The Classic Learning Test (CLT) - A New Standardized Test Gaining Recognition in the College Admissions Process

By: Lyles Parsell

Overview: Where is the CLT Accepted?

Over the past few years, conversations surrounding standardized testing have largely focused on the SAT and ACT, particularly whether these exams should be required, optional, or test-optional. A growing number of colleges now accept a new standardized test: the CLT. But where does it actually count and should students take it?

Before diving into the structure of the exam, it is helpful to understand where and how the CLT is actually used in admissions, as this is often the most important question for families. The CLT is currently accepted in several ways:

Accepted as a full standardized test alternative
All public universities in Florida, Arkansas, and Oklahoma accept the CLT for general undergraduate admission. This includes schools such as the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, University of Arkansas, Arkansas State University, and the University of Oklahoma. In these states, the CLT can function similarly to the SAT or ACT in the admissions process.

Accepted conditionally
The University of North Carolina System accepts CLT scores for students with a weighted GPA of 2.8 or higher. For students below that threshold, SAT or ACT scores are still required. Some colleges may also use CLT scores for placement or supplemental review, rather than as a primary admissions credential.

Accepted at select private colleges
The CLT is widely accepted at private liberal arts colleges, particularly those that are faith-based or emphasize classical education. Examples include Gonzaga University, Chapman University, and a range of Christian and classical colleges across the country.

Scholarships and additional uses
In addition, CLT scores can also be used for state merit scholarships in states such as Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Some colleges also accept the CLT as an additional data point, even if they still require SAT or ACT scores. At many institutions outside of the states listed above, the CLT is still considered optional or supplemental rather than a full replacement for traditional standardized tests.

What is the CLT?

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a college entrance exam designed for students in grades 11–12, with additional versions available for younger students in grades 3–10. It evaluates reading, grammar, writing, and mathematics. Unlike the SAT and ACT, the CLT draws its reading passages from classic works of literature, philosophy, history, and science. According to the CLT organization, the exam is designed to engage students with “the influential authors and ideas that have shaped history and culture.” The test was founded by Jeremy Tate, a former teacher and test-prep provider, who aimed to create an exam that emphasizes intellectual tradition, reasoning, and engagement with foundational texts.

How is the CLT Different from the SAT and ACT?

The CLT differs from traditional standardized tests in several key ways. Its content emphasizes classical literature, philosophy, and historical texts, rather than the more contemporary passages typically found on the SAT and ACT. In the math section, calculators are not permitted, and there is less emphasis on statistics. Additionally, the CLT offers greater flexibility in administration, with both remote and in-person testing options available.

Supporters argue that the CLT measures not only what students know, but how they think. Critics, however, question whether the exam is fully comparable to the SAT or ACT, pointing to limited independent validation studies and differences in content scope.

How Do You Take the CLT?

The CLT can be taken either remotely or in person, with remote testing being the most common option. For remote testing, students complete the exam at home on their own computer while being monitored by a live proctor through a webcam. Test dates are scheduled directly through the CLT website, and the exam is offered multiple times throughout the year.

For students who prefer an in-person setting, the CLT is available at partner private schools, classical schools, and approved testing sites. In these cases, the exam is typically administered on school-owned or site-provided computers, depending on the location.

While CLT has not publicly released an exact percentage, a significant majority of exams are believed to be taken remotely. This accessibility has helped drive the test’s growth, but it has also contributed to ongoing concerns about test security.

Structure and Scoring

The CLT is a relatively short exam, lasting approximately two hours. It is divided into three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning (math). Together, these sections are combined into a composite score ranging from 0 to 120.

For families looking to better understand how CLT scores compare to traditional exams, the organization provides several helpful tools, including comparisons to the SAT and ACT, as well as a detailed score interpretation guide. These resources can help contextualize CLT performance within the broader standardized testing landscape.

CLT vs. SAT: https://www.cltexam.com/compare/clt-vs-sat/
CLT vs. ACT: https://www.cltexam.com/compare/clt-vs-act/
Score Interpretation Guide: https://info.cltexam.com/hubfs/Exam%20info/Score%20Interpretation%20Guide.pdf

Concerns and Criticism

While the CLT is growing quickly, it has also faced scrutiny. Critics point to limited independent research validating how CLT scores compare to the SAT and ACT, as well as ongoing questions about the security of remote testing. Others have raised concerns about the exam’s emphasis on the Western canon, arguing that it may limit exposure to diverse perspectives. The College Board has also noted that concordance studies between the CLT and SAT remain inconclusive.

Growth and Popularity

The CLT remains significantly smaller than the SAT and ACT, but is expanding rapidly. Approximately 500,000 students have taken the CLT in the past two years, compared to about 2 million students who take the SAT annually and 1.4 million who take the ACT each year. This growth has been driven largely by state adoption and increasing interest in alternatives to traditional standardized testing.

Should Students Consider the CLT?

For now, the CLT is best viewed as a supplement or a strategic alternative in specific states rather than a universal replacement for the SAT or ACT. Students may consider taking the CLT if they are applying to schools in Florida, Arkansas, or Oklahoma, targeting private colleges that explicitly accept the exam, or attending a classical, homeschool, or faith-based program aligned with its content. It may also appeal to students who prefer literature-heavy reading passages.

However, students applying to highly selective universities, including most Ivy League schools and top-tier public institutions such as UNC–Chapel Hill or the University of Texas at Austin, should still plan to take the SAT or ACT, as the CLT is not widely accepted in those admissions processes.

Final Thoughts

The CLT reflects a broader shift toward greater choice and competition in standardized testing. While it is not yet a mainstream alternative nationwide, its rapid expansion, particularly at the state level, suggests it may play a larger role in the future.

For now, students and families should carefully review each college’s testing policies, understand how the CLT is used at each institution, and choose the exam that best aligns with a student’s strengths and goals. Families can also reach out to thecollegesage.com for personalized guidance in navigating the evolving college admissions landscape.