A Head Start to Higher Ed through RVC

A Head Start to Higher Ed through RVC

• Students
• 11/07/2025

Rock Valley College's Testing Center continues to make a significant impact on local students and families through its support of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)--a national credit-by-exam program that helps learners earn college credit by demonstrating mastery of college-level material through standardized exams.

This program is accessible to a diverse group, including middle school students, high school students, adult learners, homeschoolers, students age 13 and older, college students, military personnel, veterans, and incarcerated individuals.

Dr. Yahaira Hall, the newest Dean of College Readiness & Learner Supports, celebrates the achievements of the Testing Center and its team, while also highlighting the CLEP Exam. "Working with Sonia Medrano has given me a great view of the ways local students and families are benefiting from these opportunities," Hall said.

CLEP is provided by the College Board and offers 34 different exams in subjects such as math, science, history, literature, business, and foreign languages. Depending on the subject and college policy, students who pass can earn between 3 and 14 college credits per exam-saving both time and money towards their degree. More than 2,900 colleges and universities across the U.S. accept CLEP credits.

The program continues to create meaningful change in the community partnering with Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour (K-8). For the past three years, Sonia and the Testing Center team have helped organize Spanish CLEP testing for 8th graders. Each year, an average of 72 students from Barbour travel to RVC to take the exam, and most of them attend high school with college credit. More than half of them earn 14 credits, while most of the others earn at least 8 credits before even entering high school.

"I love sharing and discussing the ongoing collaboration between Rock Valley College and Barbour K-8 School," said Sonia Medrano, Testing Specialist. "This partnership is one of the highlights of my work. It's inspiring to see how our efforts are making a meaningful and lasting impact on local students."

CLEP's flexibility and affordability make it a powerful tool for expanding access. Exams cost roughly $97, far less than a traditional college course, and can be taken year-round at approved testing centers. This allows students to skip introductory courses and graduate faster.

This program holds a personal significance for Dr. Hall, "During my undergraduate career at Kent State University, I took the CLEP exam and was able to earn 12 college credits before even starting classes," she said. "That was a savings of over $4,000. I continued taking CLEP exams throughout my studies, which helped me save both time and money."

By taking college-level exams, learners can boost their confidence and develop academic self-esteem. To help them prepare, they have flexible learning options through school, independent study, or free programs like Modern States. Modern States, founded by education philanthropist, Steve Klinksky, is a nonprofit organization that provides free, self-paced online courses taught by professors from top universities such as Columbia, Purdue, and Johns Hopkins.

It's an easy process. Students can sign up at modernstates.org, choose a CLEP-aligned course, complete the course and quizzes, request a free CLEP exam voucher, take the exam (online or at the testing center), and earn college credit upon passing.

Rock Valley College's partnership with Two-Way Language Immersion at Barbour (K-8) exemplifies the institution's commitment to college readiness, equity, community engagement, and lifelong learning.

For more information about CLEP testing or Modern States opportunities at Rock Valley College, visit the Testing Center. RVC encourages learners to explore CLEP testing and take the next step toward achieving their academic dreams. CLEP is more than just an exam; it's a shortcut to success. Take the test, earn the credit, and get ahead.

"I've seen firsthand how these achievements shape students' perspectives on what's possible. These small successes add up to something bigger. CLEP is helping students see new options for themselves, and Sonia and I feel lucky to help share their stories."

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