CLEP Biology Lecture Notes

Introduction to CLEP

• CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) provides exams for college credit.
• Exams are administered at over 2,000 test centers.
• Useful for students who have acquired knowledge outside traditional classrooms.

Preparing for CLEP

• Study official CLEP guides, textbooks, and other educational resources.
• Beware of illegitimate preparation services.
• ACE (American Council on Education) recommends a score of 50 for credit.

Biology Exam Overview

• Covers a one-year college general biology course.
• Divided into three main areas:
  • Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Organismal Biology
  • Population Biology
• Approximately 115 questions in 90 minutes.

Molecular and Cellular Biology (33%)

• Chemical composition of organisms.
• Cell structure and function.
• Energy transformations (glycolysis, photosynthesis).
• Cell division (mitosis, meiosis).
• Genetic information (DNA replication, transcription, translation).

Organismal Biology (34%)

• Plant structure and function (roots, stems, leaves).
• Animal systems (digestive, nervous, circulatory).
• Reproduction and development in plants and animals.
• Heredity principles (Mendelian genetics).

Population Biology (33%)

• Ecology principles (energy flow, biogeochemical cycles).
• Evolutionary concepts (natural selection, speciation).
• Behavior and social biology.

Test Preparation Tips

• Understand the exam format (multiple-choice, essays).
• Familiarize yourself with sample questions and test descriptions.
• Study using a variety of resources: textbooks, online courses, educational websites.

Test-Taking Strategies

• Spend appropriate time on each question.
• Guess if unsure—no penalty for incorrect answers.
• Manage your exam time effectively.

Accommodations

• Available for students with disabilities.
• Contact test centers to arrange accommodations.

Scoring and Credit

• Scores range from 20-80; 50 is generally required for credit.
• Scores are reported immediately except for College Composition.
• Scores are kept on file for 20 years.

Resources

• Use CLEP official guides, textbooks, and educational websites for preparation.
• Check the CLEP website for additional resources and practice questions.