Course

Course Summary

Credit Type:

Exam

ACE ID:

CLEP-0013

Organization:

College Board's College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Location:

Certified CLEP testing centers throughout the U.S.

Length:

1.5 hours

Dates Offered:

Credit Recommendation & Competencies

Level	Credits (SH)	Subject
Lower-Division Baccalaureate	3	College Algebra

Credit is recommended for examinees scoring 50 or higher

Description

Objective:

The College Algebra exam covers material that's usually taught in a one-semester college course in algebra. Nearly half of the test is made up of routine problems requiring basic algebraic skills; the remainder involves solving nonroutine problems in which test takers must demonstrate their understanding of concepts. The test includes questions on basic algebraic operations; linear and quadratic equations, inequalities, and graphs; algebraic, exponential, and logarithmic functions; and miscellaneous other topics.

It's assumed that test takers are familiar with currently taught algebraic vocabulary, symbols, and notation. The test places little emphasis on arithmetic calculations. However, an online scientific calculator (nongraphing) will be available during the exam.

The exam contains approximately 60 questions to be answered in 90 minutes.

Skills Measured:

Questions on the College Algebra exam require test takers to demonstrate the following abilities in the approximate proportions indicated: • Solving routine, straightforward problems (about 50% of the exam) • Solving nonroutine problems requiring an understanding of concepts and the application of skills and concepts (about 50% of the exam) The subject matter of the College Algebra exam is drawn from the following topics. The percentages in parentheses indicate the approximate percentage of exam questions on that topic.
Algebraic operations (25%) • Operations with exponents • Factoring and expanding polynomials • Operations with algebraic expressions • Absolute value • Properties of logarithms Equations and inequalities (25%) • Linear equations and inequalities • Quadratic equations and inequalities • Absolute value equations and inequalities • Systems of equations and inequalities • Exponential and logarithmic equations

Functions and their properties (30%) • Definition, interpretation, and representation/modeling (graphical, numerical, symbolic, and verbal) • Domain and range • Evaluation of functions • Algebra of functions • Graphs and their properties (including intercepts, symmetry, and transformations) • Inverse functions Number systems and operations (20%) • Real numbers • Complex numbers • Sequences and series • Factorials and binomial theorem Each test form may contain a variety of functions, including linear, polynomial (degree ≤ 5), rational, absolute value, power, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise defined.

Instruction & Assessment