FAQ
Overview
What is Modern States?
Modern States is a nonprofit organization founded by Steve Klinsky, an education philanthropist and reformer. Modern States aspires to make higher education more accessible and affordable for everyone.
How does Modern States work?
Participation
How do I participate in the Modern States Program? Am I eligible?
Anyone 13 and older is eligible to create a Modern States account, take Modern States courses, and earn CLEP exam vouchers through Modern States. Simply go to register.modernstates.org, complete the registration form and finish setting up your account, and within minutes, you can enroll in any of the Modern States courses.
To be eligible for a Modern States CLEP voucher you pass quizzes in a course with an average of 75%, and score at least 75% on the final exam. If you don’t achieve the 75% threshold on your first attempt, you are able to take quizzes and the final exam again.
Our registration process asks questions about demographics and learning goals. These questions are simply to help us understand our learners; your answers do not make you ineligible for Modern States.
How do I sign up for Modern States?
Go to the register.modernstates.org, create an account, and start learning for free.
Can international students use Modern States?
Yes! However, CLEP exams must be taken at an approved test center, so students outside the U.S. should check for availability.
Is there an age requirement to enroll?
To create an account and use Modern States, you must be at least 13 years old.
Courses
What types of courses does Modern States offer?
Modern States provides 32 courses in the following categories, one aligned with each existing CLEP exam:
Social Sciences & History
- American Government
- History of the United States I
- History of the United States II
- Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648
- Western Civilization II: 1648 to Present
- Introductory Psychology
- Human Growth and Development
- Introductory Sociology
- Principles of Macroeconomics
- Principles of Microeconomics
- Social Sciences and History
Mathematics
- College Algebra
- College Mathematics
- Calculus
- Precalculus
Science & Technology
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Natural Sciences
- Information Systems
Business & Management
- Financial Accounting
- Principles of Management
- Principles of Marketing
- Introductory Business Law
Languages & Literature
- English Literature
- American Literature
- Analyzing and Interpreting Literature
- Spanish Language
- French Language
- German Language
Humanities & General Education
- Humanities
- Introduction to Educational Psychology
- College Composition
How do I enroll in a course?
Simply sign up for a free Modern States account at register.modernstates.org, browse the Courses, and enroll in any course you want.
Can I take multiple courses at once?
Yes! You can enroll in as many courses as you want and complete them at your own pace.
Are Modern States courses self-paced?
Yes! Students can complete courses at their own pace, in the way they learn best.
Many educational institutions, such as high schools and colleges, also use Modern States or support learners to use Modern States courses. In these environments, students may move through courses in a more structured way.
How long does it take to complete a course?
Courses are self-paced, so completion time varies, view this spreadsheet for details on each specific course and module. Some students finish in a few days, while others take several months.
Do I need to buy any materials?
No. All required course materials, including digital textbooks and assessment resources, are free.
CLEP
What are CLEP exams?
How do I take a CLEP exam?
- Complete a Modern States course to prepare for a CLEP exam.
- Request a free CLEP exam voucher from Modern States.
- Register for the CLEP exam through College Board.
- Take the CLEP exam at an approved testing center.
What score do I need to pass a CLEP exam?
Most colleges require a minimum score of 50 to grant credit, but some schools may have different policies.
Does Modern States pay for CLEP exams?
Yes! Modern States provides a CLEP exam voucher, which covers the cost of the CLEP exam, for students who pass a Modern States course.
Does Modern States cover test center fees?
Modern States covers the CLEP exam fee, but some test centers may charge an additional administration fee that students must pay separately.
What Happens If My Voucher Is Misused or Entered Incorrectly?
- Enter the code during your CLEP Registration at myclep.collegeboard.org.
- Double-check the voucher code for any typos before submitting it during CLEP Registration.
- Ensure you’re registering for the specific CLEP subject that matches your course and voucher.
Earning Credit
How many colleges recognize the CLEP exams for credit?
Over 2,900 U.S. colleges and universities grant credit for CLEP exams.
How do I check if a college accepts CLEP exams for credit?
Modern States has created a CLEP Acceptance Tool where students can verify if their college or university accepts CLEP credit.
Further Support
How do I contact Modern States for support?
You can contact Modern States in the following ways:
Help Icon on the Website – For quick answers to common issues, including courses, CLEP exams, vouchers, and reimbursements.
Contact Page Form – Submit a request for:
- Technical Support / Learner Support – Platform, course access, or system issues
- General Inquiries – Questions about Modern States programs
- Partnerships with Modern States – Collaboration requests
- Voucher Requests – Assistance with obtaining a CLEP exam voucher
- Reimbursement Requests – Help with test center reimbursements
- Media / Press Inquiries – Requests from journalists or media professionals
For faster assistance, use the Help Icon before submitting a Contact form.
We aim to respond within 3 business days, but some responses may take longer
