testing room unless specifically authorized:
- Cell phones, smartwatches, or other electronic devices
- Bags, purses, wallets, or backpacks
- Food, beverages, or gum
- Notes, papers, or reference materials
- Hats, coats, or scarves (unless for religious or medical reasons)
All items must be stored in assigned lockers. The CLEP testing center is not responsible for lost or stolen items.
4. Testing Room Conduct +
- Talking, whispering, or communicating with other candidates is strictly prohibited.
- Test administrators will monitor all activity via audio and video surveillance.
- You may not leave the testing room without permission.
- Scratch paper and pencils will be provided and must be returned before leaving the room.
- Unauthorized materials or cheating of any kind will result in immediate dismissal and invalidation of your exam.
5. Break Policy +
- Pearson VUE exams: Breaks are permitted only if specified by the test sponsor. Time continues to run during unscheduled breaks.
- CLEP exams: Breaks are not permitted once the exam begins unless approved by staff for emergency reasons.
During breaks, candidates may not access lockers, phones, or study materials.
6. Score Reporting +
- Pearson VUE: Score reports are typically available immediately or as determined by the exam sponsor.
- CLEP: Unofficial score reports (except for essays) are provided immediately after testing; official scores are sent to the designated institution within a few business days.
Testing staff cannot provide or interpret scores.
7. Rescheduling and Cancellations +
- Pearson VUE exams: Must be rescheduled or canceled through the Pearson VUE website or customer service—not through the testing center.
- CLEP exams: Cancellations or rescheduling must be handled via the College Board CLEP portal.
Center staff cannot issue refunds or make scheduling changes directly.
8. Accessibility and Accommodations +
We are committed to providing equitable testing access for all candidates.
Candidates requiring accommodations must submit documentation and receive approval
from their testing program before scheduling an exam.
Approved accommodations will be communicated to the test center prior to the
appointment.
Examples include extra testing time, a separate room, or assistive technology.
We are wheelchair accessible.
9. Dismissal or Invalidation +
Candidates may be dismissed and have their scores invalidated for:
- Using unauthorized aids or accessing restricted areas
- Removing test materials from the room
- Engaging in disruptive or abusive behavior
- Attempting to record, copy, or photograph exam content
- Failing to follow staff instructions
10. COVID-19 and Health Safety (if applicable) +
If local health guidelines are in effect, candidates may be required to wear masks and sanitize hands before entering.
Candidates showing signs of illness may be asked to reschedule.
Who Takes CLEP
- Adult learners returning to college
- Military personnel (many take CLEP for free through DANTES)
- High school students aiming to earn early college credit
- College students trying to graduate faster
Credit Acceptance
Each college or university sets its own CLEP credit policy — which exams they accept, minimum scores required, and how the credit applies to each degree. Please contact your
institution directly.
For St Augustine College, please contact the Office of the Registrar
773 878.5824 or 773 878.3289
https://www.staugustine.edu/office-of-the-registrar/
Payment & Contact
Cost: Around $97 per exam (as of 2025), plus a $45 testing fee per exam. The $97 is to be paid
to the Collegeboard and the $45 testing fee is to be paid to St Augustine College.
Steps for Required Payment
- Pay $45 testing fee (fee that the testing center charges) click here
- Pay $97 to the collegebboard by clicking here
- After paying for your testing fee and exam, please click the link to schedule your in-person exam.
- Schedule your in-person exam approximately 2 Hours.
- If you need to change your appointment/cancel, please text or email at least 1 hour in advance.
Email: testingcenter@staugustine.lewisu.edu or ehargrave@lewisu.edu
Text/Call: (773) 878-3549 ,Ext:3549 or 773-878-3841 (text messages are welcome)
Address of Testing Center: St. Augustine College 2610 W 25th Place Chicago, IL 60608
Transportation
We have free available parking on-site next to the building, as well as street parking. There is also a bus that drops you off within walking distance from the Chicago campus.
Contact
Elvina Hargrave
Email: testingcenter@staugustine.lewisu.edu or ehargrave@lewisu.edu
Text/Call: (773) 878-3549 ,Ext:3549 or 773-878-3841 (text messages are welcomed)
