CLEP Precalculus Exam Prep Course | 400+ Practice Questions
CLEP® Exam Prep 3 College Credits TI-84 in Section 1 · Passing Score 50

CLEP Precalculus Exam Prep Course

Full course with 400+ practice questions and a practice exam

Self-paced prep for the CLEP Precalculus exam. 11 chapters covering all 6 content areas the exam tests, with a quiz after every subchapter. 48 questions in two sections, 90 minutes, with a TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator in Section 1. A score of 50 earns 3 transferable college credits.

Start studying — $19 About the exam
50Passing score
2,900+Colleges accept CLEP
4–6 wksTypical study time
CLEP Precalculus 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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  • All 11 chapters and 67 lessons
  • Five-question quiz after every subchapter
  • Readiness score tracker
  • Trigonometry built into every unit
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  • All 28 CLEP prep courses
  • Every chapter, lesson and quiz
  • Readiness tracker per subject
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  • 12-month ACE/NCCRS backup path
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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 Precalculus prep also opens the ACE/NCCRS course in the same subject — Precalculus — 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 the three credits through coursework instead.

  • Same subject, same 3 semester hours, different path
  • 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 Precalculus exam format and topics

The exam tests the skills needed for a first-semester calculus course, with most questions on functions and their properties. About 48 questions in two sections, about 90 minutes. Section 1 has 25 questions in about 50 minutes with an online TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator; Section 2 has 23 questions in about 40 minutes with no calculator. Most questions are multiple choice, but some ask you to enter a numerical answer. Pass mark is 50.

CLEP Precalculus content areas by exam weighting
Content area Weighting Questions What it covers
Representations of Functions: Symbolic, Graphical and Tabular 30% ≈14 Operations and transformations on functions given as equations, graphs or tables; recognizing linear, quadratic, absolute value, square root, polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, trigonometric, inverse trigonometric and piecewise functions
Algebraic Expressions, Equations and Inequalities 20% ≈10 Operations on algebraic expressions; solving linear, quadratic, absolute value, polynomial, rational, radical, exponential, logarithmic and trigonometric equations and inequalities; linear and nonlinear systems
Functions: Concept, Properties and Operations 15% ≈7 The concept of a function; domain and range; function notation; evaluation and inverse functions
Trigonometry and its Applications 15% ≈7 Basic trigonometric functions and their inverses; ratios and identities in right triangles and on the unit circle; applying trigonometry to problems
Analytic Geometry 10% ≈5 Lines, circles, parabolas, ellipses and hyperbolas
Functions as Models 10% ≈5 Interpreting and building functions as models; translating between symbolic, graphical, tabular and verbal forms
6 content areas 100% ≈48 Two sections · about 90 minutes · score 50 for an ACE recommendation of 3 semester hours

Trigonometry runs through most topics: College Board estimates that 30–40% of questions need right-triangle trigonometry or the properties of trigonometric functions, well beyond the 15% trigonometry row.

How hard is the exam?

Functions are the core of the exam, and trigonometry shows up far more than its 15% row suggests. The two sections split your skills: in Section 1 the TI-84 Plus CE can graph, find zeros and intersections, and generate tables, but Section 2 is calculator-free, so the unit circle, identities and exact values have to be memorized. A few questions need a typed numerical answer rather than a choice.

  • Start with representations of functions — 30% of the exam
  • Know unit-circle values and identities without a calculator
  • Practice reading functions from tables and graphs, not just equations

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 3 semester hours
  • Retake permitted after three months
  • Free for active-duty military via DANTES

Section 2 is calculator-free, so exact trigonometric values and log rules must be second nature. The trigonometry chapters drill them before the applications chapter.

Check your college

Course chapters and lessons

11 chapters across 70 instructional hours. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.

11Chapters
67Lessons
335+Quiz questions
100Practice final questions
70 hrsInstructional hours
11 chapters  ·  67 lessons  ·  1 practice final exam
Chapter 1 Algebraic Foundations & Prerequisites 7 lessons · 7 hrs
  1. 1.1 Real Numbers, Order, and Absolute Value

    Real numbers and absolute value, exponents and radicals, polynomials and factoring, rational expressions, and linear, absolute value, polynomial and rational inequalities.

  2. 1.2 Exponents, Radicals, and Rational Exponents
  3. 1.3 Polynomials: Operations and Factoring
  4. 1.4 Rational Expressions
  5. 1.5 Linear Inequalities and Absolute Value Inequalities
  6. 1.6 Polynomial and Rational Inequalities
  7. 1.7 Coordinate Geometry: Distance Formula, Midpoint Formula, and Circles
Chapter 2 Functions & Their Behavior 7 lessons · 7 hrs
  1. 2.1 Understanding Functions and Notation

    Function notation, domain and range, rates of change and graph behavior, piecewise functions, composition, transformations and inverses — the core of the exam's function areas.

  2. 2.2 Domain and Range of Functions
  3. 2.3 Graphs, Rates of Change, and Graph Behavior
  4. 2.4 Piecewise-Defined Functions
  5. 2.5 Combining Functions: Arithmetic Operations and Composition
  6. 2.6 Transformations of Graphs
  7. 2.7 Inverse Functions and Their Properties
Chapter 3 Linear & Quadratic Functions 7 lessons · 7 hrs
  1. 3.1 Linear Functions and Their Representations

    Linear models and their applications, absolute value functions, quadratic functions and their graphs, and solving quadratic equations and inequalities.

  2. 3.2 Graphing and Interpreting Linear Models
  3. 3.3 Applications of Linear Functions
  4. 3.4 Absolute Value Functions and Applications
  5. 3.5 Quadratic Functions and Their Graphs
  6. 3.6 Solving Quadratic Equations and Inequalities
  7. 3.7 Data Modeling with Linear Regression
Chapter 4 Polynomial & Rational Functions 9 lessons · 9 hrs
  1. 4.1 Complex Numbers and Operations

    Complex numbers, power and polynomial functions, polynomial division, zeros and factors, polynomial inequalities, and rational functions and asymptotes.

  2. 4.2 Power Functions and Higher-Degree Polynomials
  3. 4.3 Analyzing Graphs of Polynomial Functions
  4. 4.4 Polynomial Division Techniques
  5. 4.5 Zeros and Factors of Polynomial Functions
  6. 4.6 Solving Polynomial Inequalities
  7. 4.7 Rational Functions and Their Graphs
  8. 4.8 Solving Rational Equations and Inequalities
  9. 4.9 Radical Functions and Inverse Relationships
Chapter 5 Exponential & Logarithmic Functions 7 lessons · 7 hrs
  1. 5.1 Exponential Functions and Growth/Decay Models

    Exponential growth and decay, graphs and transformations of exponential and logarithmic functions, properties of logarithms, and solving exponential and logarithmic equations.

  2. 5.2 Graphs and Transformations of Exponential Functions
  3. 5.3 Logarithmic Functions and Their Meaning
  4. 5.4 Graphs and Transformations of Logarithmic Functions
  5. 5.5 Properties of Logarithms
  6. 5.6 Solving Exponential and Logarithmic Equations
  7. 5.7 Applications and Data Modeling
Chapter 6 Trigonometric Foundations 5 lessons · 5 hrs
  1. 6.1 Angle Measurement in Degrees and Radians

    Degrees and radians, the unit circle, the six trigonometric functions, right-triangle trigonometry, and modeling with periodic functions — the foundation for the 30–40% of questions that use trigonometry.

  2. 6.2 The Unit Circle and the Sine and Cosine Functions
  3. 6.3 The Six Trigonometric Functions
  4. 6.4 Right Triangle Trigonometry and Applications
  5. 6.5 Modeling with Periodic Functions
Chapter 7 Graphs of Trigonometric Functions 3 lessons · 3 hrs
  1. 7.1 Graphs and Transformations of Sine and Cosine

    Graphs and transformations of sine and cosine, the graphs of tangent, cotangent, secant and cosecant, and inverse trigonometric functions.

  2. 7.2 Graphs of Tangent, Cotangent, Secant, and Cosecant
  3. 7.3 Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Chapter 8 Trigonometric Identities & Equations 4 lessons · 4 hrs
  1. 8.1 Fundamental Trigonometric Identities

    Fundamental, sum and difference, double-angle and half-angle identities, and solving trigonometric equations.

  2. 8.2 Sum and Difference Identities
  3. 8.3 Double-Angle and Half-Angle Formulas
  4. 8.4 Solving Trigonometric Equations
Chapter 9 Applications of Trigonometry 6 lessons · 6 hrs
  1. 9.1 Solving Oblique Triangles: Law of Sines

    The Law of Sines and Law of Cosines, polar coordinates and polar graphs, complex numbers in polar form, and an introduction to vectors.

  2. 9.2 Solving Oblique Triangles: Law of Cosines
  3. 9.3 Polar Coordinate Systems
  4. 9.4 Graphing Polar Equations
  5. 9.5 Complex Numbers in Polar Form
  6. 9.6 Introduction to Vectors
Chapter 10 Systems of Equations & Matrices 6 lessons · 6 hrs
  1. 10.1 Solving Linear Systems in Two Variables

    Linear systems in two and three variables, nonlinear systems, partial fractions, matrices and Gaussian elimination.

  2. 10.2 Solving Linear Systems in Three Variables
  3. 10.3 Nonlinear Systems and Inequalities
  4. 10.4 Partial Fraction Decomposition
  5. 10.5 Matrices and Matrix Operations
  6. 10.6 Gaussian Elimination
Chapter 11 Sequences, Series & Counting 6 lessons · 6 hrs
  1. 11.1 Sequences and Recursive Definitions

    Sequences and recursion, arithmetic and geometric sequences, series and sigma notation, the binomial theorem, and counting principles.

  2. 11.2 Arithmetic Sequences
  3. 11.3 Geometric Sequences
  4. 11.4 Series and Sigma Notation
  5. 11.5 The Binomial Theorem
  6. 11.6 Basic Counting Principles and Probability
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 Precalculus 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 3 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 Precalculus

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 Precalculus 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
335+ quiz questions across 67 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 Precalculus?
The credit-granting score is 50. At a score of 50 or above, the American Council on Education recommends 3 semester hours of credit. Each college sets its own policy, so confirm the score and credit hours your school awards.
How many questions are on the CLEP Precalculus exam?
About 48 questions in two sections, answered in about 90 minutes. Section 1 has 25 questions in about 50 minutes; Section 2 has 23 questions in about 40 minutes. Most are multiple choice, but some require you to enter a numerical answer.
How much does the CLEP Precalculus 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 for lifetime access to this subject.
What topics are on the CLEP Precalculus exam?
Six content areas: Representations of Functions (30%); Algebraic Expressions, Equations and Inequalities (20%); Functions: Concept, Properties and Operations (15%); Trigonometry and its Applications (15%); Analytic Geometry (10%); and Functions as Models (10%).
Is the CLEP Precalculus exam hard?
It's one of the harder CLEP math exams because trigonometry runs through so much of it and one section is calculator-free. Most students prepare in four to six weeks; students who recently took precalculus or trigonometry usually move faster.
Can I use a calculator on CLEP Precalculus?
Only in Section 1, where a TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator (non-CAS) is built into the exam software. Section 2 allows no calculator. You can't bring your own.
Which colleges accept CLEP Precalculus for credit?
CLEP is accepted at more than 2,900 U.S. colleges and universities. CLEP Precalculus often satisfies a precalculus or general education math requirement and can serve as a prerequisite for calculus. Check your own institution's policy before booking.
How long should I study for CLEP Precalculus?
Four to six weeks of consistent study is typical. Start with functions, then work through the trigonometry chapters until exact values and identities are automatic, take the subchapter quizzes, and use the readiness tracker to decide when to book.
Do I need to memorize the unit circle for CLEP Precalculus?
Yes. Section 2's 23 questions allow no calculator, so you need exact trig values for angles such as π/6, π/4 and π/3 and the basic identities by heart. The built-in TI-84 Plus CE in Section 1 can compute trig values, but you won't have it in Section 2.
Does CLEP Precalculus include conic sections?
Yes. Analytic geometry is 10% of the exam and covers lines, circles, parabolas, ellipses and hyperbolas, so know each conic's standard equation and how to read its center, vertices or radius from it.
What happens if I fail the CLEP Precalculus exam?
You can retake a CLEP exam after three months. Your TransferCredit plan also includes a backup ACE/NCCRS course in the same subject, which awards credit through coursework with no exam required.
How much trigonometry is on CLEP Precalculus?
More than the 15% trigonometry area suggests. College Board says trigonometry permeates most topics, and about 30–40% of questions require right-triangle trigonometry or the properties of trigonometric functions.
Should I take CLEP College Algebra or Precalculus?
Check which your program requires. College Algebra is narrower and has a calculator throughout; Precalculus adds trigonometry and analytic geometry and prepares you for calculus. Some programs accept either for a general math requirement.
Are there fill-in questions on CLEP Precalculus?
Yes. Most questions are multiple choice, but some ask you to enter a numerical answer, so you can't rely on working backward from the choices.