How to Earn Free or Low-Cost College Credit with Modern States and CLEP Exams

Earning college credit without paying tuition is a game-changer for students, adult learners, military personnel, and homeschoolers. The Modern States Education Alliance’s “Freshman Year for Free” program, paired with College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, allows you to earn up to a year of college credit at no or minimal cost. Best of all, the process can be fully remote. This guide walks you through every step to navigate this opportunity, potentially saving you $10,000–$20,000 in tuition.

What Is Modern States and CLEP?

Modern States is a nonprofit offering over 30 free, high-quality online college courses designed to prepare you for CLEP exams. CLEP, administered by the College Board, offers 34 exams covering freshman-level subjects like Psychology, Calculus, and American History. Passing these exams earns you college credit accepted by nearly 3,000 U.S. colleges and universities. Modern States covers the $95 CLEP exam fee and reimburses test center fees (typically $20–$25), making the process free or nearly free.

Why Choose This Path?

• Cost Savings: Earn 3–6 credits per exam, with 8–10 exams potentially covering a full freshman year, saving thousands.
• Flexibility: Study and test remotely, on your schedule.
• Accessibility: No prerequisites—just an internet connection and a desire to learn.
• High Success Rate: Modern States students have a 75% CLEP pass rate, above the national average of 67%.

Step-by-Step Guide to Earning Free or Low-Cost College Credit

Follow these steps to earn college credit through Modern States and CLEP, with options for fully remote learning and testing.

1. Verify College Credit Acceptance

Before starting, confirm that your target college accepts CLEP credits and for which exams. Policies vary:

• Most schools accept 3–6 credits per exam, with some capping total credits (e.g., 30–45 hours).
• Some restrict CLEP credits from major requirements.
• Use Modern States’ CLEP Acceptance Tool or contact your college’s registrar to verify.

Tip: If you’re not yet enrolled, check policies at community colleges or online programs, which often have generous CLEP policies.

2. Sign Up with Modern States

1. Visit modernstates.org and create a free account. No financial or academic requirements are needed.
2. Browse the catalog of over 30 courses, covering subjects like English Literature, Biology, and Business Law.
3. Select a course aligned with a CLEP exam accepted by your college.

Note: Courses are self-paced, so you can start anytime and study at your convenience.

3. Complete the Free Online Course

Each Modern States course, taught by professors from top universities like MIT and Purdue, includes:

• Video lectures
• Practice quizzes
• Sample CLEP exams

To qualify for a CLEP voucher:

• Complete at least 75% of the coursework, including watching all videos and answering homework questions correctly.
• Pass the sample CLEP exam.
• Track your progress via the course dashboard.

Time Commitment: Courses typically take 20–40 hours, depending on your prior knowledge. You can spread this over weeks or months.

4. Request a CLEP Voucher

Once you complete the course:

1. A “CLEP Voucher Request” module appears on the Modern States platform.
2. Upload a screenshot showing 100% course completion.
3. Within days, you’ll receive an email with a voucher code covering the $95 CLEP exam fee.

Important: Vouchers have expiration dates (e.g., June 30, 2025). Plan your exam date accordingly.

5. Register for the CLEP Exam

1. Go to clep.collegeboard.org and create or log into your College Board account.
2. Choose your CLEP exam and select either:
   • Remote Proctoring: Take the exam from home using a computer with a webcam, microphone, and stable internet. Most CLEP exams support this option.
   • Test Center: Visit an authorized CLEP test center (e.g., college campuses or military bases).
3. Use your Modern States voucher code at checkout to cover the $95 fee.
4. Print or save your CLEP Exam Registration Ticket.

Remote Proctoring Requirements:

• Windows or macOS computer (no Chromebooks).
• Quiet, private room with no interruptions.
• Government-issued ID matching your registration name exactly.

Note: Not all exams (e.g., College Composition) offer remote proctoring. Check the College Board site for details.

6. Schedule Your Exam

• Remote: Schedule a time slot via the College Board’s proctoring partner (e.g., Prometric). Test your setup in advance to avoid technical issues.
• (Alternative) Test Center: Contact an authorized test center to book an appointment. Some charge a $20–$25 administrative fee, which Modern States reimburses (see Step 8).

Tip: Schedule soon after completing the course while the material is fresh.

7. Take the CLEP Exam

• Format: Most CLEP exams are multiple-choice, lasting 90–125 minutes. Scores (20–80 scale) are available immediately, except for essay-based exams.
• Passing Score: A score of 50 or higher typically earns credit, but colleges set their own thresholds.
• Retake Policy: You cannot retake the same exam within three months.

Preparation Tip: Use Modern States’ practice exams to simulate test conditions. Their courses are designed to ensure you’re ready.

8. Reimburse Test Center Fees (If Applicable)

If you took the exam at a test center and paid an administrative fee:

1. Submit your receipt to Modern States via their reimbursement form (available on their website).
2. Expect reimbursement within weeks, making the process fully free.

Remote proctoring avoids these fees entirely.

9. Submit Scores to Your College

1. After passing, send your official CLEP score report to your college via the College Board website. This may take 10–14 days.
2. Confirm with your college that the credits apply toward your degree plan.

Tip: Save your score report PDF for your records.

Fully Remote Option

The entire process can be done from home:

• Courses: 100% online via Modern States.
• Exams: Most CLEP exams offer remote proctoring, allowing you to test from home. Check clep.collegeboard.org for eligible exams and technical requirements.

Caution: Ensure a reliable internet connection and test your setup to avoid disruptions during the exam.

Tips for Success

• Plan Ahead: Verify credit acceptance early to avoid wasted effort.
• Maximize Credits: Take multiple exams (e.g., 8–10) to cover a full year. Popular exams include American Government, Introductory Sociology, and College Algebra.
• Military Personnel: CLEP exams are free for active-duty members through federal funding, and Modern States covers fees for veterans or dependents.
• Homeschoolers: Use CLEP as a “final exam” for courses, but review content (e.g., literature) for alignment with values.
• Stay Organized: Track voucher deadlines and exam schedules.

Alternative Low-Cost Options

If CLEP isn’t ideal, consider:

• Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: For high schoolers, AP exams ($97–$145) can earn credit, though fees may apply unless subsidized.
• Dual Enrollment: Free community college classes through high school programs, requiring in-person or online attendance.
• Other Platforms: Sites like edX offer free courses, but credit often requires payment unless paired with programs like Modern States.

Final Thoughts

Modern States and CLEP make college credit accessible, affordable, and flexible. By completing free online courses and passing CLEP exams—often from the comfort of home—you can save thousands and accelerate your degree. Over 700,000 learners have benefited, saving an estimated $300 million in tuition. Start today at modernstates.org and take the first step toward free college credit.

Have questions or success stories? Share them in the comments below!

This post was last updated on May 5, 2025.