Natural Sciences CLEP Study Guide
Natural Sciences CLEP combines Physical Sciences and Biology into one exam. The exam tests on introductory information for these courses rather than in-depth details. The questions will cover a range of topics from the scientific method, environmental pollution, energy depletion, history of science and the philosophy of science.
Exam Day Specifics
The test is comprised of 120 questions, where 90 minutes are provided to the test taker to complete the exam. The ACE recommended passing score is 50; however, it is best to check with individual universities providing the credit to ensure they do not require a different passing score.
The cost of the exam is $80 with a sitting fee of no more than $20 at most locations. Military students may be able to take advantage of tuition assistance.
Test takers have rated this exam a 3 out of 5, where one is the easiest and 5 is the hardest. This is a score given based on taking the Biology CLEP exam first. Students who take Natural Sciences CLEP first generally rate it at a 4.
Helpful Exam Tips
Natural Sciences CLEP like Biology CLEP is a 6 credit exam. It is going to test a year of knowledge that is generally provided over a two semester period. Unlike the Biology CLEP the test questions are broader. It does mean a lot of information is necessary to study before taking the exam; however, since it is not in-depth many study resources are able to provide the information necessary to pass the test with a 50 or more. Check with the local institution to make certain they will accept all 6 credits.
Feedback from test takers state that three weeks studying for the exam is enough if you already have some basic science; however, it is best to take practice exams that are available to ensure proper preparedness. By taking the Biology CLEP first, given the in-depth study that tough exam requires, it is considered easier for most students to then take the Natural Sciences CLEP. It is basically a combination of biology, chemistry, and physical science topics, thus the more prepared you are for more detailed questions the easier it is to go back to broad, almost common sense topics like those of the Natural Sciences CLEP exam.
It is suggested that students study the following topics:
Phases of the moon, solar, and lunar cycles including eclipses and tidal information.
Ecology
Geography as it pertains to tectonic plates and continental drift
DNA/RNA, genetics
Atomic structures from chemistry
Understand osteoporosis, sickle cell anemia, emphysema
Biology of cells, how they work, parts, functions, division
Difference between Meiosis and Mitosis
Human development from sperm/egg to fetus, as well as various parts along that process
Ovulation, inherited sicknesses, menopause
There will be approximately 5 questions on global warming, pollution, acid rain, and the ozone layer.
There are also blood questions as well as what RH means and how it relates to blood types.
Understand the classes and phylums, basically the animal kingdom breakdown, as there are about 5 questions on the exam.
Some of the questions are going to be very common sense. Do not over think the question or that the exam is trying to trick you. If the question seems easy, then it is. There are multiple versions of the Natural Sciences CLEP exam, so questions can vary and some may not appear that other test takers have seen. Be prepared by using the study resources explained below.
Study Resources
InstantCert is a good place to start for test takers preparing for the Natural Sciences CLEP. It is possible to learn what others saw on the test as well as find study materials that will point test takers in a better direction.
Another resource is Biology Smart and REA Biology. Both are going to cover a range of topics that are on both the Biology CLEP and Natural Sciences CLEP.
Standard Deviant Biology and Chemistry can help for preparation of all science CLEPs that may be taken.
There are two simulation software options that allow test takers to examine their knowledge under the same testing conditions. REA CLEP and Peterson provide a 90 minute, 120 exam with some questions that are extremely similar or the same as what is found on the actual exam.
Detailed Breakdown of Exam Questions
The exam breakdown is 50% biology and 50% physical science.
Biology
About 20% of the questions are on structure, development, and function of organisms including genetic questions. Another 10% focuses on population biology as it pertains to ecology. A further 10% is dedicated to evolution and origin questions and organisms’ classifications. The last 10% is spent on cell information, including the chemical nature of genes, bioenergetics, cell division, and biosynthesis.
Physical Science
The questions for this part of the test are not as evenly broken down. About 12% of the questions are spent on classical mechanics, thermodynamics, heat, states of matter and relativity.
Another 10% is on chemical elements including compounds, bonding, molecular structure, and chemical reactions. A further 10% is on the earth as pertaining to the atmosphere, surface features, structure, history, hydrosphere, properties and geological processes.
Two of the sections are both 7% of the exam: the universe and chemistry. For the universe questions stars, solar system, and galaxy questions are asked. The 7% for the chemistry section include nuclear and atomic properties as well as structures. There are also questions on nuclear reactions and elementary particles. The last 4% of this part of the exam is spent on sound and light waves as well as electricity and magnetism.
From the breakdown and a look at the Biology CLEP study guide, one can clearly see there are similarities between the two tests. By preparing for Biology CLEP first, the Natural Sciences CLEP is like a walk in the park. It takes a little freshening up, but in the end, 6 credits will be awarded to the students who pass the exam.
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