Testing Center | Continuing Professional Studies

We're a Testing Center

The Continuing Professional Studies Office at SUNY Buffalo State is an approved testing provider for the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exam.

What Is CLEP?

CLEP testing serves students who seek recognition for achievement acquired outside conventional college classrooms and is a viable option for students to earn credit towards graduation for a variety of reasons. They may discover a last minute deficiency close to graduation, or they may have a special circumstance - for example, being a native speaker of a language - that testing could assess and credit. Faculty who are aware of a student's abilities in any given area may also suggest CLEP testing.

CLEP Registration

Registration for a CLEP exam takes place in two parts; purchasing the exam ticket from College Board and then reserving a seat in our testing center. There is a $30 test administration fee that must be paid at the time of registration.

Click the button below to purchase an exam ticket through College Board:

Purchase your CLEP testing Ticket here

CLEP Testing Dates 2025

Saturday, January 4th 9:00 am and 11:00 am (Registration and payment must be received by Wednesday, May 15). Email cps@buffalostate.edu if you are interested in taking a CLEP test on this date.

Saturday, February 1st (Registration must be received by Thursday, January 30th)

Saturday, March 8th (Registration must be received by Thursday March 6th).

Saturday, April 15th (Registration must be received by Thursday April 13th)

Saturday, May 10th (Registration must be received by Thursday May 8th)

There will be no testing in June, July, or August 2025.

CLEP Process for Buffalo State Students Only

Any undergraduate at Buffalo State may receive a maximum of 30 semester hours of credit, and with departmental approval may receive up to a maximum of 12 semester hours of credit toward a major program via proficiency examinations.

Students should confer with their advisor/faculty/department in which they are seeking credit to see if there is a CLEP test that matches the course in question. Questions as to whether a test is, or should be, accepted by Buffalo State, is decided between the department and the Admissions Office. Continuing Professional Studies is not involved in these determinations.

CLEP scores/equivalencies accepted by Buffalo State (PDF)

Contact the Admissions Office for a list of approved courses and questions about which test applies to which Buffalo State course.
Once an acceptable course has been confirmed, students register with CLEP, and pay for the selected course test (see below).

Our Role

Continuing Professional Studies serves only as the test proctoring agency on campus, providing a secure, proctored test center. We are not involved in any of the steps that must occur prior to the actual test registration. We do not determine what tests the college accepts for what credit, nor are we able to advise students (or faculty) as to what test to register to take with CLEP. Participants/students should consult with their home institution/advisors to confirm the applicability and acceptance of any CLEP test to their current academic needs; the Continuing Professional Studies office cannot provide any guidance in this regard.

Cancellation

We reserve the right to cancel any testing date/session should issues related to college operations arise. If it is necessary for us to cancel any session, you will be notified via the email address you provided at registration. You will be given priority registration for any future testing session as soon as testing is able to resume.

Important Notes About CLEP Tests

Students must complete this process with Buffalo State 48 hours in advance of your chosen date, and be sure you have received an email confirming your registration.
You may only take one test per exam time. If you wish to take two exams on any given date, you will need to register for both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. sessions, and you are required to register and pay the test administration fee for each session.
You may be required to select an alternate test date if there are not available seats in each section.

On CLEP Exam Day

Bring

A valid registration ticket from CLEP's My Account registration portal.
Identification: Your driver’s license, passport or other government-issued identification that includes your photograph and signature. You will be asked to show this identification to be admitted to the testing area. The name on your ID must match the name on your registration ticket. Please visit the CLEP website for complete identification requirements.
Pen/pencil
If you are taking a Foreign Language exam, please bring your own headphones.

Reminders

Use the front/main entrance on the left side of Chase Hall. Use the stairs or take the elevator down.
Directions to campus, parking information and campus map.
Candidates will receive a printed copy of the "Candidate Score Report" at the conclusion of the exam.
Additional CLEP Transcript Request Forms from the CLEP website can be used to request additional transcripts.
Please be on time.
You may not repeat an exam of the same title within three months of the initial testing date. If you retake the exam, your administration will be considered invalid, your score will be cancelled, and any test fees will be forfeited.