Social Sciences and History
Social Sciences and History is a broad general education exam covering history, government, geography and economics in a single sitting. It carries the largest question bank on this site and often satisfies several distribution requirements at once.
Start practice testAbout this exam
Because the exam spans four disciplines, no area is examined in great depth. It rewards students with wide general knowledge rather than specialists in any one field.
History, both United States and world, makes up the largest share, followed by government and political science, then economics and geography. Questions are mostly recognition based.
This exam is often worth the most credit hours for the least preparation, which is why adult learners and returning students frequently start here.
Topic breakdown
Topic weights published by College Board.
How to study for this exam
- Audit yourself by area first, then spend your time on the two weakest of the four disciplines.
- For history, focus on major turning points rather than detail; the exam samples widely and shallowly.
- Review basic economics vocabulary and map skills, which are quick wins.
- Take several full practice tests, since managing a broad exam is a skill of its own.
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
How much credit is this worth?
Often six semester hours, more than most single-subject exams, but the exact award depends on your college.
Can I use it if I already passed US History?
Sometimes, though colleges may limit overlapping credit. Check the policy before you sit both.
Need a real tutor?
Underprivileged students can apply for free in-person tutoring with a volunteer tutor.
Help keep CLEP prep free for every student