What Are Modern States?

Geographic Context

The platform partners with over 2,000 colleges and universities across the United States, making it a national resource for credit-by-exam preparation. Its non-profit mission aligns with broader trends in online education, particularly in reducing barriers to higher education access.

Key Details

Interesting Background

The platform leverages open educational resources (OER) and volunteer college professors to keep costs at zero for users. Since its launch, over 500,000 students have enrolled, and users have earned 1.2 million+ college credits through CLEP exams as of 2026 Modern States.

Here's the thing: the CLEP exams themselves date back to 1967, when the College Board introduced them as a way to assess college-level knowledge acquired outside the classroom. Modern States modernized this approach by pairing free courses with exam vouchers, creating a turnkey pathway to credit. Honestly, this is the best approach I’ve seen for making higher education more accessible. The platform’s courses are self-paced, allowing students to accelerate their learning—some complete a course in as little as two weeks.

Practical Information

1. Create an account at www.modernstates.org.
2. Select a course (e.g., "U.S. History I" or "College Mathematics").
3. Complete all video lectures, quizzes, and practice exams.
4. Request a voucher once the course is 100% finished.
5. Register for the CLEP exam using the voucher at a local testing center.

Vouchers are valid for 12 months from issuance as of 2026. The platform also offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, enabling learning on the go. For students unsure about CLEP exams, Modern States provides free practice tests and study guides tailored to each exam.

Now, here’s a reality check: while Modern States is free, students may still face costs for proctoring fees or optional textbooks. That said, the platform’s partnerships with libraries and universities often provide access to these materials at no charge.

Do Modern States cost money?

How long are Modern States classes?

One student reported finishing in about two and a half weeks by giving it their all. (And honestly, if they can do it, so can you.) “I’d like to thank Modern States for this great opportunity to take the CLEP course and exam!”

How do I delete my Modern States account?

We’ll process your request within a reasonable time after receipt. Modern States may also terminate accounts at any time without warning.

Are Modern States free?

These exams are well-established and widely accepted, making this a solid option for earning college credit.

Are Modern States good?

It’s a great way for busy working adults to take free online courses and start earning college credits by exam. (Seriously, this could be a game-changer for a lot of people.)

How can I get free CLEP exams?

1. Create an account at www.modernstates.org.
2. Choose a class from the Modern States catalog.
3. Enroll and complete the course.
4. Request a voucher once you’ve finished 100% of the course.
5. Register for the CLEP exam using the voucher number you received.

Is the first year of college free?

For example, community college tuition in California has always been waived for very low-income students (e.g., yearly income of $39,300 or less for a family of four). And, in fact, no one paid tuition up until the 1980s.

How long is a Modern States voucher good for?

What are Modern States Class 10?

In other words, the sovereign control is exercised by the people in a precise and accurate manner.

Does Modern States have an app?

It’s designed to help you prepare for CLEP exams on the go.

What happens if I fail a CLEP test?

When you attempt the test again, your new score replaces the old one. After that, the College Board won’t have any record of your first attempt. So don’t stress—you get a clean slate.

Are CLEP exams worth it?

They can help you finish your degree faster. While a traditional undergraduate degree often takes four to six years, CLEP exams can cut that time down to as little as one year.

Are CLEP exams easy?

They’re mostly multiple-choice, and there’s no penalty for guessing. Study guides can help you prepare, and some people have passed exams with no prior knowledge in a short time. (Honestly, this is the best approach for self-motivated learners.)

Do CLEP credits expire?

But the College Board only keeps transcripts on record for 20 years after you take the exam. There can also be other complications when trying to use CLEP credits, so check with your school first.

Does UT Austin accept CLEP?