The Ultimate Guide to the Classic Learning Test

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This Guide has everything You need to know about the Classic Learning Test (CLT) in 2025.

1. What is the Classic Learning Test

2. CLT Test Breakdown

3. How Scoring Works on the CLT

4. What Colleges Accept the CLT?

5. Who Should Take the CLT?

6. How to Ace the CLT

7. How to take a CLT Practice Test

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1. What is the Classic Learning Test? ▴

The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a standardized college entrance exam - like the ACT or SAT - that was created in 2015. It is accepted by over 300 colleges and universities across the United States.

The CLT is for high school juniors and seniors. There are also exams for younger students, including the CLT10 for tenth graders, CLT8 for eighth graders, and CLT3-6.

The test has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Grammar & Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning.

There are 120 multiple choice questions, and students have 2 hours to complete all three sections (with a brief break between sections).

The CLT can be taken online in the comfort of your own home or at a partner high school.

There is an optional essay response for students at partner high schools, which students have 30 minutes to complete.

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2. CLT Test Breakdown▴

Verbal Reasoning

Verbal Reasoning is the CLT’s reading comprehension section.

Verbal Reasoning contains four separate reading passages with 10 questions per passage – a total of 40 questions.

Students have 40 minutes to complete this section.

It’s similar to the ACT’s Reading section. The biggest difference between CLT Verbal Reasoning and ACT Reading: the authors on each test.

The CLT features authors like Aristotle, Jane Austen, and Abraham Lincoln. The ACT typically features modern novels and journal articles.

For a complete Verbal Reasoning Section breakdown, read here.

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Grammar & Writing

The Grammar & Writing Section is exactly what it sounds like. It measures a student’s ability to recognize proper sentence structure and writing style.

Like Verbal Reasoning, this section contains four passages with ten questions per passage, for a total of 40 questions.

Students have 35 minutes to complete the Grammar & Writing section.

For a complete Grammar & Writing Section breakdown, read here.

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Quantitative Reasoning

Quantitative Reasoning is the math section of the CLT.

Why isn’t it just called "math"?

In addition to traditional math questions, the CLT has "Mathematical Reasoning" questions. They're kinda like Logic questions for high schoolers.

For examples, check out our Quantitative Reasoning Section Article!

Are there normal math questions, too? Yes! There are Algebra and Geometry questions in addition to Mathematical Reasoning questions.

The Quantitative Reasoning section has 40 total questions. Students have 45 minutes to complete it.

For a complete Quantitative Reasoning Section breakdown, read here.

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3. How Scoring Works on the CLT▴

There are 120 Questions on the CLT. If you get a question right, you get a point. There is no penalty for getting a question wrong.

So, if you get 100 questions correct, you get a 100 on the CLT. The highest possible score is a 120.

To learn more about what your score means for college applications and scholarships, read our Full CLT Scoring Article.

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4. What Colleges Accept the CLT?

Over 300 colleges and universities across the United States and abroad accept the CLT.

Notable examples include Baylor University, Hillsdale College, University of Florida, and Wheaton College.

For a complete list of colleges that accept the CLT, read The CLT and Your College.
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5. Who Should Take the CLT?

If you're planning to apply to colleges that accept the CLT, it's a good idea to take the exam.

Some colleges - like the University of Dallas - even have an Automatic Admission policy if you get a certain score on the CLT. For example, if you get an 88 or higher on the CLT you will automatically be admitted to the University of Dallas when you apply.

The CLT is also the most convenient standardized test to take. You can even take it online - from the comfort of your own home - and it only take 2 hours to complete.

If you're applying to a school that accepts the CLT, you'll qualify for merit scholarships using your CLT score - just like you would with the ACT or SAT.

If you live in the state of Florida, you can qualify for Bright Futures scholarships with your CLT score, or you can use your CLT score to pass Florida's graduation standards and get your high school diploma! For more info, read The CLT and Florida.

6. How to Ace the CLT

Preparing to Ace the CLT is simple: 

First, Understand the Test Structure and Question Types.

There are three sections on the test with 40 questions each: 

• Verbal Reasoning
• Grammar / Writing
• Quantitative Reasoning

Each section has a very specific set of question types that students need to be familiar with. The good news is those question types are guaranteed to show up on test day, so once you understand them, you're one step closer to being prepared!

Next, develop a plan to ensure you can complete each section of the test on time. It's extremely important that you finish each section on time so that you can carefully consider each question and answer with confidence.

Once you understand the test structure and know your strategy to complete the test on time, it's time to learn exactly how to find the correct answer on the CLT. Everyone struggles with this - but once you learn the secrets of the CLT, you'll unlock those tricky questions that keep you from getting your target score.

To learn how to unlock those tricky questions, Read This.

Finally, take a Full CLT Practice Test.

7. Take a CLT Practice Test

Execute your Strategy to complete each section on time polish your skills with a timed practice test.

For a Free, Downloadable CLT Practice Test, click here.

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