CLEP Chemistry

What Is on the CLEP Chemistry Exam?

The CLEP Chemistry exam consists of questions that fall in the standard curriculum of a one-year college chemistry course. There are 75 questions total with principals covered under 9 main topics making up the questions. The CLEP Chemistry exam is designed to assess the test taker's ability to remember specific information, apply facts to real-world situations, and draw conclusions from given data.

Structure of Matter

This content area of the CLEP Chemistry exam is designed to assess the test taker's understanding of atoms and their subatomic particles, as well as their interactions between them. Questions based on principles from this content area will account for approximately 20% of the CLEP Chemistry test. Test-takers will be tested on the bonds that hold atoms and molecules together and how they interact within various reactions.

States of Matter

Questions in this content area of the CLEP General Chemistry exam account for 19% of the total exam and cover material related to the different physical forms of matter. Content includes understanding phase diagrams and how to apply the kinetic-molecular theory to gasses. Test-takers should be familiar with different types of solutions and what influences solubility within solutions to be successful in this topic.

Reaction Types

This content area of the Chemistry CLEP test covers the various ways that molecules interact with each other and makes up about 12% of the exam. Specifically, test-takers should be aware of what constitutes an acid, a base, and the various theories behind their definition. Additionally, how they interact within a reaction is also questioned. Test takers should know what oxidation and reduction are and how to identify these types of reactions.

Equations and Stoichiometry

Test-takers should demonstrate an ability to perform stoichiometric calculations along with a strong understanding of ionic and molecular components of systems and the mole concept in this content area of the CLEP Chemistry exam. Questions from this topic account for 10% of the exam and also include how to balance various types of equations.

Equilibrium

This content area makes up 7% of the exam seen on CLEP Chemistry exam. The material covered in this topic includes how equilibrium is attained in both chemical and physical reactions and the various constants that can be found in equilibrium systems.

Kinetics

This content area of the CLEP Chemistry exam focuses on assessing the test-takers understanding of a reaction's rate of change and all the various factors that can influence it. 4% of the exam's questions come from the concepts covered in this topic.

Thermodynamics

The first two laws of thermodynamics are the focus of this content area of the CLEP Chemistry exam. Approximately 5% of the exam's questions come from this topic, so test-takers should understand these two laws and their applications in reactions and physical changes, as well as how free energy is involved in these changes.

Descriptive Chemistry

This content area of the CLEP Chemistry exam accounts for 14% of the exam. Test-takers need to prove that they have a sufficient understanding of specific chemistry basics. Candidates need to demonstrate an understanding of how core chemistry theories were developed as well as know how the foundations of chemistry are used practically. Examples of these chemistry basics include the trends in the periodic table and how elements are grouped together and why.

Experimental Chemistry

The final 9% of the CLEP Chemistry exam comes from this content area. Test-takers need to show they possess a strong knowledge of the common experimental principles used in general chemistry. Candidates should demonstrate an ability to draw conclusions from data and what common lab equipment is used.