| CLT | |
| Type: | Computer based standardized test |
| Purpose: | Undergraduate admissions (mostly US and Canadian colleges and universities) |
| Skills Tested: | English, math, and critical reasoning skills |
| Score Range: | Composite score: 0 to 120 |
| Language: | English |
| Length: | 2 hours |
| Fee: | US$69 (CLT), $49 (CLT10), $39 (CLT3-8) |
| Score Users: | Colleges or universities offering undergraduate programs, or used by teachers and parents for student evaluation |
The Classic Learning Test (or CLT) is a standardized test developed by Classic Learning Initiatives in 2015. The company is based in Annapolis, Maryland, and its CEO is Jeremy Tate.[1] Designed as an alternative to other standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT,[2] the test assesses reading, grammar, writing, and mathematics. One of the distinctive elements, of the CLT is its use of classic literature and historical texts[3] for the majority of reading passages on the exam.
The exam can be taken online or in-school, takes approximately two hours to complete, and issues test scores within ten days; scores are calculated out of 120. Classic Learning Initiatives also offers other assessments for third through twelfth-grade students: the CLT10, designed for high school freshmen and sophomores, and CLT3-8, for third through eighth-grade students.[4] CLT scores have been indexed to SAT and ACT scores, as well as CLT10 scores to PSAT scores.[5]
In September 2023, The New York Times reported the test emphasizes Christian thought and uses passages authored by religious figures, like Saint Teresa of Ávila, for reading comprehension.[6]
Over 250 colleges and Universities in both the United States and abroad accept the CLT for various purposes related to admissions and course placement. These schools tend to be private, liberal arts or faith-based colleges. Many are evangelical and Catholic schools.[7] [8]
In September 2023, Florida's Board of Governors voted to approve the CLT as an accepted admissions test at all public universities in the state.[9]
A partial list of test-optional colleges that do not require any standardized test for admission, but allow the option to send in a CLT score include: