Calculus
Calculus covers limits, differentiation and integration at the level of a first-semester college course. It is one of the more demanding CLEP exams and requires real problem-solving practice.
Start practice testAbout this exam
The exam is split between limits, differential calculus and integral calculus, with differentiation carrying the largest share.
Questions are computational and conceptual in roughly equal measure. You need to differentiate and integrate accurately, and also interpret what a derivative or integral means in context.
Unlike the survey exams, you cannot pass this one on recognition. Regular problem practice is the only reliable preparation.
Topic breakdown
Topic weights published by College Board.
How to study for this exam
- Make differentiation rules automatic, including chain, product and quotient rules.
- Practise related rates and optimisation problems, which appear in most sittings.
- Work integration by substitution until it is quick, then review the fundamental theorem carefully.
- Do timed sets regularly. Speed matters more here than on most other exams.
How the practice test works
- Choose all units or a single unit to focus on.
- Set the number of questions and a time limit, or practise untimed.
- Filter by difficulty to warm up or push yourself.
- Retake as many times as you like — every attempt is free.
- Your recent sessions stay on this device so you can review them.
Common questions
Can I use a calculator?
Policies are set by the testing programme and can change, so confirm the current rule before test day and practise both ways.
Should I take Precalculus first?
If your algebra and trigonometry are rusty, yes. Weak foundations are the usual reason students struggle here.
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