CLEP Biology Exam Prep Course: Part 1 | 500+ Questions
CLEP® Exam Prep 6 College Credits Part 1 of 2 · 6 Credits · Passing Score 50

CLEP Biology Exam Prep Course: Part 1

Part 1 of 2 · 500+ practice questions and a practice exam

Part 1 of the two-part CLEP Biology prep course. 15 chapters on the chemistry of life, cells, metabolism, genetics and evolution, with a quiz after every subchapter: the molecular and cellular third of the exam, plus inheritance and evolution. Part 2 covers organisms, body systems and ecology. 115 questions, 90 minutes. A score of 50 earns 6 transferable college credits.

Start studying — $19 About the exam
50Passing score
2,900+Colleges accept CLEP
3–5 wksTypical study time
CLEP Biology Part 1 prep course
  • Backup ACE/NCCRS credit path — earn the credit even if you don't pass
  • Lifetime access — no deadlines, no expiry, study at your own pace
  • Credits accepted at 2,900+ U.S. colleges
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Pricing

$19 for this course with lifetime access, or $29 a month for all 28 CLEP subjects. Every plan also unlocks the ACE/NCCRS course in the same subject.

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$19
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Biology Part 1 prep only
  • All 15 chapters and 83 lessons
  • Five-question quiz after every subchapter
  • Readiness score tracker
  • Cells, genetics and evolution
  • Lifetime access, no expiry
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$29/mo
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All 28 CLEP prep courses included
  • All 28 CLEP prep courses
  • Every chapter, lesson and quiz
  • Readiness tracker per subject
  • Backup ACE/NCCRS credit path
  • Cancel or pause anytime
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12-month ACE/NCCRS included
  • Lifetime access to all 28 subjects
  • All current and future courses
  • 12-month ACE/NCCRS backup path
  • Pay once, never renew
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What are ACE and NCCRS?

Two independent bodies that review online courses and recommend them for college credit. The American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) put courses through faculty panels that assess rigor and learning outcomes, then publish a credit recommendation. When you complete one, the credentialing body issues an official transcript you send to your college — the same kind of transfer credit a student moving from another university would bring with them.

  • Reviewed by faculty panels, not by the course provider
  • Official transcript issued on completion
  • Recognized at 2,100+ colleges, many of which also take CLEP and DSST
ACE vs NCCRS explained How ACE/NCCRS credit works

Both routes, one plan

Buying CLEP Biology prep also opens the ACE/NCCRS course in the same subject — Introduction to Biology I — at no extra cost. So exam day isn't the only way through. If the score doesn't land, the course is already sitting in your account: complete it self-paced, no proctor and no 90-minute timer, and earn three semester hours of credit through coursework instead.

  • Introduction to Biology I: 3 semester hours through coursework
  • Unlocked automatically — no extra fee, no application
  • CLEP can still be retaken after three months

Each college sets its own transfer policy, so confirm yours accepts the route you plan to use.

Check your college's policy before you buy. We keep 280+ school pages listing accepted exams, required scores and credits awarded.

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CLEP Biology exam format and topics

The exam covers a one-year college general biology course across 3 roughly equal content areas: molecular and cellular, organismal, and population biology. About 115 questions in 90 minutes, some of them unscored pretest items. Questions test facts and processes, how scientists collect and interpret data, and science's social consequences. Pass mark is 50.

CLEP Biology content areas by exam weighting
Content area Weighting Questions What it covers
Organismal Biology 34% ≈39 Plant structure, transport, reproduction and hormones; animal systems, homeostasis, hormones, reproduction and development; Mendelian and chromosomal inheritance
Molecular and Cellular Biology 33% ≈38 Chemistry of life; cell organelles and membranes; enzymes; respiration and photosynthesis; mitosis and meiosis; DNA, replication, mutation and protein synthesis; viruses
Population Biology 33% ≈38 Ecology and ecosystems; population growth and communities; evolution, natural selection and Hardy-Weinberg; classification; human evolution; behavior; human impact and biomedical progress
3 content areas 100% ≈115 90 minutes · multiple choice · score 50 for an ACE recommendation of 6 semester hours

Part 1 covers Molecular and Cellular Biology, plus Mendelian inheritance (from Organismal Biology) and evolution and classification (from Population Biology). Part 2 covers the rest. The exam tests all three areas in one sitting.

How hard is the exam?

This is a year of biology in 90 minutes — about 115 questions, so under a minute each. The three areas are almost exactly equal, from the molecules in a cell to the ecology of a biome, so no section can be skipped. Expect questions that interpret experiments and data as well as facts.

  • The three areas are about a third each — cover them evenly
  • Know cellular respiration, photosynthesis and protein synthesis in detail
  • Practice reading experimental setups and data

Exam fee and booking

Register with College Board for $97. Test centers may add an administration fee. You can test at a center or remotely with a proctor, year-round. Scores are reported immediately for multiple-choice exams, and you send them to your college yourself.

  • Passing score 50, for 6 semester hours
  • Retake permitted after three months
  • Free for active-duty military via DANTES

Part 1 follows the first semester of a general biology sequence: chemistry and cells, energy, genetics, and evolution. Part 2 picks up with viruses, organisms, body systems and ecology.

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Course chapters and lessons

15 chapters across 56 instructional hours. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.

15Chapters
83Lessons
415+Quiz questions
100Practice final questions
56 hrsInstructional hours
15 chapters  ·  83 lessons  ·  1 practice final exam
Chapter 1 The Study of Life 2 lessons · 2 hrs
  1. 1.1 The Science of Biology

    What biology studies, the scientific method and the themes that connect living things.

  2. 1.2 Themes and Concepts of Biology
Chapter 2 Chemical Foundations of Life 3 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 2.1 Atoms, Isotopes, Ions, and Molecules

    Atoms, ions and molecules, the properties of water, and the chemistry of carbon.

  2. 2.2 Water
  3. 2.3 Carbon
Chapter 3 Biological Macromolecules 5 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 3.1 Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules

    Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids and how they're built.

  2. 3.2 Carbohydrates
  3. 3.3 Lipids
  4. 3.4 Proteins
  5. 3.5 Nucleic Acids
Chapter 4 Cell Structure and Function 6 lessons · 5 hrs
  1. 4.1 Studying Cells

    Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, the endomembrane system, the cytoskeleton and cell junctions — the core of molecular and cellular biology.

  2. 4.2 Prokaryotic Cells
  3. 4.3 Eukaryotic Cells
  4. 4.4 The Endomembrane System
  5. 4.5 The Cytoskeleton
  6. 4.6 Connections between Cells
Chapter 5 Structure and Function of Plasma Membranes 4 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 5.1 Components and Structure

    Membrane structure and passive, active and bulk transport.

  2. 5.2 Passive Transport
  3. 5.3 Active Transport
  4. 5.4 Bulk Transport
Chapter 6 Metabolism 5 lessons · 5 hrs
  1. 6.1 Energy and Metabolism

    Energy, the laws of thermodynamics, ATP and enzymes.

  2. 6.2 Potential, Kinetic, Free, and Activation Energy
  3. 6.3 The Laws of Thermodynamics
  4. 6.4 ATP: Adenosine Triphosphate
  5. 6.5 Enzymes
Chapter 7 Cellular Respiration and Photosynthesis 10 lessons · 8 hrs
  1. 7.1 Energy in Living Systems

    Glycolysis, the citric acid cycle, oxidative phosphorylation, fermentation and photosynthesis.

  2. 7.2 Glycolysis
  3. 7.3 Oxidation of Pyruvate and the Citric Acid Cycle
  4. 7.4 Oxidative Phosphorylation
  5. 7.5 Metabolism without Oxygen
  6. 7.6 Connections of Metabolic Pathways
  7. 7.7 Regulation of Cellular Respiration
  8. 7.8 Overview of Photosynthesis
  9. 7.9 The Light-Dependent Reactions
  10. 7.10 Using Light Energy to Make Organic Molecules
Chapter 8 Cell Communication and Reproduction 9 lessons · 4 hrs
  1. 8.1 Signaling Molecules and Receptors

    Cell signaling, the cell cycle and its control, and mitosis.

  2. 8.2 Propagation of the Signal
  3. 8.3 Response to the Signal
  4. 8.4 Signaling in Single-Celled Organisms
  5. 8.5 Cell Division
  6. 8.6 The Cell Cycle
  7. 8.7 Control of the Cell Cycle
  8. 8.8 Cancer and the Cell Cycle
  9. 8.9 Prokaryotic Cell Division
Chapter 9 Fundamentals of Genetics 5 lessons · 4 hrs
  1. 9.1 The Process of Meiosis

    Meiosis, sexual reproduction, and Mendel's laws of inheritance.

  2. 9.2 Sexual Reproduction
  3. 9.3 Mendel’s Experiments
  4. 9.4 Characteristics and Traits
  5. 9.5 Laws of Inheritance
Chapter 10 Modern Understandings of Inheritance 2 lessons · 1 hr
  1. 10.1 Chromosomal Theory and Genetic Linkage

    The chromosomal theory, linkage and inherited disorders.

  2. 10.2 Chromosomal Basis of Inherited Disorders.
Chapter 11 DNA Structure and Function 6 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 11.1 Historical Basis of DNA Understanding

    The discovery and structure of DNA, replication in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, and DNA repair.

  2. 11.2 DNA Structure and Sequencing
  3. 11.3 Basics of DNA Replication
  4. 11.4 DNA Replication in Prokaryotes
  5. 11.5 DNA Replication in Eukaryotes
  6. 11.6 DNA Repair
Chapter 12 Genes, Proteins and Gene Expression 12 lessons · 6 hrs
  1. 12.1 The Genetic Code

    The genetic code, transcription, RNA processing, translation and the regulation of gene expression.

  2. 12.2 Prokaryotic Transcription
  3. 12.3 Eukaryotic Transcription
  4. 12.4 RNA Processing in Eukaryotes
  5. 12.5 Ribosomes and Protein Synthesis
  6. 12.6 Regulation of Gene Expression
  7. 12.7 Prokaryotic Gene Regulation
  8. 12.8 Eukaryotic Epigenetic Gene Regulation
  9. 12.9 Eukaryotic Transcription Gene Regulation
  10. 12.10 Eukaryotic Posttranscriptional Gene Regulation
  11. 12.11 Eukaryotic Translational and Posttranslational Gene Regulation
  12. 12.12 Cancer and Gene Regulation
Chapter 13 Biotechnology and Genomics 5 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 13.1 Biotechnology

    Biotechnology, genome mapping and sequencing, and genomics and proteomics.

  2. 13.2 Mapping Genomes
  3. 13.3 Whole Genome Sequencing
  4. 13.4 Applying Genomics
  5. 13.5 Genomics and Proteomics
Chapter 14 Evolution and Population Genetics 6 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 14.1 Understanding Evolution

    Evolution, speciation, population genetics and adaptive evolution — the start of population biology.

  2. 14.2 Formation of New Species
  3. 14.3 Reconnection and Speciation Rates
  4. 14.4 Population Evolution
  5. 14.5 Population Genetics
  6. 14.6 Adaptive Evolution
Chapter 15 Phylogenies and Biodiversity 3 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 15.1 Organizing Life on Earth

    Organizing life, phylogenetic trees and evolutionary relationships.

  2. 15.2 Determining Evolutionary Relationships
  3. 15.3 Perspectives on the Phylogenetic Tree
Practice exam Practice final exam 100 questions
  1. Practice final exam — 100 multiple-choice questions

    A full-length practice final that mirrors the exam's content areas and question style. Your score feeds the readiness tracker, so you know when you're ready to book the real exam.

These chapters make up the CLEP Biology exam prep class. They cover every content area on the official exam outline, and some topics go further than the exam requires.

Take the CLEP exam for the fastest route to 6 credits. If it doesn't go your way, your plan also includes a backup course that earns the credit through coursework.

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Colleges that accept CLEP Biology

CLEP is recognized at more than 2,900 U.S. colleges, but each one sets its own minimum score and decides how many credit hours to award. Check yours before you book the exam.

Find my college Search 280+ school pages for CLEP policy, accepted exams, minimum scores and credit hours.
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Which CLEP exams the school accepts Minimum score required Credit hours awarded CLEP institution code ACE and NCCRS status

Browse college credit policies

University of Virginia38 exams accepted Cleveland State University36 exams accepted Keuka College36 exams accepted Heritage University35 exams accepted College of Central Florida33 exams accepted Olympic College32 exams accepted Commonwealth University of PA32 exams accepted Clayton State University29 exams accepted Mercy UniversityCLEP credit policy Reinhardt University17 exams accepted

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Policies change. Every college page lists the date the policy was checked, and we recommend confirming minimum scores and credit awards with the Registrar before you schedule an exam. TransferCredit.org is an independent education service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the institutions listed.

Practice tests and study guides

Five questions in the style of the CLEP Biology exam, drawn from the chapters above. No sign-up needed — see where you stand before you buy.

Question 1 of 5
Take the full practice test Open the study guides
415+ quiz questions across 83 subchapters 100-question practice final Readiness tracker Written guide for every content area Unlimited retakes

Frequently asked questions

What is the passing score for CLEP Biology?
The credit-granting score is 50. At a score of 50 or above, the American Council on Education recommends 6 semester hours of credit, reflecting a full year of general biology. Each college sets its own policy, so confirm the score and credit hours your school awards.
How many questions are on the CLEP Biology exam?
Roughly 115 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Some are unscored pretest questions.
How much does the CLEP Biology exam cost?
The exam fee is $97, paid to College Board. Test centers may add a separate administration fee. Active-duty military can take CLEP exams at no cost through DANTES. TransferCredit prep is $19 per part, with lifetime access.
What topics are on the CLEP Biology exam?
Three roughly equal areas: Molecular and Cellular Biology (33%); Organismal Biology (34%); and Population Biology (33%). Part 1 of this course covers molecular and cellular biology, inheritance and evolution; Part 2 covers organisms, body systems and ecology.
Is the CLEP Biology exam hard?
It covers a full year of college biology at a fast pace, so it's one of the more demanding CLEP science exams. Most students prepare in six to ten weeks across both parts; students with recent AP Biology usually move faster.
Which colleges accept CLEP Biology for credit?
CLEP is accepted at more than 2,900 U.S. colleges and universities. CLEP Biology often satisfies a natural science requirement or a general biology sequence for non-majors. Check your own institution's policy before booking.
How long should I study for CLEP Biology Part 1?
Three to five weeks for this part is typical, and about the same again for Part 2. Work through the chapters in order, since genetics builds on cell biology, take the subchapter quizzes, and use the readiness tracker to decide when to book.
What happens if I fail the CLEP Biology exam?
You can retake a CLEP exam after three months. Part 1 also includes the backup ACE/NCCRS course Introduction to Biology I, which awards credit through coursework with no exam required.
Do I need both parts to pass CLEP Biology?
Plan on both. CLEP Biology is one exam that covers a full year of college biology in a single sitting. Part 1 covers chemistry, cells, metabolism, genetics and evolution; Part 2 covers viruses and microbes, plants, animals and their body systems, and ecology. Each part is a separate $19 course: Part 1 at transfercredit.org/courses/biology-1 and Part 2 at transfercredit.org/courses/biology-2.
What does CLEP Biology Part 1 cover?
The first half of a general biology year: the chemistry of life and macromolecules, cell structure and membranes, energy and enzymes, cellular respiration and photosynthesis, cell signaling and division, Mendelian and chromosomal inheritance, DNA, gene expression and biotechnology, and evolution and phylogeny. That's all of Molecular and Cellular Biology (33% of the exam) plus parts of the other two areas.
How many credits is CLEP Biology worth?
ACE recommends 6 semester hours for a score of 50, the equivalent of a two-semester general biology sequence. The credit comes from passing the exam; the two parts of this course are how you prepare for it.
Does CLEP Biology include a lab?
No. There's no lab component, though some questions ask you to interpret experiments and data. Some colleges require a separate lab to count the credit as a lab science.
Does CLEP Biology cover genetics?
Yes, in two areas. Molecular and cellular biology covers DNA structure and replication, mutations, transcription and translation, and gene regulation, while organismal biology covers Mendelian inheritance, linkage and sex-linked traits, polygenic inheritance and multiple alleles such as human blood groups. Part 1 teaches both.
Does CLEP Biology cover evolution?
Yes, within population biology. Expect natural selection, Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, speciation, punctuated equilibrium, adaptive radiation, genetic drift, homology versus analogy, classification and the evolutionary history of humans. Part 1's last two chapters cover evolution and phylogeny.