CLEP Scoring System

[G Stone]

I have read that you can get a score between 20-80. I know they take the number of questions you got right and then do something with that number to get your score. What is the formula? I heard that getting a 50 on a CLEP is the same as 70%.

[Lindagerr]

I have never seen the scoring explained that way. What I have read is that a passing score of 50 is supposed to be the equivalent of what a student who took the course and got a C on the final would get. I am sure it changes for different exams too, because they can have different amounts of questions.

[cookderosa]

Linda is right, and you won't find their scaling formula anywhere...top secret
.

The raw score required changes on each exam. These numbers are made up- but say you get 60 out of 100 on one exam (sociology) and 45 out of 100 on another exam (biology) you might end up with a scaled score of 50 both times simply because of the level of difficulty. In other words, more people get sociology questions right, so YOU need to get more right. Fewer people get biology questions right (LOL or so I assume!) so you can pass with fewer correct answers.

Now, add into the mix that they update exams from year to year as well. So, even if you need a score of X, by next year it could be a different number.

I know- it's stressful- but hang out here, you'll be ready for your exam in no time!!

[mindytowne]

I just my first test and they printed out my score for me, this is exactly what it says on there. "a score of 50 is equivalent to a grade of C in the corresponding course, across all exams" This is says "First, your RAW SCORE is calculated, this is the number of questions you answered correctly, your raw score increases by one point for each question answered correctly. Your raw score is converted into a SCALED SCORE by a statistal process called equating Equating maintains the consistency of standards for test scores over time by adjusting for slight differences in difficulty between test forms. This ensures that your score does not depend on the specific test form you took or how well others did on the same form you took."

I don't know if that helps, I mean they don't give you an exact formula but after passing with a 51 I kind of have adapted the theory that everyone else has of A PASS IS A PASS!!!!!

[lmech]

I stressed over this same issue also. A little too much. So, now I just study as hard as possible. When I am scoring within the 70%-80% on a Petersons practice exam. I'm ready to sit the exam. It's working for me so far. You would probably pass if scoring in the 60's, but Im just paranoid.