CLEP Tests What Level of Knowledge?

It is my belief after reading through Lawrie's Web site in deatil about six months ago that CLEP tests were written to test the knowledge an average high school student haven taken that subject in high school would have on the subject.

I am currently having a disagreement with a CLEP test taker, who has failed 4 of their last 5 CLEP tests, who believes the CLEP tests were written to test the knowledge an average college student haven taken that subject in college would have on the subject.

Which is it?

Thanks,

Christian

 

The CLEP examinations test for college-level knowledge of a subject. Typically, a student would not have acquired this knowledge in high school unless he or she had taken an AP (Advanced Placement) course.

 

Isn't the CLEP pass mark the average grade students taking the course in a classroom received on similar tests.

The level of knowledge needed to pass a CLEP test would be above the college level average.

 

With limited exceptions, the average high school student would not be able to pass CLEP exams. Certainly, the average high school student would not be able to pass high enough to score an "A."

I grant that a couple of the CLEP exams are passable for an average high school student. Nonetheless, the CLEP exams are indicative of the knowledge required to pass an equivalent course traditionally. Nearly 3,000 accredited institutions of higher learning do not award college credit to CLEP students for completing high school equivalency tests.

*I have found CLEP exams to be easier than traditional classroom courses quantitatively, but not qualitatively.