The College Algebra CLEP exam covers what would be taught in a semester-long college course. The test is is divided between solving problems requiring basic algebraic skills and problems where the student shows their understanding of algebra concepts. Questions cover basic algebraic operations and students will have to demonstrate knowledge of algebraic vocabulary, symbols and notation.The test does not place heavy emphasis on arithmetic calculations.
The exam contains approximately 60 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored. The College Board provides the parameters for the exam which we have listed below.
An online scientific (non-graphing) calculator will be available during the exam for whenever the student needs it. This calculator is integrated into the exam software. Students will choose when to use it and will find it helpful for performing certain calculations.
The subject matter of the College Algebra exam is drawn from the following topics.
An algebraic operation is any one of the traditional operations of arithmetic which are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, raising to an integer power and taking roots (fractional power).
Equations and inequalities are both mathematical sentences formed by relating two expressions to each other.
A algebraic function is a function that can be defined as the root of a polynomial equation.
A number system in algebra is a set of numbers. Different number systems are used to solve different types of algebra problems.
Each college sets their own credit-granting policies for the exam, so check with your college admissions office, test center, or academic adviser before taking the test.