Best Clep History Books for College Credit (2026): 4 Compared

An adult returning to finish a degree can earn college credit without a full course, and a focused prep book is the way in. The best clep history books for college credit pair a diagnostic exam with targeted review and full-length practice exams, so study time goes where it is needed. We compared REA prep books by fit, contents, value and listed reading level.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	CLEP American Government	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
2	CLEP College Composition	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon
3	CLEP Biology	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon
4	CLEP History of the U.S. II	9.4/10	Buy on Amazon

1

CLEP American Government

Preston Jones Ph.D.·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A CLEP American Government prep book with online access, a diagnostic exam and two practice exams.

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Pros

• Diagnostic exam plus two practice exams
• Targeted subject review with glossary
• Second edition, 336 pages, reading age 16 years and up

Cons

• Not a history book, though it earns CLEP credit
• Older edition, published December 17, 2012
• No answer key detail stated

2

CLEP College Composition

Rachelle Smith·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A CLEP College Composition prep book with online access, a diagnostic exam and four practice exams.

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Pros

• Four practice exams, the most here
• Prepares for both College Composition and College Composition Modular exams
• Second edition, 348 pages, reading age 16 years and up

Cons

• Not a history book, though it earns CLEP credit
• Older edition, published July 19, 2013
• No answer key detail stated

3

CLEP Biology

Laurie Ann Callihan Ph.D.·9.4/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A CLEP Biology prep book with online access, a diagnostic exam and two practice exams.

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Pros

• Diagnostic exam plus two practice exams
• Targeted subject review with glossary
• Third edition, 276 pages, reading age 16 years and up

Cons

• Not a history book, though it earns CLEP credit
• Older edition, published January 17, 2013
• No answer key detail stated

4

CLEP History of the U.S. II

Lynn E Marlowe M.A.·9.4/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A CLEP History of the United States II prep book with online access, covering 1865 to the present, with a diagnostic exam and two practice exams.

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Pros

• The only history book here, covering 1865 to the present
• Diagnostic exam plus two practice exams
• Targeted subject review with glossary

Cons

• No print length stated in the listing data
• No reading age or grade level stated
• Older edition, published June 10, 2013

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More picks to compare

• CLEP Social Sciences and HistoryCLEP Social Sciences and History prep with diagnostic exam and practice exams.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. Three picks list a reading age of 16 years and up and grade level 11 and up; the History of the U.S. II listing states neither. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best clep history books for college credit

Reading level and age

Reading level decides whether the book fits the reader. The American Government, College Composition and Biology books all list a reading age of 16 years and up and grade level 11 and up, while the History of the U.S. II listing states neither. See our history and biography lists for more history reading.

Format and edition

Format and edition decide how the book is used. The three print books run 276 to 348 pages in second or third editions, while the History of the U.S. II listing shows a digital edition with a file size of 4.9 MB, screen reader support and Word Wise enabled. All four books pair a diagnostic exam with practice exams and a glossary. Browse our test prep lists for related study books.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and publication date on the listing.
• Confirm the practice exams are included with the diagnostic exam.
• Compare the listed reading age and grade level with the reader.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which book covers American history?

The CLEP History of the United States II book covers 1865 to the present.

How many practice exams do the books include?

The Biology, American Government and History books each pair a diagnostic exam with two practice exams, while the College Composition book pairs a diagnostic exam with four.

What reading age do the print books list?

All three print books list 16 years and up and grade level 11 and up.

Is the History of the U.S. II book a print book?

The listing shows a digital edition with a file size of 4.9 MB, and no print length is stated.

Still deciding? Our top pickCLEP American Government

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Related lists

See every test prep list. Also see our history and biography list.

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