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- 41-page printable PDF
- 181 terms with examples
- 52 practice questions, answers explained
- 2-page cram sheet and study plans
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CLEP® Study Guide
Printable PDF · 41 pages
CLEP Chemistry Study Guide
Everything the CLEP Chemistry exam tests, in one PDF you can print. Built from the College Board's official outline, heaviest topics first.
- 181 key terms, each with an example
- 52 practice questions with every answer explained
- A 2-page cram sheet for the night before
- 2-, 4- and 8-week study plans built from the exam weights
Last updated 2026 · exam details checked against the College Board's published exam information in 2026
Look inside the guide
Real pages from the 41-page PDF.
What you get for $5
One chapter for each official content area, in the order the exam weighs them.
- 📘41pages, printable
- 🧭9chapters, heaviest first
- 🔑181terms with examples
- ✍️52practice questions, answers explained
- ⚠️27exam traps to avoid
- 📄2page cram sheet
Try 10 free Chemistry questions
In the style of the real exam, from all 9 areas. About 10 minutes, with every answer explained and a score by area.
10 questions
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Question 1 · Structure of Matter
A radioactive isotope has a half-life of 12.0 days. How much of a 64.0 mg sample remains after 36.0 days?
Show the answer
Answer: B. 8.00 mg. 36.0 days is 3 half-lives (36.0 ÷ 12.0), so the sample is halved three times: 64.0 → 32.0 → 16.0 → 8.00 mg.
The trap: 21.3 mg comes from dividing 64.0 by 3, which treats decay as a steady loss. Each half-life halves whatever is left.
36.0 days is 3 half-lives (36.0 ÷ 12.0), so the sample is halved three times: 64.0 → 32.0 → 16.0 → 8.00 mg.
The trap: 21.3 mg comes from dividing 64.0 by 3, which treats decay as a steady loss. Each half-life halves whatever is left.
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Question 2 · States of Matter
A rigid 8.21 L tank holds a gas at 2.00 atm and 400 K. How many moles of gas does it contain? (R = 0.08206 L·atm/(mol·K))
Show the answer
Answer: C. 0.500 mol. n = PV/RT = (2.00 × 8.21) / (0.08206 × 400) = 16.42 / 32.82 = 0.500 mol.
The trap: 0.125 mol comes from dividing by the pressure instead of multiplying by it; PV = nRT puts P in the numerator.
n = PV/RT = (2.00 × 8.21) / (0.08206 × 400) = 16.42 / 32.82 = 0.500 mol.
The trap: 0.125 mol comes from dividing by the pressure instead of multiplying by it; PV = nRT puts P in the numerator.
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Question 3 · Descriptive Chemistry
What is the name of the compound Fe₂(SO₄)₃?
Show the answer
Answer: D. Iron(III) sulfate. Three sulfate ions (2− each) total 6−, shared by two iron ions, so each iron is 3+. The name is iron(III) sulfate.
The trap: Iron(II) sulfate mistakes the subscript 2 on iron for its charge; the charge comes from balancing three sulfate ions.
Three sulfate ions (2− each) total 6−, shared by two iron ions, so each iron is 3+. The name is iron(III) sulfate.
The trap: Iron(II) sulfate mistakes the subscript 2 on iron for its charge; the charge comes from balancing three sulfate ions.
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Question 4 · Reaction Types
In the equilibrium HCO₃⁻ + H₂O ⇌ H₂CO₃ + OH⁻, which species is the conjugate acid of HCO₃⁻?
Show the answer
Answer: A. H₂CO₃. HCO₃⁻ acts as a base here by accepting a proton from water. The conjugate acid is the base plus one proton, which is H₂CO₃.
The trap: CO₃²⁻ is the conjugate base of HCO₃⁻, one proton fewer, not its conjugate acid.
HCO₃⁻ acts as a base here by accepting a proton from water. The conjugate acid is the base plus one proton, which is H₂CO₃.
The trap: CO₃²⁻ is the conjugate base of HCO₃⁻, one proton fewer, not its conjugate acid.
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Question 5 · Equations and Stoichiometry
N₂ + 3H₂ → 2NH₃. A mixture of 28.0 g N₂ and 8.00 g H₂ reacts until one reactant runs out. What is the maximum mass of NH₃? (Molar masses: N₂ 28.0, H₂ 2.02, NH₃ 17.0 g/mol.)
Show the answer
Answer: E. 34.0 g. 28.0 g N₂ is 1.00 mol and would need 3.00 mol H₂. The 8.00 g of H₂ is 3.96 mol, so N₂ is limiting. 1.00 mol N₂ gives 2.00 mol NH₃ × 17.0 g/mol = 34.0 g.
The trap: 44.9 g is based on hydrogen as if it were limiting. It would need more nitrogen than the mixture contains.
28.0 g N₂ is 1.00 mol and would need 3.00 mol H₂. The 8.00 g of H₂ is 3.96 mol, so N₂ is limiting. 1.00 mol N₂ gives 2.00 mol NH₃ × 17.0 g/mol = 34.0 g.
The trap: 44.9 g is based on hydrogen as if it were limiting. It would need more nitrogen than the mixture contains.
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Question 6 · Experimental Chemistry
A 0.5106 g sample of potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP, KHC₈H₄O₄, 204.22 g/mol) is titrated with NaOH, and 25.00 mL of base reaches the endpoint. What is the molarity of the NaOH?
Show the answer
Answer: B. 0.1000 M. Moles KHP = 0.5106 g / 204.22 g/mol = 0.002500 mol. KHP has one acidic hydrogen, so it reacts 1:1 with NaOH. M = 0.002500 mol / 0.02500 L = 0.1000 M.
The trap: 0.2000 M assumes each KHP gives two H⁺, but only the one carboxylic acid hydrogen in KHC₈H₄O₄ is acidic.
Moles KHP = 0.5106 g / 204.22 g/mol = 0.002500 mol. KHP has one acidic hydrogen, so it reacts 1:1 with NaOH. M = 0.002500 mol / 0.02500 L = 0.1000 M.
The trap: 0.2000 M assumes each KHP gives two H⁺, but only the one carboxylic acid hydrogen in KHC₈H₄O₄ is acidic.
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Question 7 · Equilibrium
For 2SO₂(g) + O₂(g) ⇌ 2SO₃(g), the forward reaction is exothermic. Which change shifts the equilibrium toward more SO₃?
Show the answer
Answer: D. Decreasing the container volume. The reactants are 3 mol of gas and the product is 2 mol. A smaller volume raises the pressure, and the system shifts toward fewer gas moles, which means more SO₃.
The trap: Raising the temperature favors the endothermic direction. Here that is the reverse reaction, so SO₃ would decrease.
The reactants are 3 mol of gas and the product is 2 mol. A smaller volume raises the pressure, and the system shifts toward fewer gas moles, which means more SO₃.
The trap: Raising the temperature favors the endothermic direction. Here that is the reverse reaction, so SO₃ would decrease.
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Question 8 · Thermodynamics
N₂(g) + O₂(g) → 2 NO(g) has ΔH = +180.5 kJ. 2 NO(g) + O₂(g) → 2 NO₂(g) has ΔH = −114.1 kJ. What is ΔH for N₂(g) + 2 O₂(g) → 2 NO₂(g)?
Show the answer
Answer: E. +66.4 kJ. Adding the two steps cancels 2 NO and gives the overall equation. ΔH = +180.5 + (−114.1) = +66.4 kJ.
The trap: +294.6 kJ comes from adding the magnitudes and dropping the negative sign of the second step.
Adding the two steps cancels 2 NO and gives the overall equation. ΔH = +180.5 + (−114.1) = +66.4 kJ.
The trap: +294.6 kJ comes from adding the magnitudes and dropping the negative sign of the second step.
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Question 9 · Kinetics
Initial rates were measured for A + B → products. Run 1: [A] = 0.10 M, [B] = 0.10 M, rate = 2.0 × 10⁻³ M/s. Run 2: [A] = 0.20 M, [B] = 0.10 M, rate = 8.0 × 10⁻³ M/s. Run 3: [A] = 0.20 M, [B] = 0.30 M, rate = 2.4 × 10⁻² M/s. What is the rate law?
Show the answer
Answer: C. rate = k[A]²[B]. From run 1 to 2, [A] doubles and the rate quadruples, so second order in A. From run 2 to 3, [B] triples and the rate triples, so first order in B.
The trap: rate = k[A][B] would fit only if doubling [A] doubled the rate; the data show it quadrupled.
From run 1 to 2, [A] doubles and the rate quadruples, so second order in A. From run 2 to 3, [B] triples and the rate triples, so first order in B.
The trap: rate = k[A][B] would fit only if doubling [A] doubled the rate; the data show it quadrupled.
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Question 10 · Structure of Matter
Element X has two stable isotopes: one of mass 10.0 u with 20.0% abundance and one of mass 11.0 u with 80.0% abundance. What is the average atomic mass of X?
Show the answer
Answer: A. 10.8 u. (10.0 × 0.200) + (11.0 × 0.800) = 2.00 + 8.80 = 10.8 u. The heavier isotope is more abundant, so the average lies closer to 11.0.
The trap: 10.5 u is the simple average of 10.0 and 11.0. It ignores the abundances, which must weight each mass.
(10.0 × 0.200) + (11.0 × 0.800) = 2.00 + 8.80 = 10.8 u. The heavier isotope is more abundant, so the average lies closer to 11.0.
The trap: 10.5 u is the simple average of 10.0 and 11.0. It ignores the abundances, which must weight each mass.
The CLEP Chemistry exam at a glance
The CLEP Chemistry exam is a 90-minute, computer-based test from the College Board with about 75 multiple-choice questions. A score of 50 on the 20–80 scale earns an ACE credit recommendation of 6 semester hours, though each college sets its own policy. The exam covers 9 content areas; the heaviest is Structure of Matter at 20%.
- Questions
- About 75multiple choice
- Time
- 90 minabout 72 seconds a question
- Passing score
- 50on a 20–80 scale
- ACE credit
- 6semester hours
- Exam fee
- $97paid to College Board
- Calculator
- Yeson-screen calculator provided
Source: official CLEP Chemistry exam page.
What the exam covers
9 areas, heaviest first. The guide's chapters follow this order.
- Structure of Matter20%
- States of Matter19%
- Descriptive Chemistry14%
- Reaction Types12%
- Equations and Stoichiometry10%
- Experimental Chemistry9%
- Equilibrium7%
- Thermodynamics5%
- Kinetics4%
How it works
- 1Buy once, $5Secure checkout. No subscription needed.
- 2Download the PDFFrom your TransferCredit.org account, right away and any time later.
- 3Study the heaviest areas firstFollow the 2-, 4- or 8-week plan, then read the cram sheet the night before.
Questions students ask
What's in the full CLEP Chemistry study guide?
41 pages: 9 chapters, one per official content area, heaviest first. 181 terms, each with a plain-English definition and an example, 23 key people, common traps and memory tricks, 52 practice questions with an answer key that explains every answer, question tactics, 2-, 4- and 8-week study plans and a 2-page cram sheet.
How much is the full CLEP Chemistry study guide?
The full 41-page PDF is $5, a one-time payment. The 10 practice questions on this page are free, with no account.
What does the $29 plan include?
$29 a month gives you all 28 CLEP subjects: every CLEP study guide plus the full prep course for each subject, and you can cancel anytime. If you only need this exam, the guide on its own is a one-time $5.
How do I get the full guide?
Choose Buy this guide ($5) and check out. Then sign in to your TransferCredit.org account, then open the course and its Download Your Study Guide lesson. The PDF is yours to keep, and you can download it again from your account at any time.
Can I print the guide or use it on my phone?
Yes. It's a PDF, so it opens on phones, tablets and computers, and printing is allowed. Its tick boxes and answer bubbles work in PDF readers that support forms. Copying and editing are turned off.
Is this an official CLEP study guide?
No. CLEP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in producing this guide and does not endorse it. TransferCredit.org is independent. We built the guide from the official exam outline, and the exam details were checked against the College Board's published exam information in 2026.
Why is this study guide better than a generic review?
It follows the official outline area by area and spends the most pages on what the exam weighs most. Every term comes with an example, each chapter names the traps the exam sets, and the answer key explains why the most tempting wrong answer is wrong, not just which answer is right. It ends with a 2-page cram sheet for the night before.
What is the CLEP Chemistry exam?
The CLEP Chemistry exam is a 90-minute, computer-based test from the College Board with about 75 multiple-choice questions. A score of 50 on the 20–80 scale earns an ACE credit recommendation of 6 semester hours, though each college sets its own policy. The exam covers 9 content areas; the heaviest is Structure of Matter at 20%.
More questions about the CLEP Chemistry exam (20)
How many questions are on the CLEP Chemistry exam, and how long is it?
About 75 multiple-choice questions in 90 minutes. Some of the approximately 75 questions are pretest questions that will not be scored.
What is the passing score for CLEP Chemistry?
The passing score is 50 on a 20–80 scale. At 50 or above, the American Council on Education (ACE) recommends 6 semester hours. Each college sets its own passing score and credit award, so check your school's policy before you book.
How much does the CLEP Chemistry exam cost?
The exam fee is $97, paid to the College Board. Test centers may add their own administration fee. Eligible U.S. military service members can usually test for free through DANTES.
How many college credits is CLEP Chemistry worth?
ACE recommends 6 semester hours for a passing score of 50. Your college decides how many credits it awards and which course they replace. Check your college's policy.
Can I use a calculator on the CLEP Chemistry exam?
An online scientific calculator (the TI-30XS MultiView) and a periodic table are built into the exam software.
Is there a penalty for guessing on CLEP Chemistry?
No. Your score counts only correct answers, so a wrong answer costs nothing. Never leave a question blank: rule out what you can and pick your best guess.
What topics are on the CLEP Chemistry exam?
9 content areas, from the official outline: Structure of Matter (20%); States of Matter (19%); Descriptive Chemistry (14%); Reaction Types (12%); Equations and Stoichiometry (10%); Experimental Chemistry (9%); Equilibrium (7%); Thermodynamics (5%); Kinetics (4%).
Which CLEP Chemistry topics should I study first?
Start with the three heaviest: Structure of Matter (20%), States of Matter (19%) and Descriptive Chemistry (14%). Together they are about 53% of the exam, roughly 40 of 75 questions. The guide's chapters run in that order, heaviest first.
Is the CLEP Chemistry exam hard?
It depends on what you already know. No single area dominates: the largest, Structure of Matter, is 20% and the smallest, Kinetics, is 4%, so broad coverage matters more than deep expertise in one topic. Take the free diagnostic above to see where you stand in about 10 minutes.
What kinds of questions are on the CLEP Chemistry exam?
The guide sorts them into 5 types: “Calculate it”, “Name the concept”, “Predict the change”, “Explain the property” and “Read the data”. Every question has 5 answer choices. Try the 10 free questions above to see the style.
How long should I study for CLEP Chemistry?
Use the diagnostic to decide. If you already know most areas, two weeks of daily review is often enough; if the subject is new to you, plan on eight. The full guide has 2-, 4- and 8-week plans built from the exam weights.
How should I pace myself on the CLEP Chemistry exam?
On average you have about 72 seconds per question (90 minutes for 75 questions). Be past question 25 a third of the way through and past question 50 two-thirds through. If a question takes more than a minute, pick your best guess, mark it and come back.
What happens if I don't pass CLEP Chemistry?
You can retake a CLEP exam after three months. Use the wait to work through the areas the score report and the diagnostic show you missed.
Do colleges accept CLEP Chemistry for credit?
CLEP exams are accepted at more than 2,900 U.S. colleges and universities, but each school decides which exams it accepts, the score it requires and the credit it gives. Look up your college's CLEP policy before you book.
How is the guide different from the CLEP Chemistry course?
The guide is a 41-page PDF for review and self-testing. The CLEP Chemistry course is a full online course with lessons, quizzes and a practice exam, for $19 with lifetime access. Many students use the guide first, then take the course for the areas the diagnostic flags.
How up to date is this CLEP Chemistry guide?
Last updated 2026. The exam details were checked against the College Board's published exam information in 2026. Exams change, so confirm the details on the official exam page before you register.
What should I do the night before the exam?
Read the cram sheet once, slowly. Check your test time, the location or remote-proctoring setup, and the ID you need. Then sleep: a rested brain recalls more than a crammed one. In the morning, skim the memory tricks and common traps, then stop studying.
Does CLEP Chemistry include nuclear chemistry?
Yes, as part of structure of matter, 20% of the exam. Expect nuclear equations, half-lives and radioactivity, alongside atomic structure, isotopes and periodic trends.
Does CLEP Chemistry include a lab?
There's no hands-on lab, but about 9% of questions are experimental chemistry: equipment, observations, calculations and interpretation from standard general-chemistry experiments. Some colleges award lab credit separately.
Is organic chemistry on CLEP Chemistry?
Only a little. Functional groups and isomerism appear within descriptive chemistry, 14% of the exam. The exam is general chemistry, not an organic chemistry course.
Choose how you want to study
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CLEP® is a registered trademark of the College Board, which was not involved in producing this guide and does not endorse it. TransferCredit.org is independent and not affiliated with the College Board. © 2026 UPI Globale Edu Inc.