We are pleased to announce our partnership with Modern States, offering courses that prepare high school students and adult learners for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams. These exams allow students to test out of introductory college courses, offering a flexible and affordable pathway to higher education.
Understanding CLEP: A Gateway to College Credit
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) lets students earn college credit by demonstrating mastery of college-level material across various subjects. With 34 different exams available, CLEP covers multiple topics, from College Math and Biology to College Composition and Chemistry. These exams reflect the content of college courses typically taught in the first two years of a degree program, allowing students to earn anywhere from 3 to 12 college credits per exam, depending on the subject and score.
With CLEP exams accepted by over 2,900 colleges and universities, this is a widely recognized option for earning college credit.
Making College More Accessible and Affordable with Modern States and VLACS
Modern States Education Alliance is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making college more accessible and affordable. Their flagship program, “Freshman Year for Free,” offers free online courses to prepare students for CLEP exams.
Modern States remove one of the most significant barriers to higher education—cost. The organization covers all CLEP exam fees, including remote proctoring or testing center costs. This means students can earn college credit at no cost, making higher education more accessible, especially for learners who may be balancing work, family, and other responsibilities.
VLACS utilizes the Modern States curriculum and enriches it with additional competency assessments and personalized support to ensure students are fully prepared to pass CLEP exams and earn school credit. By combining the robust curriculum from Modern States with our instructional approach, we add value to the learning experience through:
- Instructor Support: Our instructors build relationships with students, offering personalized guidance and support throughout the course. This ensures that students are well-prepared for the CLEP exams and can master the necessary competencies.
- Additional Assessments: VLACS has developed specific competency-based assignments and assessments to complement the Modern States curriculum. These assessments provide detailed feedback, helping students gauge their understanding and improve their performance on CLEP exams.
- Academic Credit: Students earn school credit by completing the VLACS course and its associated competencies. A student’s school determines if the credit will considered a core graduation or elective credit.
Success Stories: Real-World Impact
You can see the impact of CLEP courses through the stories of students and adult learners who have used it to their advantage. Here are some examples from the Modern States website:
- “James Hulce saw his plans for college derailed by health issues. He renewed that dream through online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and found Modern States. James passed seven CLEP exams after studying for free with Modern States, earning 30 credits — his entire freshman year of college.” Read more.
- Jacob Mutter, a Tennessee high school student, is the salutatorian of his senior class. He passed eight CLEP exams after studying with Modern States and is headed to Tennessee Tech in the fall of 2024.” Read more.
- “Marya Lokhandwala came to the U.S. only to find out that none of her Indian college credits would be accepted here as she tried to become a physical therapist. So, she turned to Modern States and passed 12 CLEPS in two months.” Read more.
*These students are not affiliated with VLACS.
How it Works
- Course Enrollment: Students begin by enrolling in a Modern States course through VLACS. These courses are designed to prepare students for CLEP exams, and they assume that students already have some foundational knowledge of the subject matter. Before enrolling, students should complete any required prerequisites and check with their local school or education program to determine academic credit eligibility.
- Course Completion: Once enrolled, students work through the course material at a pace they determine with their instructor. Modern States provides the content, and VLACS enhances the experience by offering personalized instructor support. VLACS instructors guide students through the material, giving feedback, assessments, and additional resources to ensure students master the course competencies. This combination of self-paced learning and personalized support helps students stay on track and fully prepares them for the CLEP exams.
- Taking the CLEP Exam: After completing all of the Modern States course material and earning a grade of 75% or above, students can request a voucher from Modern States to cover the CLEP exam fee. The exam can be taken at an authorized testing center or online via remote proctoring.
- Earn School Credit: Successfully passing the VLACS course earns students school credit, recognizing their completion of the course. Students should confirm academic credit eligibility with their school.
- Earning College Credit: Passing the CLEP exam can earn students between three and 12 college credits, which are transferable to a wide range of participating colleges and universities outlined on the College Board website. Students should verify transferability with their intended institutions.
Why the VLACS, Modern States, and CLEP Partnership Works for All Learners
The partnership between VLACS, Modern States, and CLEP offers a unique and powerful pathway for students of all ages:
- Cost Savings: With Modern States covering the cost of CLEP exams, NH resident students can earn high school and college credits at no cost, resulting in substantial savings on college tuition.
- Flexible Learning: The self-paced nature of the courses fits around existing coursework for high school students and allows adult learners to balance studies with work and family commitments. VLACS ensures that students can access support regardless of location or schedule. This flexibility also allows students to graduate early by earning college credits ahead of time.
- Personalized Support: VLACS provides a structured learning environment with certified instructors who guide students through the material, ensuring they are well-prepared for CLEP exams.
CLEP Roll-Out at VLACS
What is Available Now?
VLACS is excited to offer a range of CLEP preparation courses through our partnership with Modern States. Our current offerings include:
High school:
- Natural Sciences
- Principles of Marketing
- Financial Accounting
- College Math
- College Composition
- Human Growth and Development
- Chemistry
- Biology
What Will Be Available in the Future and When
Starting October 1, 2024, high school CLEP courses will be available for enrollment. For adult education students, CLEP courses will be available in October 2024. We will continue to expand our course offerings and provide more details as they become available.
How to Enroll
A step-by-step guide on the high school enrollment process can be found here. Our adult education guide is located here.
Who is Eligible
High School Students: Any student under the age of 22 without a high school diploma can enroll in high school CLEP courses for free.
Adult Learners: Students over the age of 18 with a diploma or adults over the age of 22 without a high school diploma can enroll in adult education CLEP courses on a tuition basis.
Advance Your Future with VLACS, Modern States, and CLEP
VLACS, in partnership with Modern States and CLEP, offers a flexible and cost-effective educational pathway for students of all ages. Whether you’re a high school student or an adult learner, VLACS is here to support your educational journey. Visit the VLACS Learning Catalog to explore available courses, or contact us to learn about how you can start earning high school and college credits!
