CLT Exam Help Master Guide

A) CLT Overview

What CLT is (and is not)

What it is: The Classic Learning Test is a college entrance exam for 11th–12th graders, delivered online and offered either in school (online or sometimes paper) or at home via remote proctoring. It’s positioned as an alternative to other major admissions tests.

What it is not:

• It is not automatically accepted everywhere—acceptance is college-by-college, and schools can change policies. CLT publishes a partner list, but each college decides how it uses scores.
• The remotely proctored CLT (at-home) is not the same as an “unproctored” online quiz: it is recorded and reviewed for integrity.

Core structure: The CLT contains three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, Quantitative Reasoning.

What it measures

CLT describes its assessments as focusing on reading comprehension / verbal reasoning, writing conventions, and mathematical reasoning—i.e., the kinds of academic skills colleges expect for first-year coursework success.

A distinctive feature is its use of an Author Bank: CLT states that two-thirds of reading/writing passages on CLT and CLT10 come from authors on that list.

Where it is accepted (and limitations)

CLT’s own statement: CLT says it is accepted at hundreds of colleges, and their “Suite of Assessments” page states acceptance by over 300 colleges & universities.

How to interpret that safely (no guessing):

• The CLT partner list is a starting point, not final proof for your application year. Always verify on the college’s own admissions website (details + checklist in Section L and N).

Major acceptance expansion you should know (time-sensitive, already dated on CLT’s site):

• CLT states U.S. Service Academies will accept CLT beginning with the 2027 admissions cycle, and applicants can begin submitting scores in February 2026.
• The admissions page snippet states CLT will be accepted beginning February 2026 (West Point Class of 2031).
• The admissions page snippet states CLT acceptance starting with the 2027 academic year (USNA Class of 2031).

CLT vs SAT vs ACT comparison

Below is a current-format comparison using official sources for SAT/ACT and CLT’s official pages for CLT.

Decision guidance: Who should consider CLT vs SAT/ACT (only if target schools accept it)

CLT can be strategically strong if:

• Your target colleges explicitly accept CLT for admission and/or scholarships (verify per-school).
• You are comfortable with no-calculator math and fast grammar pacing (see Section C pacing math).
• You want a test with passages often drawn from CLT’s Author Bank list.

Avoid relying on CLT (or treat it as secondary) if:

• Any target school is SAT/ACT-only or doesn’t clearly state CLT acceptance in writing.
• You need a test used for specific programs where SAT/ACT is still the norm (some scholarships/athletics/placement policies can be test-specific—verify).

A simple decision tree (use this before you study):

B) Eligibility & Requirements (Location-Specific)

ID requirements and name-matching rules (verify)

For remotely proctored CLT/CLT10, CLT requires:

• Unexpired physical photo ID
• The name must match the name on the CLT student account, and the photo must match the tester
• Examples listed: passport, driver’s license/permit, state ID; certain school/college IDs (current year); military IDs
• If you lack acceptable ID, CLT provides a Student ID Form option requiring notarization or school official signature/seal
• You cannot use a phone for identification; having a phone present may result in an unscored exam

Location note: If you are outside the U.S., a passport is typically the cleanest way to meet “unexpired physical photo ID” requirements—still, you must ensure the name exactly matches your CLT account.

Accommodations: types, process, documentation, timelines, risks

CLT states:

• Accommodations for CLT/CLT10 must be submitted for approval at least 4 weeks before the test date.
• Commonly granted accommodations include extended time (25%, 50%, 100%) and accommodations for Type 1 Diabetes; other accommodations may be requested case-by-case.
• If previously approved, accommodations apply to the same CLT username/account for the duration of the approval period (so account consistency matters).
• CLT publishes documentation guidelines in a formal PDF.
• ELL accommodations exist for in-school exams (CLT provides a process document).

Practical risks (what can go wrong):

• Missing the deadline → accommodations may not be in place.
• Creating a new CLT account → your already-approved accommodations may not attach (because approvals are tied to the account).

Accommodations process table (do this in order):

Special cases: international students, homeschoolers, test access

International students: CLT states international students are welcome to take the CLT, do not pay a separate fee, and can use publicly available testing dates.

Homeschoolers: CLT has a dedicated homeschool page and a state-by-state testing requirements tool for homeschool compliance (this is separate from college admissions use, but many families coordinate both).

At-home testing access: CLT states CLT and CLT10 are taken at home on remotely proctored test dates; CLT3-8 can be administered at home with a responsible adult proctor.

Access constraints you must plan for (especially outside the U.S.):

• You need a compatible device and strong internet (see Section D).
• The remote-proctored window is stated in Eastern Time; you must convert to your local time correctly (DST can shift ET).

Eligibility & access summary table:

C) Exam Sections & Blueprint (CLT-Correct)

Verified current CLT sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, Quantitative Reasoning.

Verified remote-proctored blueprint facts (high stakes):

• 120 questions total (3 sections × 40 questions)

• Section order and timing (remote proctoring):

• Verbal Reasoning: 40 min

• Grammar/Writing: 35 min
• Quantitative Reasoning: 45 min

Note: In-school CLT can differ in delivery (paper possible) and may include an optional essay for certain administrations; remote-proctored CLT explicitly has no essay section.

Verbal Reasoning

Skills CLT is designed to tap (descriptive, not a claim of exact distribution):

• Close reading of passages
• Inference and argument analysis
• Main idea / structure / tone
• Evidence-based reasoning

CLT emphasizes classic/historical texts via its Author Bank policy (two-thirds of reading/writing passages drawn from listed authors).

Time-pressure mechanic: 40 questions in 40 minutes → ~60 seconds per question average (pacing math derived from verified timing).

Domain → skills → traps → drills (Verbal)

Grammar & Writing

Skills (descriptive):

• Standard English conventions (sentence structure, punctuation, agreement)
• Effective editing and revision decisions (clarity, concision)

Time-pressure mechanic: 40 questions in 35 minutes → ~52.5 seconds per question average (this is typically the tightest pacing).

Domain → skills → traps → drills (Grammar/Writing)

Quantitative Reasoning

Skills (descriptive):

• Algebraic reasoning, geometry fundamentals, word-problem translation, and quantitative logic.

No calculator (remote-proctored): Calculators are explicitly forbidden.

Time-pressure mechanic: 40 questions in 45 minutes → ~67.5 seconds per question average.

Domain → skills → traps → drills (Quant)

Blueprint summary table (remote-proctored CLT):

D) Format, Timing & Delivery

Online delivery details and rules (verify)

Remote-proctored CLT/CLT10 key delivery policies:

• The test is recorded (not live-proctored) and later reviewed by CLT staff.
• Must use CLT’s LockDown Browser.
• Must test on a laptop or desktop with camera/microphone and screenshare ability; tablets and mobile devices cannot be used for remote-proctored CLT.
• Must be alone, remain in view, and follow strict device/environment rules; recordings stored securely and deleted within 45 days.
• No calculators; no headphones/earbuds; no phones; no extra monitors.

In-school delivery differences: CLT’s Test Day Expectations page notes in-school CLT may be online and schools may choose paper administration; device compatibility differs for non-remote tests (tablets can be compatible in non-remotely proctored settings).

Check-in process and allowed materials (remote-proctored emphasis)

CLT’s remote-proctoring guidance explicitly recommends:

• Confirm account info (username/password; correct student profile and test registration)
• Install/verify LockDown Browser
• Complete the test simulation through the “Verify Recording Transmission” step
• Prepare room + comply with permitted/forbidden items

Permitted vs forbidden items (remote-proctored)

Common failure points + fixes (remote-proctored)

E) Scoring & Interpretation

Score scale and subscores (verify)

Remote-proctored CLT facts from CLT’s proctoring page:

• 120 questions; score range 0–120.
• Score release (remote-proctored): third Wednesday following the exam (after successful review).

Score reporting: CLT publishes a “Score Interpretation Guide” PDF for understanding scaled overall and section reporting.

Score release timing varies by administration type: CLT’s CLT test-date page lists specific score release dates for each in-school vs remotely proctored date.

How colleges interpret CLT scores (school-specific)

Colleges control how they use CLT (admission, merit scholarships, placement, recruiting outreach). CLT explicitly says students can share scores broadly, but CLT does not send scores unless the student requests it, reinforcing that colleges’ use is discretionary.

College-use verification matrix (use this for every target school):

Score sending and validity (verify)

Score sending: After scores are released, students can send scores to any college via their CLT account; CLT does not share scores unless the student requests it.

Validity / expiration: CLT provides score sharing through the student account, but colleges may impose their own “freshness” rules. Treat score-acceptance windows as school admissions discretion and verify with each institution.

Scoring summary table

F) Registration & Scheduling (Step-by-Step)

Account creation and choosing a test date

CLT registration for at-home CLT/CLT10 is through an online account: choose the date, fill out student profile, and pay online.

CLT’s CLT page publishes:

• Upcoming test dates
• Registration deadlines (varies by in-school vs remotely proctored)
• Accommodations deadlines
• Score release dates

Remote-proctored start window: Students may begin between 7 AM–7 PM Eastern Time on test day and must complete in one sitting.

Rescheduling/canceling policies (verify)

• Reschedule: CLT says you can reschedule from your dashboard, and you can reschedule up through the day of the test.
• If you miss test day: CLT says there’s no refund for a missed day; students can reschedule themselves through the day of the test, but not after the date has passed.
• Refunds/cancellations: If you cancel before the registration deadline of the original test, you are eligible for a refund; CLT notes no refunds after the deadline.
• Unlimited Pass note: CLT states Unlimited Pass terms differ from standard registrations—don’t assume refund rules match.

Avoid common registration errors

G) Costs, Fees & Budgeting

Exam fees and what’s included (verify)

CLT’s official CLT page lists:

• Cost: $69
• Includes Student Analytics and unlimited score sharing with colleges

Fee assistance / discounts (verify)

CLT states it offers financial assistance up to the full cost of a test for qualifying students, and you must apply at least two weeks before the registration deadline. Their financial assistance form notes: submit no later than two weeks before the registration deadline, and no more than two requests per academic year per student.

Hidden costs and budget template

H) Preparation Strategy (Beginner → Elite)

Diagnostic plan (no prior knowledge assumed)

1. Set your target colleges first (or shortlist) → confirm CLT acceptance before deep prep.
2. Take a full diagnostic under realistic timing (remote pacing).
3. Build an error log and skill map (templates below).
4. Train content + pacing in parallel; CLT is fast, especially Grammar/Writing.

Official practice resources to anchor diagnostics:

• CLT encourages taking practice tests through the CLT dashboard (“Take the other practice tests on your dashboard”).
• CLT sells an Official Student Guide (3rd edition) with three full-length practice tests and essay prompts.

2 / 4 / 8 / 12+ week study plans

Key pacing reality (must drive your plan): Grammar/Writing is ~52.5 seconds/question; you need automaticity in core grammar rules.

Study plan table (high-level)

Daily schedules (30 / 60 / 120 minutes)

Practice cadence and deep review method (error-log driven)

CLT emphasizes using your dashboard and taking simulations/practice tests to verify readiness.

Error log template (copy into a spreadsheet)

Plateau diagnosis table

I) High-ROI Strategies by Section

All strategies below are designed around the verified remote-proctored timing and constraints (especially no calculator).

Verbal: reading strategy and reasoning

High-ROI system

1. Read for structure: thesis → support → turn → conclusion
2. Predict answers before looking at options (reduces trap attraction)
3. Use a “prove it” rule: only select choices supported by the passage

Pacing rule: If you cannot restate what a question is asking in 5 seconds, mark/skip and return. (You’re protecting 60 sec/question average.)

Grammar/Writing: rules and editing strategy

Because time is tight, you need a first-pass elimination habit:

• Eliminate answers that introduce obvious grammar violations first
• Prefer the simplest grammatically correct option when meaning is preserved
• Treat revision questions as logic: “Does this sentence’s job match the paragraph’s point?”

Quant: fundamentals + speed strategy (no calculator)

• Always simplify before computing (factor, reduce fractions)
• Use estimation when choices are far apart
• Build a “mental math toolkit” (squares, common fractions, percent conversions)

Constraint reminder: Calculators are forbidden on remote-proctored CLT.

Top 25 mistakes with fixes (cross-section)

J) Official Resources & Safe Prep

CLT official practice resources (verified)

How to identify outdated materials

Red flags:

• Mentions calculators allowed (remote-proctored CLT forbids calculators).
• Assumes at-home CLT is not proctored (remote-proctored CLT is recorded + reviewed).
• Gives old timing that doesn’t match CLT’s current remote section timing (40/35/45).

Red flags (misleading acceptance claims)

K) Test-Day Strategy & Anxiety Control

Pacing checkpoints and guessing strategy (built from verified timing)

Remote-proctored CLT has no real breaks (only optional one-minute stretch breaks between sections). So your pacing system must be self-enforcing.

Checkpoint table (remote-proctored)

Guessing strategy: Because there is no verified public statement here about guessing penalties on CLT’s official pages in the sources above, treat guessing strategy as: never leave blank if the platform allows an answer—but confirm any guessing penalty policy in official CLT materials you have access to (student guide/score guide).

Anxiety control (evidence-based, test-day practical)

What to do if tech fails (official escalation—verify)

CLT states customer support via live online chat is available during the remote-proctored start window (7 AM–7 PM ET). You should also complete the test simulation beforehand to reduce risk.

Tech-failure action table

L) After the CLT: Admissions Strategy

Verifying acceptance at each target college (non-negotiable workflow)

CLT provides a partner list, but the school controls whether it accepts CLT and for what purpose.

Verification checklist (use for every college)

Email template (copy/paste)

• Subject: “CLT acceptance for [Term/Year] first-year admission”
• Body: “Hello Admissions Team, I plan to apply for [Term/Year]. Do you accept CLT scores for first-year admission? If yes, do you use CLT for merit scholarships or placement as well? Thank you, [Name]”

Score submission timing

Once scores are released, you can send your CLT scores to any college through your student account, and CLT does not share scores unless you request it.

Retake decision framework (plateau diagnosis included)

CLT states students can take the CLT as many times as they like, but only one exam per exam date (attempting more may void the test).

Retake decision table

N) Location Guide

Exact CLT pages to check (authoritative, always start here)

Exact college admissions pages to check (for EACH target school)

Because acceptance varies by school, use this college-side checklist every time:

Verification checklist (printable)

• [ ] My CLT account name matches my physical ID exactly
• [ ] I confirmed my target colleges accept CLT this cycle
• [ ] I know whether CLT is used for merit scholarships at my schools
• [ ] I verified device requirements and installed LockDown Browser
• [ ] I ran the CLT test simulation through “Verify Recording Transmission”
• [ ] I applied for accommodations ≥4 weeks before test date (if needed)
• [ ] I have a time-zone plan for the 7am–7pm ET start window

Comprehensive CLT FAQs (80) — detailed, policy-accurate answers (with sources)

Below, each FAQ answer is split into:

• What CLT officially says (policy / rule)
• What you should do (action steps)
• Common pitfalls that cause lost time, missed scores, or voided exams

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1) About the CLT (FAQs 1–12)

Quick-reference table (About & eligibility)

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1) What is the CLT?

What CLT officially says CLT describes the CLT® as an online college entrance exam for 11th and 12th graders and an alternative to other major entrance tests, accepted by hundreds of colleges.

What you should do

• Treat CLT as a college entrance score option only if your target colleges accept it (as “test required/considered,” or for scholarships).
• If you’re applying broadly, plan CLT + SAT/ACT coverage unless you can verify all targets accept CLT.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming “hundreds accept it” means “all accept it.” Acceptance is not universal.

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2) Who is the CLT for (grade level)?

What CLT officially says CLT indicates the CLT is geared toward grades 11–12.

What you should do

• If you’re in grades 9–10, consider CLT10 for practice and early scholarship outreach where relevant.
• If you’re post–high school, you can still test (see FAQ #10).

Common pitfalls

• Registering for the wrong exam (CLT vs CLT10) and losing a testing window.

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3) Is the CLT only for homeschool/classical students?

What CLT officially says CLT states it is designed to serve students from a variety of educational backgrounds and is accessible to homeschool, private, charter, and public students.

What you should do

• Don’t self-select out because your curriculum isn’t “classical.”
• Use the free practice test(s) in your account to gauge fit (see results/prep pages).

Common pitfalls

• Over-focusing on “knowing the authors.” CLT explicitly says prior knowledge of texts isn’t required; it tests reading/comprehension.

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4) What sections are on the CLT?

What CLT officially says CLT includes three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, Quantitative Reasoning. An official CLT research document describes each section as 40 multiple-choice questions, and the section scores sum to a total score.

What you should do

• Build section-specific pacing: 40 questions per section means average pace targets matter (see FAQ #25).
• Prepare for a no-calculator quant section (see FAQ #31 / #41).

Common pitfalls

• Using SAT/ACT-only pacing expectations; CLT timing is different.

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5) Is there an essay portion?

What CLT officially says CLT says an optional essay is available for in-school testers; it is not available on the remotely proctored exam. In-school essay time is 30 additional minutes, and it does not affect the numerical score.

What you should do

• If a college asks for a writing sample and your school offers the in-school essay, consider taking it.
• Confirm whether your target colleges want/accept CLT’s optional essay vs other writing measures.

Common pitfalls

• Registering for remote testing expecting an essay—remote currently does not include it.

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6) Is the CLT shorter than SAT/ACT?

What CLT officially says A CLT research document notes CLT “takes two hours to complete” (and states it’s shorter than SAT). CLT’s FAQ also states 2 hours of testing time (plus pre-test steps).

What you should do

• Your pacing margin is smaller—treat time management as a first-class skill.
• Do full-length timed runs, not only untimed practice.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming “shorter” means “easier.” Difficulty is not determined by length.

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7) How often is the CLT offered?

What CLT officially says CLT publishes upcoming test dates on the CLT product page(s).

What you should do

• Use the CLT product page test-date list to build your admissions timeline (application deadlines, score release, scholarship deadlines).

Common pitfalls

• Planning around outdated PDFs or third-party calendars instead of the current CLT product page.

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8) Can I take the CLT multiple times?

What CLT officially says CLT states students may take the CLT as many times as they would like, but only one exam per exam date; attempting more than one on a date may result in a voided test. CLT also describes an “open retake policy.”

What you should do

• Space retakes so you can actually change outcomes (targeted review between tests).
• Avoid booking multiple registrations on the same test date.

Common pitfalls

• Retaking too quickly with no strategy—wastes money and deadlines.

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9) Can international students take the CLT?

What CLT officially says International students are welcome; no separate fee; all publicly available testing dates apply.

What you should do

• Convert the 7AM–7PM Eastern Time window to your local time for remote-proctored days (see FAQ #23).
• Verify that your target colleges in your country (or U.S. colleges you’re applying to) will accept CLT.

Common pitfalls

• Missing the window because you didn’t time-zone convert.

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10) I graduated already / took gap years — can I still take the CLT?

What CLT officially says CLT says it’s open to students of all ages, including gap years; you should fill your student profile with your correct graduation year and GPA upon graduation.

What you should do

• Use accurate historical info in your profile—this affects how your record is represented.

Common pitfalls

• Entering a fake graduation year “to look current,” creating mismatches with ID and applications.

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11) Is CLT religiously or politically affiliated?

What CLT officially says CLT says it is not religiously or politically affiliated and includes passages from different viewpoints across philosophy, religion, literature, history, science, and more.

What you should do

• If your family has concerns, review the CLT’s stated approach and do a practice test to see passage style.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming passage topics imply endorsement; CLT frames this as viewpoint diversity.

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12) Do I need prior knowledge of “classic texts” to succeed?

What CLT officially says CLT says students do not need prior knowledge of the texts; what’s assessed is ability to read, comprehend, and analyze.

What you should do

• Train “cold reading” skills: passage mapping, argument structure, inference control.

Common pitfalls

• Trying to “pre-read the canon” instead of practicing test-like passages.

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2) Registration, scheduling, cancellations, fees (FAQs 13–22)

Quick-reference table (Registration & money)

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13) How do I create an account?

What CLT officially says Registration for at-home CLT/CLT10 is made through an online account.

What you should do

• Create one account that you’ll keep long-term (so your score history and accommodations attach to it).
• Use an email you control and will keep through college application season.

Common pitfalls

• Creating multiple accounts with different emails and then “not seeing” your active test on the dashboard. The CLT start guide explicitly warns that if you don’t see your test, you may be in the wrong account.

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14) How do I register for the CLT?

What CLT officially says CLT states registrants choose a date, fill out a brief profile, and pay online to complete registration. CLT also states only schools can register students for in-school tests; individuals register for remotely proctored dates via their account.

What you should do

• Decide first: in-school (if your school offers it) vs remote-proctored at home.
• Register early if you need accommodations (see FAQ #50).

Common pitfalls

• Waiting until near the deadline, then discovering you needed accommodations approval earlier.

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15) What is the registration deadline?

What CLT officially says Registration deadlines are listed on the product page for each test, and you must complete and pay by the deadline. If requesting accommodations, registration must be completed four weeks before the test date.

What you should do

• Treat the “registration deadline” as a hard cutoff.
• If accommodations are possible, plan backward 4+ weeks for review time and documentation.

Common pitfalls

• Confusing the “test date” with the “registration deadline” and getting locked out.

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16) I registered—how do I make sure I’m using the correct email/account?

What CLT officially says CLT’s “Starting Your Remotely Proctored Exam” guide says if you don’t see “Test Active,” you may be logged into the wrong account, and you should check your instruction email for the email used at registration.

What you should do

• Search your inbox for the CLT instruction email and confirm the login email.
• Log in and confirm you see the “Test Active” box and the correct test date.

Common pitfalls

• Using autofill to log into a different email address than the one used to register.

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17) Can I reschedule my test date?

What CLT officially says CLT indicates students can reschedule from their dashboard (and gives explicit dashboard steps).

What you should do

• Reschedule as soon as you know you can’t test, especially if you are trying to preserve refund eligibility (see FAQ #18).

Common pitfalls

• Waiting until after the test day has passed (see FAQ #19).

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18) Can I cancel and get a refund?

What CLT officially says CLT says you can cancel via your dashboard (Reschedule → Cancel Registration). If you cancel before the deadline of the original test, you are eligible for a refund; refunds aren’t provided for tests canceled after the registration deadline.

What you should do

• If you want a refund, cancel before the original deadline and submit the refund request form.
• Keep proof (timestamped confirmation) for your records.

Common pitfalls

• Thinking “canceling” automatically triggers a refund request—CLT directs you to submit a refund request form.

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19) What if I miss my test date?

What CLT officially says CLT says it cannot issue a refund for a missed test day; students can reschedule through the day of the test, but CLT cannot reschedule tests after the test day has passed.

What you should do

• If you might miss, reschedule before the day ends (don’t wait until “after”).
• If you missed and can’t reschedule, plan to re-register on a new date (and budget accordingly).

Common pitfalls

• Assuming payment “rolls over” automatically—CLT’s policy is specifically that missed test days are not refunded and cannot be rescheduled after the day passes.

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20) Can I transfer my registration to another student?

What CLT officially says If you’re not eligible for a refund, CLT says as long as your test date has not passed, you may reschedule or transfer the registration to another student for a future test date by contacting CLT support.

What you should do

• Email CLT support and include: your name, registered email, test date, and the recipient student’s details.
• Do this early—support needs time to process.

Common pitfalls

• Trying to transfer after the test date passed—CLT’s transfer/reschedule allowance is contingent on the test date not having passed.

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21) Do you offer financial assistance or discounts?

What CLT officially says CLT offers financial assistance up to the full cost of a test for qualifying students, and it must be applied for at least two weeks before the registration deadline.

What you should do

• Check your target test date first, note its registration deadline, then apply early enough to clear the “≥2 weeks before deadline” requirement.

Common pitfalls

• Applying too late (inside the two-week window), then having to pay or skip.

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22) What is the CLT Unlimited Pass, and how is it different?

What CLT officially says CLT’s 2026 Unlimited Pass terms state it is valid Jan 1–Dec 31, 2026, covers CLT and CLT10 registrations for remote-proctored administrations only (not in-school), is non-transferable, offers no financial assistance, and has a limited refund window (until Jan 31 or until a test is taken).

What you should do

• Buy the Pass only if you can realistically take multiple remote-proctored test dates within the calendar year (and you’re confident you’ll comply with remote testing rules).
• Read the Pass refund cutoff carefully; it’s stricter than standard registrations.

Common pitfalls

• Expecting Pass benefits to carry over into the next year—terms say no extensions/deferrals/carryover.

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3) Remote-proctored (at-home) test-day rules (FAQs 23–36)

Quick-reference table (Remote testing)

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23) When can I start the remotely proctored CLT?

What CLT officially says Remote CLT/CLT10: students should test 7AM–7PM Eastern Time on test day; CLT provides live online tech/customer support during this window; test must be taken in one sitting.

What you should do

• Choose a start time that gives you: quiet environment + stable internet + you’re alert.
• If you’re outside ET, set calendar reminders in your local time.

Common pitfalls

• Starting too late in the window, then rushing setup and making pretest mistakes that can lead to an unscored exam.

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24) Do I need an adult proctor at home?

What CLT officially says CLT states remotely proctored CLT/CLT10 are proctored via technology and recording; students do not need an adult proctor and must remain alone.

What you should do

• Arrange that nobody enters the room for the full exam session.
• Put signage on the door; silence notifications outside the room.

Common pitfalls

• A parent “quietly entering” to drop something off—still a violation risk in recorded review.

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25) How long is the test (including pre-test)?

What CLT officially says CLT says CLT/CLT10 total time is 2 hours 20 minutes: 20 minutes pre-test instructions + 2 hours testing. Section times: 40 min Verbal, 35 min Grammar/Writing, 45 min Quant.

What you should do

• Block 3 hours on your calendar (buffer for setup + tech troubleshooting).

• Pacing math (40 questions per section):

• Verbal: 40 min → ~1:00 per question (but passage questions come in sets).

• Grammar: 35 min → ~0:52 per question
• Quant: 45 min → ~1:07 per question

Common pitfalls

• Underestimating pretest time—especially if you’re slow with the ID/room scan steps.

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26) What device do I need? Are tablets allowed?

What CLT officially says For remotely proctored CLT/CLT10, students use their own laptop or desktop; tablets are not currently supported for the remotely proctored CLT. CLT’s Test Day Expectations also states all students accessing the test must have a laptop/desktop (and notes tablets for non-remotely proctored tests may be compatible; phones not permitted).

What you should do

• Use a stable laptop/desktop with a working camera/microphone.
• Avoid “new setup on test day.” Install and verify LockDown earlier.

Common pitfalls

• Trying to test on an iPad/tablet for a remote-proctored CLT.

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27) Do I have to use LockDown Browser? What are the requirements?

What CLT officially says Remote CLT must be taken in CLT’s LockDown Browser. LockDown instructions list system requirements (e.g., Windows 10/11; MacOS 11+; Chromebook requires extension), and warn you cannot test in Windows “S Mode.” LockDown is third-party software (Respondus), used at your own risk per the LockDown instructions.

What you should do

• Install and then run the verification step before test day.
• Confirm camera + microphone + screen sharing permissions are enabled (Mac permissions are a frequent failure point).

Common pitfalls

• Failing screen-sharing permissions → “unlikely to receive a score,” per LockDown instructions.

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28) How do I start my remotely proctored exam?

What CLT officially says CLT’s official guide: log into the student dashboard → find “Test Active” → select “Begin Test” to launch LockDown → complete pre-test steps; timer starts when you begin Section 1, not during pretest.

What you should do

• Log in early and confirm the “Test Active” box appears.
• If it doesn’t appear, stop and confirm you’re in the correct account (see FAQ #16).

Common pitfalls

• Launching the test from the wrong account and wasting the testing window.

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29) What pre-test steps must I complete to get scored?

What CLT officially says CLT’s “Top 5 Reasons Exams are Voided” says failing to complete pretest steps (showing ID, desk/chair, room, etc.) can result in an unscored exam, and because it’s recorded (not watched live), students must do these thoroughly.

What you should do

• Move slowly, keep everything in camera frame, and follow each prompt.
• Show: your ID clearly, your desk surface, your chair, your entire room, your scratch paper front/back.

Common pitfalls

• Rushing the room scan or ID close-up so it’s blurry → reviewers can’t verify integrity → unscored.

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30) What ID is acceptable? Can I use a phone photo? What if I don’t have an ID?

What CLT officially says CLT’s remote proctoring rules require a non-expired, physical ID, and say name must match. They list examples (driver’s license, passport, high school/college ID) and say you may use a Student ID Form if you don’t have one. They also explicitly say you cannot use a phone for ID.

What you should do

• Confirm your registration name matches your ID format (first/last; avoid nickname mismatch).
• If you’ll use the CLT ID Form, print it and have it ready well before test day.

Common pitfalls

• Holding the ID too briefly or out of focus; CLT’s guide instructs holding it close and visible for multiple seconds.

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31) What materials are allowed at my desk? Are calculators allowed?

What CLT officially says Remote proctoring rules allow: up to 6 sheets of blank scratch paper, up to 2 writing implements, and a beverage; calculators are not allowed for CLT.

What you should do

• Use clean blank paper only (no notes, formulas, or prewritten work).
• Put your phone in another room.

Common pitfalls

• “Pre-writing” formulas or notes on scratch paper—CLT explicitly lists consulting outside resources / prewritten notes as a reason an exam may be unscored.

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32) Can I wear headphones / listen to music?

What CLT officially says Remote proctoring rules prohibit headphones/earbuds and require the exam be taken alone and without prohibited aids.

What you should do

• Use passive noise control (quiet room, do-not-disturb sign), not devices.
• If you need an accommodation related to sensory needs, pursue accommodations in advance (see FAQ #50).

Common pitfalls

• Wearing earbuds “even if not playing anything”—flagged on video.

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33) Are breaks allowed? What about bathroom breaks?

What CLT officially says Remote proctoring rules state no breaks during the test, except an optional one-minute stretch between sections; CLT also explicitly notes no restroom breaks.

What you should do

• Hydrate earlier; don’t chug fluids right before/during (CLT itself warns against excessive fluids).
• Plan a quick stretch routine that stays in camera view.

Common pitfalls

• Leaving camera view to use the bathroom → can lead to an unscored exam.

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34) If I finish early, can I leave? Can I go back to earlier sections?

What CLT officially says Remote testers may finish a section early; students may not return to an earlier portion of the exam after finishing a section. In-school testers must remain for the full test even if they finish early.

What you should do

• If you finish early, use remaining time to review flagged questions within that section (before you submit/advance).
• Treat section boundaries as “final.”

Common pitfalls

• Clicking through to the next section too quickly and losing access to items you meant to revisit.

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35) What happens if I violate remote testing rules—will my exam be voided/unscored?

What CLT officially says CLT publishes common reasons remotely proctored exams are voided/unscored, including: moving out of camera view, not completing pretest steps, poorly done pretest steps, consulting outside resources, and using a virtual/blurred background.

What you should do

• Set camera angle to show your head/shoulders for the whole test.
• Turn off background blur/virtual backgrounds.
• Close all other tabs/programs and remove notes from the room.

Common pitfalls

• “Just checking a tab quickly” or leaving an informational tab open—explicitly listed as outside resources.

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36) What if tech fails during the exam (camera/mic/screen share/internet)?

What CLT officially says CLT provides live online tech/customer support during the remote testing window (7AM–7PM ET). CLT also warns that failing technical requirements can result in inadequate files for proctoring and an unscored exam.

What you should do (triage)

1. Don’t panic-click. If something breaks, stop actions that could look suspicious (like grabbing your phone).
2. Use CLT’s dashboard chat if available, or email CLT support.
3. If screen sharing fails on Mac/Chromebook, follow CLT’s linked guidance (LockDown instructions include OS-specific steps).

Common pitfalls

• Starting on an unsupported OS / in Windows S Mode, then losing the ability to complete properly.

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4) In-school testing rules (FAQs 37–42)

Quick-reference table (In-school)

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37) Who proctors the CLT in-school?

What CLT officially says For in-school tests, schools provide their own proctor.

What you should do

• Ask your school for local rules (arrival time, seating, what to bring).
• Confirm whether it’s paper or online at your site.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming in-school rules match remote rules. They can differ (especially around leaving early).

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38) Is the in-school CLT online or paper?

What CLT officially says CLT indicates remote testing is online, and schools may choose to administer CLT on paper.

What you should do

• If online, confirm you have the required device per your school’s instructions.
• If paper, confirm what writing instruments and materials are supplied vs required.

Common pitfalls

• Showing up with the wrong device assumptions (tablet vs laptop) if your school has specific policies.

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39) Is the essay available in-school? How long? Does it affect the score?

What CLT officially says Optional essay is available for in-school testers; essay time is 30 minutes; it does not affect numerical score; not available for remote-proctored tests.

What you should do

• Ask admissions offices whether they consider the CLT essay, and how it’s used (supplemental writing, placement, etc.).

Common pitfalls

• Treating it as “low stakes” and producing a weak sample that undermines your application.

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40) Can I leave if I finish early in-school?

What CLT officially says In-school testers must remain for the full tests per in-person proctoring requirements, even if finished early.

What you should do

• Use remaining time quietly to re-check answers in the current section (if allowed by your proctor’s rules).

Common pitfalls

• Attempting to leave early can trigger proctor interventions and unnecessary stress.

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41) Are calculators allowed in-school?

What CLT officially says CLT states it does not allow calculators.

What you should do

• Train no-calculator arithmetic and estimation.
• If you have a calculator accommodation, it must be approved as an accommodation (see FAQ #46).

Common pitfalls

• Bringing a calculator “just in case” and risking a rules issue.

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42) What should I bring to an in-school CLT?

What CLT officially says (baseline) CLT’s official pages clearly require certain devices/internet/LockDown for online testing and emphasize IDs for remote proctoring; in-school specifics are often administered by the school/proctor.

What you should do

• Ask your school for the exact checklist: ID, device, charger, allowed writing tools.
• If online in-school, ensure LockDown is installed if required for that administration.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming you can use a phone hotspot or phone itself—phones are not permitted for testing access.

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5) Accommodations & accessibility (FAQs 43–55)

Quick-reference table (Accommodations)

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43) Does CLT accommodate people with disabilities?

What CLT officially says Yes—accommodations are individualized and considered case-by-case for CLT/CLT10; documentation must show functional limitations, and requests must be submitted at least four weeks prior.

What you should do

• Start documentation gathering early.
• Ensure your request describes functional impact (how your condition affects test-relevant tasks), not just the diagnosis.

Common pitfalls

• Submitting too close to the test date.

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44) What accommodations are offered (examples)?

What CLT officially says CLT lists commonly granted accommodations as extended time (25/50/100%) and accommodations for Type 1 Diabetes. CLT’s documentation guidelines list accommodation categories including extended time, 4‑function calculator, medical needs accommodations (food/drink/medical devices/medication), text-to-speech, and ELL accommodations (including word-to-word dictionary).

What you should do

• Request only what you routinely use in school (and can document).
• Match requested supports to documentation category.

Common pitfalls

• Asking for unsupported or undocumented accommodations without a clear functional basis.

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45) What documentation is required for extended time (25/50/100%)?

What CLT officially says CLT’s documentation guidelines specify:

• 25% extended time: diagnostic letter + functional impact statement
• 50% and 100% extended time: similar documentation expectations, and for some supports CLT requires recent evaluations/IEP/504 within the past 3 years (as listed).

What you should do

• Gather:

• Professional diagnostic letter (qualified provider)

• Functional impact statement from a qualified non-family professional who knows the student (teacher/tutor/coach, etc.), per CLT guidance.

Common pitfalls

• Submitting documentation written by a parent/family member—CLT says it cannot accept documentation written by a parent or family member.

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46) Can I get a calculator as an accommodation if calculators are normally not allowed?

What CLT officially says CLT generally does not allow calculators. However, CLT’s documentation guidelines list a 4‑function calculator as an accommodation that requires specific documentation.

What you should do

• If your disability documentation supports calculator use as an accommodation, apply through CLT accommodations (≥4 weeks prior).

Common pitfalls

• Bringing a calculator without an approved accommodation.

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47) What if I need medical supports (food/drink/devices/medication)?

What CLT officially says CLT’s documentation guidelines list “medical needs accommodations,” including food/drink/medical devices/medication in testing area, requiring medical documentation confirming diagnosis plus functional impact statement.

What you should do

• Submit clear medical documentation and specify exactly what you need at your desk and why.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming “water allowed” equals “all medical items allowed without approval.” Water is allowed generally in remote rules, but medical supports beyond that should be documented/approved.

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48) Does CLT offer text-to-speech?

What CLT officially says CLT’s documentation guidelines list text-to-speech as an accommodation and require evaluation/IEP/504 within past 3 years demonstrating consistent classroom use; CLT notes additional support may be needed for text-to-speech for CLT Section 1.

What you should do

• Provide documentation showing ongoing use (not a last-minute request).
• Plan practice sessions using text-to-speech (if granted) to ensure speed doesn’t drop.

Common pitfalls

• Requesting TTS without documentation of consistent use.

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49) Are there accommodations for English Language Learners (ELL)?

What CLT officially says CLT’s documentation guidelines list ELL accommodations including 50% extended time and a word-to-word dictionary, and require documentation of ELL status (school plan/IEP/504) or formal testing (e.g., proficiency tests) dated within the past year.

What you should do

• Collect your school’s ELL plan/status documentation or recent proficiency testing evidence.

Common pitfalls

• Submitting outdated ELL documentation beyond the “past year” guidance.

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50) How do I apply for accommodations, and when is the deadline?

What CLT officially says Accommodations for CLT/CLT10 must be submitted to CLT at least four weeks prior to the test date.

What you should do

• Timeline you should follow (safe planning):

• 6–8 weeks out: collect documentation

• ≥4 weeks out: submit request + ensure your registration is complete

Common pitfalls

• Registering late: CLT explicitly ties accommodation timing to registration completion.

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51) Do I need to reapply each time I test?

What CLT officially says If previously approved for CLT/CLT10, accommodations attach to the exact CLT username/account for the duration of the approval period; no need to reapply.

What you should do

• Use the same CLT account each time to ensure accommodations apply.

Common pitfalls

• Creating a new account and then discovering accommodations didn’t carry over.

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52) Will my score report show that I received accommodations?

What CLT officially says CLT says accommodations status will never be shared with a college/university and is kept confidential.

What you should do

• Don’t fear “labeling” by requesting valid accommodations. Your job is access, not optics.

Common pitfalls

• Avoiding needed accommodations and underperforming.

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53) Do I need to request accommodations for CLT3-8?

What CLT officially says CLT says it is no longer necessary to submit accommodation requests for CLT3-8; schools/co-ops/homeschool parents provide accommodations reflecting normal classroom needs.

What you should do

• Align CLT3-8 testing supports with the student’s typical classroom supports.

Common pitfalls

• Expecting CLT to approve CLT3-8 accommodations centrally.

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54) If I have an IEP/504, am I automatically approved?

What CLT officially says CLT requires accommodations for CLT/CLT10 be submitted to CLT for approval and evaluated case-by-case with evidence of disability-level functional limitation.

What you should do

• Use IEP/504 as part of your packet, but also provide the functional impact narrative and any required evaluations per documentation guidelines.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming prior CLT3-8 accommodations automatically apply to CLT/CLT10—CLT says they must be submitted for approval even if previously granted for CLT3-8.

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55) How do I contact the accommodations team?

What CLT officially says CLT provides an accommodations contact email on its accommodations page.

What you should do

• Email from the address tied to the student’s CLT account.
• Include: student name, CLT username/email, test date, requested accommodation(s), and a short summary of attached documentation.

Common pitfalls

• Sending incomplete documentation and losing time before the deadline.

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6) Scoring, results, analytics, retakes (FAQs 56–67)

Quick-reference table (Scoring & results)

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56) How is the CLT scored?

What CLT officially says A CLT research document states each section is scored on a 0–40 scale and summed for a total 0–120 score. CLT’s FAQ also describes three section scores combined into one overall score (but uses 1–40 / 1–120 language).

What you should do

• Interpret your score using your official score report + percentiles in Student Analytics.
• If you see different “minimum score” language across pages, treat your actual score report as definitive and use CLT’s official research documents for scale description.

Common pitfalls

• Comparing “raw correct answers” across administrations. Use scaled score/percentile instead.

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57) What is the score scale (overall and section)?

What CLT officially says Official CLT research document: sections 0–40, total 0–120.

What you should do

• Use percentiles to gauge competitiveness for scholarships/colleges (where provided).

Common pitfalls

• Treating 120 as “perfect” in every context without checking how your target college/scholarship interprets it.

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58) Is there a penalty for wrong answers? Should I guess?

What CLT officially says CLT’s concordance research document states CLT does not impose a penalty for incorrect answers.

What you should do

• Use an aggressive guessing strategy:

• Never leave blanks.

• If time is short, guess intelligently (eliminate obvious wrong options first).

Common pitfalls

• Spending too long trying to be 100% certain and leaving questions unanswered.

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59) When will scores be released?

What CLT officially says

• Remote CLT/CLT10: third Wednesday after administration.
• In-school online CLT/CLT10: Wednesday following administration.
• In-school paper: within 30 days of CLT receiving answer sheets.

What you should do

• Work backwards from college deadlines: remote testing can take longer due to integrity review.

Common pitfalls

• Taking a remote test too close to an application deadline that requires official scores.

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60) Where do I find my scores?

What CLT officially says Scores are found through students’ CLT accounts; CLT’s results page directs students to log into their account to view results and analytics.

What you should do

• Log in on score release day and download/save PDFs for your records (especially if sending to colleges).

Common pitfalls

• Using a different account than the registered one and thinking scores are missing.

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61) What is included in Student Analytics?

What CLT officially says CLT says each exam includes Student Analytics; examples include strengths/weaknesses across 15+ domains, example problems, percentile rank, and score comparisons for ACT/SAT/PSAT.

What you should do

• Use analytics to drive your next 2–4 weeks of study:

• Pick 2 weak domains → drill → retest.

• Track errors by type (logic, grammar rules, algebra, etc.).

Common pitfalls

• “Studying everything” instead of targeting the specific domains your analytics flags.

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62) Are CLT scores sent directly to colleges automatically?

What CLT officially says CLT does not share scores unless a student requests that they be shared; students may send scores via their student account once scores are released.

What you should do

• Build a “score-sending checklist” for each application:

• Confirm deadline for test score receipt

• Send from CLT account
• Confirm college’s receipt process (varies)

Common pitfalls

• Assuming “partner college” means automatic sending—CLT says it is student-initiated.

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63) How do I send my scores to colleges?

What CLT officially says CLT says you can send scores from your online account and provides a tutorial link.

What you should do

• Send scores early and keep confirmation.
• For each college, verify where scores should go (portal upload vs official send) (see admissions FAQs section).

Common pitfalls

• Waiting until the last day and then encountering portal issues or confusion about where scores must be delivered.

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64) Is score sharing free and unlimited?

What CLT officially says CLT’s CLT page states the $69 cost includes unlimited score sharing, and the partner college page states you can share scores for free with as many colleges as you’d like.

What you should do

• Use free score sharing strategically:

• Send to target schools early to signal interest and unlock scholarship conversations where applicable.

Common pitfalls

• Not sending scores because you assume each send costs money.

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65) Do I get section scores and percentiles?

What CLT officially says CLT reports section scores and an overall score for CLT/CLT10. CLT’s Student Analytics include percentile rank.

What you should do

• Use section scores to diagnose imbalance (e.g., strong verbal, weak quant) and set a retake plan.

Common pitfalls

• Looking only at total score and missing a section weakness that limits scholarship eligibility at some schools.

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66) What if my remotely proctored exam is unscored/voided?

What CLT officially says CLT lists common reasons remotely proctored exams are voided/unscored (camera view issues, incomplete/poor pretest steps, outside resources, virtual background). CLT also has an open retake policy (you can register again for available dates).

What you should do

• Identify which category likely applied (pretest steps vs environment vs resources).

• Fix the root cause before retesting:

• camera angle + lighting

• clearer pretest scan
• clean desk + blank paper
• no background blur

Common pitfalls

• Retesting without changing setup → repeating the same void reason.

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67) How long are CLT scores valid?

What CLT officially says (and what it doesn’t) CLT’s public pages emphasize score access and sending through the account but do not publish a single universal “expiration” rule that applies to all colleges; colleges control how they treat older scores.

What you should do

• For each target college, verify:

• whether CLT is accepted

• whether they have an “age limit” on scores (some schools do for other exams—policy varies by institution)

Common pitfalls

• Assuming “scores never expire” across all colleges without checking the school’s admissions policy.

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7) College admissions, acceptance, scholarships, special programs (FAQs 68–77)

Quick-reference table (Admissions use)

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68) Is the CLT accepted by all colleges?

What CLT officially says CLT says it is not accepted by all colleges, but over 300 colleges partner with CLT.

What you should do

• Never assume acceptance. Verify for each college (see FAQ #70).

Common pitfalls

• Submitting only CLT to a school that requires SAT/ACT (or uses CLT only as supplemental).

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69) How many colleges accept the CLT, and where is the official list?

What CLT officially says CLT states over 300 colleges and universities accept CLT scores and provides a partner college finder page.

What you should do

• Use the CLT partner list as a starting point, not the final authority for your specific program/major.

Common pitfalls

• A college being on the list doesn’t always mean every program treats CLT identically (some schools have program-level nuance).

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70) How do I verify whether a specific college accepts CLT?

What CLT officially says CLT directs students to the partner college page for the list and encourages reaching out to admissions if a college isn’t a partner.

Verification checklist (do this for every target school)

1. Check the school’s official admissions testing page (look for “CLT” explicitly).

2. If not explicit, email/call admissions and ask:

3. Is CLT accepted as a full replacement for SAT/ACT?

4. Is it accepted for merit scholarships?
5. Are there minimum score thresholds?
6. Save written confirmation for your records.

Common pitfalls

• Using third-party “acceptance lists” that are outdated or overstated.

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71) What if my college doesn’t accept CLT?

What CLT officially says CLT suggests calling the college admissions office, explaining what CLT is, and asking them to consider CLT scores, even if they are not currently a partner.

What you should do

• If the college is important to you, still take SAT/ACT as a hedge unless/until you have written confirmation they’ll accept CLT.
• Use CLT score sharing as a “signal of strength” only after confirming how they will treat it.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming test-optional means “they’ll accept any test.” Test-optional policies differ by institution.

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72) What are official uses for the CLT in Florida?

What CLT officially says CLT’s FAQ lists uses in Florida including: college admissions, Bright Futures scholarship qualification, state funded in-school test for 11th graders, dual-credit eligibility, and graduation equivalence. CLT’s CLT page also notes Florida approved CLT for all public universities (as stated on the CLT page).

What you should do

• If you’re a Florida student, verify the exact score requirements for your program/scholarship through Florida’s official scholarship/education sources and your school counselor (requirements can change).

Common pitfalls

• Assuming Florida policies apply outside Florida.

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73) Are scholarships tied to CLT scores?

What CLT officially says CLT states over $100 million in scholarships are tied to CLT scores annually, and notes many partner colleges tie scholarships directly to CLT scores.

What you should do

• On each target partner college page, look for the scholarship grid or admissions scholarship policy.
• Send your score early to start scholarship conversations (it’s free/unlimited).

Common pitfalls

• Missing scholarship deadlines by taking the test too late (score release timing matters).

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74) Does CLT matter at test-optional colleges?

What CLT officially says CLT suggests that even at test-optional schools (including some that aren’t partners), sharing scores can strengthen an application profile.

What you should do

• If your CLT score is a strength, submit it.
• If your score is not competitive, lean into grades, rigor, essays, activities.

Common pitfalls

• Submitting a weak score to a test-optional school where it could hurt more than help.

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75) Can homeschool students use CLT for admissions?

What CLT officially says CLT states it is accessible to homeschool students and offers at-home remote-proctored testing (and homeschool families are part of its user base).

What you should do

• Homeschool students should still verify college acceptance like anyone else (FAQ #70).
• Use score sharing and analytics for targeted improvement.

Common pitfalls

• Thinking homeschool status changes acceptance—acceptance is about the college’s policy, not the student’s schooling type.

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76) Is CLT accepted by U.S. Service Academies?

What CLT officially says CLT’s service academies page states the test will officially be accepted for admissions by U.S. service academies beginning with the 2027 admissions cycle, and students can begin submitting scores in February 2026.

What you should do

• If applying to service academies, use the academies’ official admissions pages plus CLT’s guidance, and keep a SAT/ACT backup plan until the academies’ pages clearly list CLT requirements/thresholds (policies can be implementation-specific).

Common pitfalls

• Misaligning timing (submissions begin Feb 2026 per CLT, but your application cycle tasks may start earlier).

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77) Should I still take the SAT/ACT if I have CLT?

What CLT officially says CLT frames itself as an SAT/ACT alternative accepted by hundreds of colleges, but not all.

Decision rule (practical)

• If every target school explicitly accepts CLT (or is test-optional and confirms they accept CLT as a submitted score): CLT can be sufficient.
• If any target school requires SAT/ACT or does not list CLT: take SAT/ACT to keep doors open.

Common pitfalls

• Betting your entire application cycle on a single test without verifying every target school’s policy.

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8) Privacy, recordings, and integrity review (FAQs 78–80)

Quick-reference table (Privacy & integrity)

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78) Is the remotely proctored exam live-proctored?

What CLT officially says CLT’s guidance states the remote exam is recorded and not watched live; recordings are reviewed after the exam.

What you should do

• Because nobody can “warn you live,” you must self-police: camera framing, environment, and pretest steps.

Common pitfalls

• Doing a sloppy room scan assuming someone would stop you if it’s insufficient.

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79) What data is recorded, who reviews it, and how long is it kept?

What CLT officially says CLT’s privacy policy states video, screen, and audio are recorded; recordings are stored and reviewed after the exam by CLT employees/contractors; data is stored for 45 days after score release, then deleted; stored securely.

What you should do

• Make sure your environment is compliant before you start; integrity review is retrospective.

Common pitfalls

• Assuming recordings are deleted immediately; policy ties retention to score release.

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80) Does CLT use facial recognition or automated ID recognition?

What CLT officially says CLT states it does not use facial recognition technology or ID recognition software; testers are identified visually by employees/contractors.

What you should do

• Ensure your ID display is clear and readable (good lighting, hold steady).

Common pitfalls

• Blurry ID presentation—humans, not automation, must confirm it.

12-week CLT study plan for busy / working students (built to preserve your life)

This plan is time-efficient, repeatable, and aligned to CLT’s current structure:

• 120 questions total (3 sections × 40)
• Section timing: Verbal 40 min, Grammar/Writing 35 min, Quant 45 min
• No calculator (and calculators are explicitly forbidden for remote proctoring)
• No penalty for wrong answers → always answer every question
• CLT practice exams are available in your dashboard after you create an account, and they’re timed like the real exam.

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1) How this plan protects your schedule (3 time tiers)

Choose one tier (and stick to it 12 weeks)

Why this works (evidence-based):

• Frequent practice testing / retrieval beats passive review.
• Spaced practice (small sessions across weeks) outperforms cramming.
• “Desirable difficulties” (timed sets + mixed practice) strengthen long-term performance.

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2) Your weekly template (same every week — zero decision fatigue)

Default schedule (2 full nights off)

If you only do one thing per week: do the weekend anchor session.

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3) The only “system” you must run: the CLT error log

Error-log table (copy/paste into Notes, Google Doc, or spreadsheet)

Busy-student rule: You are allowed to miss questions. You are not allowed to miss the same type of question repeatedly without building a drill.

CLT explicitly recommends reviewing questions you missed or weren’t confident about, using answer explanations.

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4) Official resources this plan is built around

What to use (in priority order)

1. CLT dashboard practice tests (official)

2. Three unique practice tests for CLT; timed like the real exam.

3. You can retake them as many times as you want.

4. You can do them in small pieces/one section at a time (perfect for busy students).

5. Test Simulation (if you’re taking the remotely proctored exam)

6. It mirrors the remote-proctoring steps and interface.

7. It closes at midnight the day before test day.

8. Official CLT Student Guide (optional purchase)

9. Includes three full-length practice tests + explanations.

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5) 12-week roadmap (what changes week to week)

High-level view

CLT itself recommends an order many students find helpful: Practice Test #1 (baseline) → after study Practice Test #3 → Practice Test #2 / simulation right before test day.

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6) Your detailed 12-week plan (busy-friendly, comprehensive)

Week 1 — Setup + Baseline score

Weekend Anchor (90–150 min):

• Take Practice Test #1 as your baseline (timed).

• If you cannot do a full test: do 2 sections (Verbal + Grammar) timed, then Quant next day.

Mon–Thu (30–45 min each):

• Mon (Verbal): 1 passage set timed + log every question you were unsure about.
• Tue (Grammar): 15–25 questions timed; mark any rule you “kind of knew.”
• Wed (Quant): no-calc arithmetic/algebra warm-up + 10-question timed set.
• Thu (Review): Build your error log from the baseline results.

Deliverable: a “Top 10 Weakness List” (skills you missed most).

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Week 2 — Build the core habits (accuracy > speed)

Weekend Anchor:

• Deep review baseline:

• Re-do missed questions untimed (then timed).

• For every miss: write the root cause + one-sentence fix.

Mon–Thu:

• Verbal: inference + main point drills (2 short passage sets)
• Grammar: sentence boundaries + punctuation core (run mini-sets)
• Quant: linear equations + ratios (no calculator)
• Mixed day: 10Q Verbal + 10Q Grammar + 10Q Quant (timed)

Busy student rule: stop sessions at 45 minutes even if you “could do more.” Consistency wins.

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Week 3 — Verbal strength week (without adding hours)

Weekend Anchor:

• Full Verbal section timed (40 min) + 30–40 min review.

Mon–Thu:

• 2 days Verbal passage sets (timed) + explanation review
• 1 day Grammar maintenance (short set)
• 1 day Quant maintenance (short set)

Optional “life-friendly” add-on (2×/week, 15–20 min): Read for fun from CLT’s Author Bank (familiarity helps with style and comfort).

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Week 4 — Grammar/Writing control week

Weekend Anchor:

• Full Grammar/Writing section timed (35 min) + 45 min review.

Mon–Thu focus rotation:

• Rules bucket A: sentence boundaries (run-ons, fragments)
• Rules bucket B: punctuation (comma, colon, semicolon)
• Rules bucket C: pronouns + agreement
• Mixed editing set + error log

Deliverable: your personal “Top 15 Grammar Rules I Miss” list.

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Week 5 — Quant fundamentals week (no-calc mastery)

Weekend Anchor:

• Full Quant section timed (45 min) + 60 min review.
• Practice under real constraints: no calculator.

Mon–Thu:

• 2 days: algebra & manipulation (fractions, exponents, linear systems)
• 1 day: geometry essentials (angles, triangles, circles basics)
• 1 day: word problems (rate, ratio, percent) + translation to equations

Deliverable: a one-page “Quant Moves List” (your fastest solution patterns).

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Week 6 — Timing mechanics week (learn to finish)

Weekend Anchor:

• Do two sections back-to-back (e.g., Verbal then Grammar) with only a 1-minute stretch break to simulate the real feel.

Mon–Thu:

• Each day: 10–15 minutes of pure speed drills

• Verbal: “find evidence fast” drill

• Grammar: “spot the error fast” drill
• Quant: “set up equation fast” drill
• Remaining time: error-log fixes

Busy rule: If you are behind pace in practice, you must practice skipping and returning.

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Week 7 — Full test #2 (the “midpoint reality check”)

Weekend Anchor:

• Take Practice Test #3 timed as your midpoint check.

Mon–Thu:

• Review is the whole week:

• Each day: re-do 10–15 missed/guessed questions + write fix rules

• Build drills from your top 3 weakest tags

Deliverable: “Top 3 Leaks” + a drill plan for each leak.

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Week 8 — Patch your top leaks (targeted improvement week)

Weekend Anchor:

• “Leak drill block” (choose only 2 weaknesses; go deep)

• 45–60 min: drills

• 30–45 min: review explanations and redo wrong ones

Mon–Thu:

• 3 days: your two weakest areas (alternate)
• 1 day: mixed maintenance + pacing mini-check

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Week 9 — Endurance week (hold accuracy under fatigue)

Weekend Anchor:

• Do 3 sections in one sitting timed (a full test experience).

• If you’re remote-proctored, train with remote rules (no phone, no headphones, no calculator).

Mon–Thu:

• Short sessions:

• 1 timed mini-set per day + review

• Keep it light; the weekend did the heavy lifting

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Week 10 — Performance shaping (raise your floor)

Weekend Anchor:

• Re-take a prior practice test or use an unused official test source if you have the Student Guide.

• Re-taking is allowed and common; CLT practice exams can be re-taken and reset.

Mon–Thu:

• Two days: timed sets where you force yourself to guess faster on stuck questions (since guessing isn’t penalized).
• Two days: fix drills from error log

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Week 11 — Dress rehearsal week (test conditions)

Weekend Anchor (do it exactly like test day):

• Same start time you plan to use.
• Same desk/table, same scratch paper limits, same environment constraints.

Mon–Thu:

• Only light maintenance:

• 20–30 min/day: review your “Top mistakes” lists

• 10–15 min/day: speed warm-up set

Goal: Arrive fresh, not burned out.

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Week 12 — Taper + final simulation (busy students peak here)

Early week (Mon–Wed):

• 30–45 min/day:

• Re-do your highest-frequency error types

• One short timed set per section across the week

Day before test:

• If remote-proctored: take the official Test Simulation / Practice Test #2 (CLT recommends it the day before), and note it closes at midnight the day before.
• If in-school: take Practice Test #2 as a final timed run.

Test day reminders baked into prep:

• Remote test: within 7am–7pm ET; one sitting; no breaks except optional 1-minute stretch; no calculators; recorded review.

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7) The “busy student drill menus” (what to do inside each 30–45 min session)

Verbal (30–45 min)

Grammar/Writing (30–45 min)

Quant (30–45 min, no calculator)

(Remember: CLT explicitly forbids calculators for remote-proctored tests.)

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8) If you want “a life”: the non-negotiables that keep stress low

1. Two nights off weekly (protect them).
2. No session longer than 45 minutes on weekdays.
3. Weekend anchor session is where you do full sections/full tests.
4. Always answer every question in practice (train your instincts) because guessing isn’t penalized.
5. Use CLT’s own advice: you can practice “a section at a time” and still get feedback.

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