The College Algebra examination covers material that is 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 candidates 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 is assumed that candidates 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 examination.
The examination contains approximately 60 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored. Any time candidates spend on tutorials and providing personal information is in addition to the actual testing time.
Knowledge and Skills Required
Questions on the College Algebra examination require candidates to demonstrate the following abilities in the approximate proportions indicated.
Scientific Calculator
A scientific (nongraphing) calculator is integrated into the exam software, and it is available to students during the entire testing time. Students are expected to know how and when to make appropriate use of the calculator. The scientific calculator for the iBT versions of the CLEP exams, together with a brief video tutorial, is available to students as a free download for a 30-day trial period. Students and encouraged to download the calculator and become familiar with its functionality prior to taking the exam.
Get more information about the iBT scientific calculator and download a trial version.
Students will find the online scientific calculator helpful in performing calculations (e.g, arithmetic, exponents, roots, logarithms).
The scientific calculator for the eCBT versions of the CLEP exams is available on the CLEP Sampler.
The eCBT and iBT versions of the scientific calculators look different, but both calculators have the necessary capabilities that students will use to help them answer questions on the exams.
25% - Algebraic operations
It is assumed that candidates 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 examination.
The examination contains approximately 60 questions to be answered in 90 minutes. Some of these are pretest questions that will not be scored. Any time candidates spend on tutorials and providing personal information is in addition to the actual testing time.
Knowledge and Skills Required
Questions on the College Algebra examination require candidates to demonstrate the following abilities in the approximate proportions indicated.
- Solving routine, straightforward problems (about 50 percent of the examination)
- Solving nonroutine problems requiring an understanding of concepts and the application of skills and concepts (about 50 percent of the examination)
Scientific Calculator
A scientific (nongraphing) calculator is integrated into the exam software, and it is available to students during the entire testing time. Students are expected to know how and when to make appropriate use of the calculator. The scientific calculator for the iBT versions of the CLEP exams, together with a brief video tutorial, is available to students as a free download for a 30-day trial period. Students and encouraged to download the calculator and become familiar with its functionality prior to taking the exam.
Get more information about the iBT scientific calculator and download a trial version.
Students will find the online scientific calculator helpful in performing calculations (e.g, arithmetic, exponents, roots, logarithms).
The scientific calculator for the eCBT versions of the CLEP exams is available on the CLEP Sampler.
The eCBT and iBT versions of the scientific calculators look different, but both calculators have the necessary capabilities that students will use to help them answer questions on the exams.
25% - Algebraic operations
- Factoring and expanding polynomials
- Operations with algebraic expressions
- Operations with exponents
- Properties of logarithms
- Linear equations and inequalities
- Quadratic equations and inequalities
- Absolute value equations and inequalities
- Systems of equations and inequalities
- Exponential and logarithmic equations
- Definition and interpretation
- Representation/modeling (graphical, numerical, symbolic, and verbal representations of functions)
- Domain and range
- Algebra of functions
- Graphs and their properties (including intercepts, symmetry, and transformations)
- Inverse functions
- Real numbers
- Complex numbers
- Sequences and series
- Factorials and Binomial Theorem
- Determinants of 2-by-2 matrices