Upcoming CLEP Changes for Algebra/Trig

FYI - for anyone who is contemplating taking this exam.

As of June, 2006, the CLEP combined College Algebra/Trigonometry exam will be replaced by a newer CLEP Precalculus exam.

The changes are twofold, from what I can tell. First, instead of 3 separately timed sections (with a total of 63 questions), the newer exam will have one timed section (with a total of 48 questions). Fewer questions means that each one is worth more...reducing the margin of error.

Also there are content changes abound. More focus will be applied to analytics, functions/models, etc. The trig component of the new exam will only be 15% of the total exam makeup. Whereas before, it was 52% or so.

In my opinion, the newer exam will be more difficult. So if you are planning on taking this exam as part of your degree pursuits, I would recommend trying to take this one sooner rather than later. The change doesn't go into effect until a year from now, so you have a bit of time to work with ...

Descriptions of both exams can be found here:

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/exams.html

Cheers.

 

I should also add that the standalone CLEP Trig exam will also be going away, replaced by the newer Precalcus exam.

Cheers.