The CLEP College Mathematics exam is designed for students who need to satisfy a general math requirement without pursuing a calculus track. Unlike CLEP College Algebra, which focuses on symbolic manipulation and function theory, CLEP College Mathematics covers a broader range of topics — including financial math, logic and sets, data analysis, and probability — making it an attractive option for non-math majors in liberal arts, business, education, and social science programs.
This guide covers exactly what the 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 ETS. Always verify current exam details at clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams/college-mathematics.
CLEP College Mathematics: Exam Quick Facts
According to the College Board, the CLEP College Mathematics exam:
- Contains approximately 60 questions answered in 90 minutes
- Provides a TI-30XS MultiView scientific (nongraphing) calculator through the exam software
- Costs $97 to register (verify the current fee at collegeboard.org)
- Requires a score of 50 for the ACE-recommended credit grant (3 semester hours)
- Covers material typically taught in a college math course for non-mathematics majors
What Is on the CLEP College Mathematics Exam?
The exam tests six content areas:
- Algebra and Functions (20%): Solving equations and linear inequalities; interpreting functions; graphs and transformations; linear and exponential growth
- Financial Mathematics (20%): Percents, markups, discounts, taxes, profit/loss; simple and compound interest; present and future value
- Logic and Sets (15%): Conditional statements, conjunctions/disjunctions/negations, contrapositives, Venn diagrams, set operations (union, intersection, complement)
- Data Analysis and Statistics (15%): Tables, graphs, charts; mean, median, mode, range; standard deviation concepts; normal distribution
- Counting and Probability (10%): Multiplication rule, combinations, permutations; probability of union/intersection; conditional probability; expected value
- Numbers (10%): Real number properties; number theory (primes, factors, divisibility); absolute value; scientific notation
What Makes a Good CLEP College Math Prep Book?
Because the exam covers six domains — including Logic and Sets and Financial Math that many students haven’t studied recently — the best prep book should:
- Cover all six domains with proportional emphasis (especially Financial Math and Algebra, each 20%)
- Include Logic and Sets content — this is often missing from general math review books
- Provide full-length 60-question practice tests, not just topical exercises
- Explain why answers are correct, not just what the correct answer is
Top 10 CLEP College Mathematics Prep Books and Resources
1. ViewMath CLEP College Math 10 Practice Tests
The best ViewMath option for students who need full-length, mixed-domain practice across algebra, financial math, logic, statistics, probability, and numbers.
2. ViewMath 5 Full-Length Practice Tests for CLEP College Math
A smaller full-practice set with detailed answer explanations. Good when you want realistic practice without committing to ten tests.
3. ViewMath CLEP College Math Made Easy
The best concept-review choice in the ViewMath lineup. It is useful when financial math, logic, or probability topics feel unfamiliar.
4. ViewMath CLEP College Math Workbook
Choose the workbook for topic-by-topic repetition and written solutions before moving into full practice tests.
5. ViewMath Step by Step Study Guide for CLEP College Math
A guided option for students returning to math or preparing without a tutor.
6. CLEP College Mathematics Study Guide – Effortless Math
Effortless Math’s dedicated CLEP College Mathematics guide is a strong outside supplement with focused topic review.
7. 10 Full Length CLEP College Mathematics Practice Tests – Effortless Math
Use this for extra full-length practice once you have reviewed the six content domains.
8. CLEP Official College Mathematics Resources – College Board
The official College Board page is the best place to verify the current exam description, score-credit guidance, and official sample materials.
View official CLEP College Mathematics resources
9. Khan Academy Statistics and Probability (Free)
Khan Academy is useful for the data analysis, statistics, and probability portions of the exam.
10. OpenStax Contemporary Mathematics (Free)
OpenStax Contemporary Mathematics is a free college-level reference for liberal arts math topics that overlap with CLEP College Mathematics.
Recommended Study Timeline
6 Weeks Before the Exam: Diagnostic and Domain Prioritization
Take a full-length practice test. For most students, Financial Math, Algebra and Functions, and Logic and Sets require the most attention — they make up 55% of the exam combined. Prioritize those three domains in your first three weeks.
Weeks 4–5: Counting/Probability, Data Analysis, and Numbers
Cover the three remaining domains: Counting and Probability (combinations, permutations, probability rules), Data Analysis and Statistics (graphs, mean/median/mode, standard deviation concepts), and Numbers (number theory, absolute value, scientific notation).
Final Week: Full-Length Practice Tests
Take two or three full-length timed practice tests. Review every error. Pay special attention to Logic and Sets problems — they require a different kind of reasoning than calculation-based math, and a final review of conditional statement structure (hypothesis/conclusion, converse, inverse, contrapositive) in the days before the exam can pay off.
Sample CLEP College Math Practice Problems
Financial Math
$2,000 is invested at a compound interest rate of 5% per year, compounded annually. What is the value after 3 years?
Solution: A = 2000 × (1.05)³ = 2000 × 1.157625 = $2,315.25. Answer: $2,315.25.
Logic
If the conditional statement “If it rains, then the game is cancelled” is true, which of the following must also be true?
(A) If it does not rain, then the game is not cancelled. (B) If the game is cancelled, then it rained. (C) If the game is not cancelled, then it did not rain.
Answer: (C) — the contrapositive of a true conditional is always true.
Probability
A bag contains 3 red and 5 blue marbles. Two marbles are drawn with replacement. What is the probability that both are red?
Solution: P(red) = 3/8. P(both red) = 3/8 × 3/8 = 9/64. Answer: 9/64.
ViewMath CLEP College Mathematics Resources
ViewMath offers math practice collections and study guides covering the skill areas tested on the CLEP College Mathematics exam. Use the direct product links above or browse the full collection in the sidebar below.
ViewMath is an independent publisher. Our materials are not official CLEP materials and are not affiliated with the College Board.
