The CLEP College Algebra exam gives students the opportunity to earn up to 3 college credits without sitting through a semester of coursework. It is one of the most popular CLEP exams, and for good reason — the content is well-defined, the format is predictable, and the right study materials can make a decisive difference in whether you pass on your first attempt.
This guide covers what the CLEP College Algebra exam tests, what to look for in a prep book, and the 10 best resources to help you pass.
ViewMath is not affiliated with or endorsed by the College Board or the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Always verify current exam details at clep.collegeboard.org.
CLEP College Algebra Exam: Quick Facts
According to the College Board, the CLEP College Algebra exam:
- Contains approximately 60 questions answered in 90 minutes
- Provides a scientific (nongraphing) calculator — the TI-30XS MultiView — through the exam software
- Costs $97 to register (as of 2025–2026; check collegeboard.org for the current fee)
- Requires a score of 50 on a 20–80 scale for the ACE-recommended credit grant (3 semester hours)
What Is on the CLEP College Algebra Exam?
The exam draws questions from four content areas in these approximate proportions:
- Algebraic Operations (25%): Operations with exponents, factoring and expanding polynomials, operations with algebraic expressions, absolute value, and properties of logarithms.
- Equations and Inequalities (25%): Linear and quadratic equations and inequalities, absolute value equations, systems of equations and inequalities, and exponential and logarithmic equations.
- Functions and Their Properties (30%): Definitions, domain and range, evaluation, algebra of functions, graphs (intercepts, symmetry, transformations), and inverse functions. Functions tested include linear, polynomial, rational, absolute value, power, exponential, logarithmic, and piecewise-defined.
- Number Systems and Operations (20%): Real and complex numbers, factorials, and the binomial theorem.
About half the exam consists of routine, straightforward problems; the other half requires applying and connecting concepts in less familiar situations.
What Makes a Good CLEP College Algebra Prep Book?
Before picking up any book, check these four criteria:
- Covers all four exam domains with proportional emphasis — Functions should get the most space (30%), followed by Operations and Equations (25% each).
- Includes full-length practice tests with 60 questions each, not just topic exercises.
- Provides clear, worked-out answer explanations — not just answer keys.
- Aligns to CLEP 2.0 / current College Board content — older editions may not reflect updates to the exam.
Top 10 CLEP College Algebra Prep Books and Resources
1. ViewMath CLEP College Algebra 10 Practice Tests
Best for students who want maximum full-length practice. Use this in the final weeks after you have reviewed functions, equations, and algebraic operations.
2. ViewMath 5 Full-Length Practice Tests for CLEP College Algebra
A lighter full-length test set with detailed explanations. Strong for students who need realistic timed practice but do not need ten complete tests.
3. ViewMath CLEP College Algebra Made Easy
The best ViewMath choice for concept review. It is organized around key points, examples, practice, and two full-length tests.
4. ViewMath CLEP College Algebra Workbook
Choose the workbook when you need more topic-by-topic repetition before full-length exams.
5. ViewMath Step by Step Study Guide for CLEP College Algebra
A guided option for students returning to math after a break or rebuilding foundational algebra skills.
6. CLEP College Algebra for Beginners – Effortless Math
A beginner-friendly alternative that walks through college algebra topics with a gradual sequence and practice problems.
7. 10 Full Length CLEP College Algebra Practice Tests – Effortless Math
Use this as extra practice-test volume after your main study guide.
8. CLEP Official College Algebra Study Guide – College Board
The official guide is short, but it shows the exact test maker’s question style. Use it in the final week with any full prep book.
View official CLEP College Algebra resources
9. OpenStax College Algebra (Free)
OpenStax is not a CLEP prep book, but it is excellent for students who need deeper explanations on functions, rational expressions, and exponential/logarithmic topics.
10. Khan Academy College Algebra (Free)
Use Khan Academy for quick video review and targeted practice on individual weak topics.
Recommended Study Timeline
6 Weeks Before the Exam
Take a diagnostic practice test to identify your strongest and weakest domains. Review your results to determine whether your gaps are primarily in Functions, Equations, or Operations. Prioritize the 30% domain (Functions) — it has the highest exam weight.
Weeks 4–5: Domain Review
Work through your chosen prep book domain by domain. For each topic, read the explanation, study the worked examples, then try the practice problems without looking at the solution first. Check all errors and identify whether the mistake was conceptual or procedural.
Week 3: Mixed Practice
Begin taking 20–30 question mixed-topic practice sets. Focus on moving between function types fluidly — many CLEP questions require you to connect two or more concepts (e.g., identifying the domain of a rational function, or solving a logarithmic equation using properties of logs).
Week 2: Full-Length Practice Tests
Take two or three full-length, 60-question practice tests under timed conditions (90 minutes). Log your errors by domain. If Functions is still weak, return to concept review for that domain before your final week.
Final Week: Targeted Review and Calculator Practice
The CLEP provides a TI-30XS MultiView scientific calculator. Make sure you know how to use its key functions: computing logarithms, evaluating expressions with exponents, and checking equation solutions. Practice a handful of problems using the calculator intentionally — and know when not to use it, since many algebra manipulations are faster by hand.
Practice Problem: CLEP-Style Functions Question
Try this sample question before your exam:
Let f(x) = 2x² − 3x + 1 and g(x) = x − 4. Find (f ∘ g)(5).
Solution: First find g(5) = 5 − 4 = 1. Then find f(1) = 2(1)² − 3(1) + 1 = 2 − 3 + 1 = 0. Answer: 0.
Notice this problem requires composing two functions — a core Functions and Their Properties skill that represents 30% of the CLEP exam.
ViewMath CLEP College Algebra Resources
ViewMath offers algebra-focused practice test collections, study guides, and workbooks aligned to the skills tested on the CLEP College Algebra exam. Explore the full collection in the sidebar below.
ViewMath is an independent publisher. Our books are not official CLEP materials and are not affiliated with the College Board.
