Classic Learning Test

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.

CLT

Type	Computer based standardized test
Skills tested	English, math, and critical reasoning skills
Purpose	Undergraduate admissions (mostly US and Canadian colleges and universities)
Score range	Composite score: 0 to 120
Languages	English
Fee	US$69 (CLT), $49 (CLT10), $39 (CLT3-8)
Used by	Colleges or universities offering undergraduate programs, or used by teachers and parents for student evaluation
Website	cltexam.com

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]

Reception

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]

Schools accepting CLT scores

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:

• Benedictine College^[10]
• Bob Jones University^[11]

• Cedarville University^[12]
• Grove City College^[13]
• Liberty University^[14]
• Harding University
• Mount St. Mary's University^[15]
• Palm Beach Atlantic University^[16]
• Saint Vincent College^[17]
• St. Olaf College^[18]
• Wheaton College (Illinois)^[19]
• Zaytuna College^[20] New College Franklin^[21] requires CLT scores for admission.

References

1. Redemer, Colin (June 20, 2023). "Debating the Classic Learning Test | Colin Redemer". American Reformer. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
2. "Student Publishes Comparison of ACT and Classic Learning Test". The Heartland Institute. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
3. "Author Bank for Classic Learning Test (CLT)". CLT. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
4. "CLT Tests". www.cltexam.com. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
5. "CLT and CLT10 Comparisons". cltexam.com. Retrieved May 12, 2020.
6. "Here's What It's Like to Take the Classic Learning Test". The New York Times. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
7. Ceballos, Ana; Brugal, Sommer (February 17, 2023). "Florida is considering a 'classical and Christian' alternative to the SAT". Retrieved February 22, 2023.
8. "Over 200 Colleges & Universities Accept CLT Scores". cltexam.com. CLT. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
9. Goldstein, Dana (September 8, 2023). "Florida Approves Classic Learning Test for Use in College Admissions". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
10. "Apply to Benedictine". August 31, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
11. "Admissions Process - Bob Jones University". Retrieved May 24, 2021.
12. "Classic Learning Test Accepted at Cedarville". Cedarville University. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
13. "How to Apply". Retrieved July 10, 2023.
14. "Liberty University's Admission Requirements". Retrieved May 24, 2021.
15. "Undergraduate Admissions". Retrieved May 24, 2021.
16. "Freshman Admissions". Palm Beach Atlantic University. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
17. "Undergraduate Students - Saint Vincent College". Retrieved May 24, 2021.
18. "Test Optional - St Olaf College". Retrieved May 24, 2021.
19. College, Wheaton. "Submit Test Scores". Wheaton College. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
20. BA FAQs
21. "Apply". New College Franklin. Retrieved September 11, 2023.