Four years of Spanish in high school should mean something in college.

Students who feel like they know enough to test out of a required class have the option to through the College Level Examination Program, which is offered each month and provides full credit for courses to students who meet the test score requirements.

Students may not take the CLEP for courses that they have audited, are currently enrolled in or have previously been enrolled in and earned a grade.

Students must register at least four weeks before the test date, as capacity is limited and test dates are on a first-come, first-served basis. The fee for each test is $75, which covers both the Kent State and CLEP fees. The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.

CLEP tests are offered at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on the following dates: • April 10-12 • May 8-10 • June 12-14 • July 24-26 • August 7-9 (only at 9 a.m. on August 9)

Once Academic Testing Services schedules the test date, students receive a confirmation e-mail about two weeks prior to the test date. Tests are offered at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on selected dates, usually one week per month. Students must present two forms of identification when arriving to take the test.

Students receive an unofficial copy of their examination results immediately after the test, while Academic Testing Services receives an official score report two-to-three weeks after the test. The scores are then reported to the Admission’s Office and posted on the student’s academic record.

A minimum six-month waiting period is required for retesting if the test is failed the first time.

“The six month waiting period is set by CLEP, not Kent State, and allows for additional preparation to re-test,” said Deborah Cartell, academic testing coordinator.

According to Cartell, the most popular CLEP tests are Freshman College Composition, Algebra and Spanish.

“Most students are successful, due to the fact that they were advised by PASS to take CLEP based on the results of the COMPASS test and/or their high school background,” Cartell said.

For more information, visit the CLEP Web site at www.collegeboard.com/clep.

Contact career services reporter Samantha Kerns at [email protected].