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CLT Practice Tips and Information

April 30, 2020

College Prep Genius is the exclusive test prep partner of The CLT Exam

We took a lot of the skills we learned with College Prep Genius and applied them

to the CLT.  My son scored in the triple digits.

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- Mark, Missouri

CLT Format

The test is two hours long and taken on a student’s own device such as a laptop or tablet. It is generally offered five times a year. There are 120 Questions with a possible score of 120. Students will receive same day results.

It is used for college entrance as well as for scholarships. It is currently accepted by around 200 colleges. Many, if not all, colleges are currently accepting it now in lieu of the SAT and ACT cancellations.


Many colleges will Super Score the CLT. They will take the highest scores from different tests in different sections and combine them for the best overall score. 


The CLT will archive old tests as long as a student keeps his or her account open.


Students can register  for the tests at www.CLTexam.com


The Partner ID: CPG18 will cut registration in half as well as enter the student into occasional drawings.

The CLT will be remotely proctored on June 20.

CLT Comparison

CLT

SAT

ACT


CLT

SAT

ACT

116-120

n/a

N/A


88

1320

28

114

1600

36


86

1300

28

112

1580

36


84

1260

27

110

1560

35


82

1240

26

108

1540

35


80

1220

25

106

1520

34


78

1200

25

104

1500

34


76

1160

224

102

1480

33


74

1130

23

100

1460

33


72

1100

22

98

1430

32


70

1080

21

96

1410

31


68

1060

21

94

1390

31


66

1030

20

92

1370

30


64

990

19

90

1340

29


Cell
Cell
Cell

CLT

SAT

ACT

116-120

n/a

N/A

114

1600

36

112

1580

36

110

1560

35

108

1540

35

106

1520

34

104

1500

34

102

1480

33

100

1460

33

98

1430

32

96

1410

31

94

1390

31

92

1370

30

90

1340

29

CLT

SAT

ACT

88

1320

28

86

1300

28

84

1260

27

82

1240

26

80

1220

25

78

1200

25

76

1160

224

74

1130

23

72

1100

22

70

1080

21

68

1060

21

66

1030

20

64

990

19

CLT 10

Sophomores can take the CLT10 for scholarships. It is generally offered three times: September, February and April. It is free and students can take all three and they take the highest score. The next test is October 20, 2020. The analytics are $24 for a one-year subscription. 

The Partner ID: CPG18 cuts the cost of the analytical report in half.

This test is on par with the PSAT/NMSQT as they partnered with the NAS . (National Association of Scholars) Sophomores can receive scholarship money based on a high-test score.

CLT Awards

  1. 1
    Distinguished Scholar (Top at School)
  2. 2
    Regional Scholar (Top 5% Geographically)
  3. 3
    National Scholar (Top 1% Nationally)

CLT 8

It is on par with the PSAT 8/9. It is used to show progression as well as acceptance in schools.

It next CLT8 will be administered the week of July 20-24, 2020/

Analytics Report

Students can get their analytical report with detailed answers, explanations, and difficulty level, back.  These can be returned  at no cost for both the CLT and the CLT8.  It provides percentages, percentiles, strengths and weaknesses, practice questions, and more. It does not disclose the difficulty level of questions, though. The CLT10 test is free, but the analytics report is $24.  

Partner ID: CPG18 will cut the analytics report cost in half.

End of Year Exam

Most states accept the CLT10, for the end of the year test, for states that require a homeschooler because it is norm-referenced. The CLT8 is not norm-referenced yet, unfortunately. However, it seems as if COVID has turned everything upside down, so I'd encourage families to check with the state reps, as I would assume many states will make exceptions.

Athletes and NCAA

For athletes, NCAA Eligibility Center scholarship information for a student playing Division 1 or 2 sports is still in the works. The CLT is currently working on this, both for the NCAA and NAIA. They have heard from these organizations that more colleges have to reach out and inquire, which I assume will happen these next few weeks.  Alec Bianco of CLT noted, “Often parents are the most powerful driver, so definitely encourage them to contact the colleges.” 

College Prep Genius CLT Tips

The CLT test is administered online on a device such as a laptop or tablet. Students are allowed to use blank scratch paper. (up to six pages, lined, graph or printer) They will show the camera the blank paper before the test starts. Here are some tips for the CLT on how to use the CPG program, which is designed for a paper and pencil method test.

In the Verbal section:
  1. 1
    On your scratch paper, write the acronym, of each of the five question types, on the top of the paper to jar your memory for each step of the strategies.
  1. 2
    Number the questions 1-40. Draw a line to separate each passage, usually ten or eleven questions each. For each new passage, start backwards to label them correctly on your scratch paper.

E.g.

     P      1.   

     C      2.   

     U      3.   

     C      4.

    COE  5.   

    COE  6.

  1. 3
    Then put the number of answering them next to them.

E.g.

     P      1.   5.

     C      2.   2.

     U      3.   1.

     C      4.   2.

    COE   5.   3.

    COE   6.   3.

A. O

B. T

C. C

D.

In the Grammar section:

  1. 1
    Write the acronyms on the top of the paper to jar your memory for each step of the strategies for the question types: R.E.V.I.S.E. and R.E.S.T.A.T.E. Also write the recurring grammar issue acronym: I.N.S.I.D.E. A.N.S.W.E.R.S.
  2. 2
    Number the paper, 41-80.

In the Quantitative Comparison section:

  1. 1
    On the scratch paper, write the acronym E.A.S.Y. M.A.T.H. at the top of the paper and follow each step.
  2. 2
    On your paper, number the section, 81-120, and leave enough space in-between to work the problems.
  3. 3
    Treat the question and answer as one entity.
  4. 4
    Use the scratch paper to do any calculations, marking off answer letters that are incorrect. Calculators are not allowed.

How To Use the Six Blank Pages on the CLT Exam

For athletes, NCAA Eligibility Center scholarship information for a student playing Division 1 or 2 sports is still in the works. The CLT is currently working on this, both for the NCAA and NAIA. They have heard from these organizations that more colleges have to reach out and inquire, which I assume will happen these next few weeks.  Alec Bianco of CLT noted, “Often parents are the most powerful driver, so definitely encourage them to contact the colleges.” 

All Three Sections:   Verbal, Grammar and Math

  1. 1

    Use two pages, front and back for each section.

  2. 2
    Write correct acronyms at the top of the paper.
  3. 3
    Number pages as you get to that section. Write out ten questions per page; occasionally there are eleven questions in one of the Verbal sections.
  4. 4
    Write A-D under each number. Here’s a quick way to do this:
  1. 1
    Draw a vertical line.
  1. 2
    Fill in A and D

Instructions for the Remote Proctored CLT

At a Glance

The following list contains some of the most important requirements for the remote-proctored CLT exam, which will be administered on June 20th. This list is not exhaustive. Be sure that you and your parents read the rest of this document thoroughly before test day. 

  1. 1
    Students' video, screen, audio, and keystrokes will be recorded during testing. 
  2. 2
    Devices must have a camera, microphone, and speaker (not headphones).
  3. 3
    Students must have an approved photo ID.
  4. 4
    Students may use a PC laptop or desktop only. Tablets or mobile devices may not be used.
  5. 5
    Devices must use a Windows operating system. Apple devices such as MacBooks are strongly discouraged.
  6. 6
    The exam will take about two hours and twenty minutes, including instruction time at the beginning of the exam.
  7. 7
    The CLT will contact students with their assigned start time.
  8. 8
    On test day, we will offer chat support from 6:45 AM until 7:00 PM Eastern Time.
  9. 9
    Scores will be released following the test.
  10. 10
    The student or a parent must attend a pre-test webinar.

Please continue reading for more information. 

Table of Contents

Introduction 

I. Pre-Test Webinars 

II. Test Requirements 

III. Important Differences

IV. Test Day Timeline


Introduction

Dear Students and Parents, 

We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy during this troubling time and wish a speedy recovery to any of those who have fallen ill. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. 

While the SAT and ACT have canceled their upcoming tests due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we at CLT are offering students the chance to take a remote-proctored version of the exam on June 20th and August 22nd. 

The nature of an at-home test, however, requires that certain important rules be observed during the administration of the exam, for reasons of test integrity and security. These rules are listed in the sections below. 

Be sure to set aside sufficient time to read this document well before test day. Parents and students must read this document in its entirety. 

Thank you for choosing the CLT, and best wishes on your college application journey!


I. Pre-Test Webinars

Make every effort to participate in one of our pre-test webinars. 

Recordings will be made available to all test registrants. Parents and/or students must either attend one of the live webinars or view a recorded version in full. These webinars may contain critical information for testers. 


II. Test Requirements

Both parents and students must read the following requirements carefully and thoroughly. 

  1. 1
    Required Items

a. PC laptop or desktop. See below for more information.

b. Video camera, whether built into the computer or a separate webcam attached on top.

c. Microphone, whether internal or external. Headsets are not allowed.

d. Device speaker/audio, whether internal or external. Headsets and earphones are not allowed. Speaker(s) must be on and set to an audible volume to ensure that students receive no audio assistance or notifications during testing.

e. Photo ID. See below for more information.

f. Device charger (for laptops). Make sure your device is plugged in during the exam

  1. 2
    Permitted Items

The following are permitted but not required. 

a. Scratch paper, whether lined, graph, or printer paper. Up to 6 sheets are permitted. Before the test, students must hold up each sheet of scratch paper to the camera to show that they are completely blank before testing has begun. 

b. Pen or pencil, including mechanical pencils. 

c. Extension cord or power strip. 

  1. 3
    Prohibited Items

The following are prohibited; any student who uses these or has them nearby during testing will not receive a CLT score.

a. Additional Devices 

    i. Phone or mobile device 

    ii. Additional monitor 

    iii. Calculator 

    iv. Any additional device apart from your testing device 

b. Unauthorized Resources 

    i. Books 

    ii. Educational materials or posters 

    iii. Resource/reference material of any kind 

c. Miscellaneous 

    i. Snacks 

    ii. Headset or earphones 

    iii. Watches of any kind

  1. 4
    Testing Environment

a. Private Room 

    i. You must take the test alone in a closed room. No one else may be

        present in the room during testing.

    ii. Public spaces such as libraries, cafes, or parks are not allowed.

    iii. Your room must be well lit. Use overhead lighting if possible; if

          not, make sure your light source is to the side and not directly     

          behind you, as this will make it difficult to see you clearly. 

b. Desk and Seating 

    i. Your computer and keyboard must be on a desk or table.

    ii. All items not approved for use during testing must be removed

        from the desk and surrounding area. 

    iii. You must sit in a standard chair, as opposed to a bed, couch, 

        or overstuffed chair.

c. Appearance 

    i. Your ears must remain visible throughout the test. They may not 

       be covered by a hat, hair, etc.

    ii. Please dress appropriately for the exam, as you will be recorded.

    iii. Do not wear unnecessary items such as jewelry or other accessories. 

  1. 5
    Device Requirements

a. Laptop or Desktop Only:  Tablets or mobile devices may not be used to take the exam.

 b. Windows Operating System:  Devices must use a Windows operating system. Apple devices such as MacBooks are strongly discouraged, in accordance with industry standards. Our remote proctoring software has been designed to operate smoothly on Windows and we cannot guarantee the same testing experience or technical support availability for those using an Apple device.

  1. 6
    Browser and Software Requirements

a. Chrome: The best browser for CLT exams is Chrome (which may be downloaded here for free), although Firefox and Internet Explorer/Edge are also generally compatible. Do not use a browser other than these three. 

b. Updates: Make sure your device has completed any necessary updates before test day and that your browser and software are fully up to date. 

c. Test your Device: Test your device by submitting a practice test from the “Practice” tab of your CLT account. If you don’t plan to take a full practice test (although we strongly recommend doing so), open a practice test, select a random answer from each of the three sections, and submit. If your device can submit a partial or full practice test without difficulty, it should be able to run the actual exam.

  1. 7
    Internet Requirements

Make sure your device has a reliable internet connection. Dial-up is not recommended. Once again, make sure your device can submit a practice test properly. 

A few days before the test, check your email for an announcement of a new feature in your CLT account that will allow you to test your camera, screen sharing, and microphone. This feature is currently being developed.

  1. 8
    Photo ID

Students must hold up a clear photo ID to the camera at the start of testing. Acceptable forms of ID are listed below.

If you do not have any of these IDs, please contact operations@cltexam.com immediately. 

a. Passport 

b. Driver’s License or Permit (if photo is included)

c. State ID

d. Military ID/Military Dependent ID (if photo is included)

e. High school ID (current year only)

f. HSLDA Student ID (current year only)
  1. 9
    Start Time and Duration

The CLT will contact you with your assigned start time. 

The exam will take you about 2 hours and 20 minutes, including instruction time at the beginning of the exam.

Students who do not adhere to the requirements listed above may have their registrations canceled and tests voided, and their exam fee may be forfeited. CLT reserves the right to suspend or cancel the account of any students at our sole discretion. 


III. Important Differences

Please check this link for information about the June 20, 2020 CLT Test.


IV. Test Day Timeline

1. Before Test Day

  1. 1
    Make sure both you and your parents have read this document in its entirety.
  2. 2
    Make any necessary preparations to comply with the rules and requirements listed in this document.
  3. 3
    Register for and attend one of the pre-test webinars.
  1. 4
    CLT Account

a. Know your CLT username and password. Practice logging in now at cltexam.com/login. You may reset your password at cltexam.com/reset if necessary. 

b. Make sure you are registered for the "Upcoming CLT Test" on the Dashboard of your account.

c. Make sure you have submitted payment. You may do so from the "Edit Registration" page.

d. Complete your profile using the "Profile" tab at the left.

e. Check that your name is listed correctly. If, at the time when you show your ID to the camera (see below), your name is missing, shows a sibling's name, or does not match the name on your ID, you will not receive a score.

  1. 5
    Test your device by taking and submitting a practice test from the "Practice" tab of your account. Any device that can take and submit a practice test properly can generally take the actual exam.
  2. 6
    Check your email a few days before test day for an announcement of a new feature currently being developed that will allow you to test your camera, screen sharing, and microphone. 

2. On Test Day

  1. 1
    We will offer chat support on test day from 6:45 AM until 7:00 PM Eastern Time. It will be accessible on the bottom-right of our homepage, cltexam.com. There will be a button on your test page that opens directly to our homepage in a new tab.
  2. 2
    We will email you and your Emergency Contact the Test Access Code 15 minutes before your assigned time. If you don't receive the code on test day, don't panic! Send us a message on online chat. There will be a grace period for logging in and beginning your exam.
  3. 3
    Soon after you enter the Test Access Code, you will be prompted to start recording your video, screen, audio, and keystrokes. Before you begin recording, take some time to ensure your testing room is completely prepared for the exam. 

a. Once you click the "Start Recording" button, you will be required to remain in your seat and may not leave the testing room until you submit your test. 

b. Restroom breaks will not be permitted during the exam, so take one at this time if you need to do so. 

c. If talking or other noise is heard in the background during your test, it may jeopardize your ability to receive a score. 

d. Take a moment now to ensure everyone in your household knows that you cannot be interrupted for about the next two hours and twenty minutes (allowing for instruction time at the beginning of the test). Tell them not to knock or call for you, even if your submission time is delayed, in the event of a technical difficulty. 

e. Post a sign outside your door. Call or text anyone who might come home while you are in the midst of testing. 

f. Then, be sure to turn off your phone and place it outside of your testing room. 

g. Close out of all apps and windows other than the one window you have open for the exam. 

h. Make sure your device’s notifications are off. Learn how from this article. 

i. If you are using a laptop, ensure that it is plugged in and check that it is charging properly.

  1. 4

    At the start time, you will log in at cltexam.com/login, enter the Test Access Code, and read and sign the Test Day Requirements and Honor Code.

  2. 5
    On the following page, a dialog box will appear asking you to grant video and audio recording permissions to cltexam.com. You must accept in order to take the exam.
  3. 6
    A second dialog box will appear asking you to grant screen sharing permissions. You must accept the "Share Window" option as opposed to the "Share Screen" option.
  4. 7
    A "Start Recording" button will appear, along with a list of instructions.
  5. 8
    Read the instructions and then click the "Start Recording" button. Important: As soon as you click it and until you submit your test, your video, screen, audio, and keystrokes will be recorded.
  6. 9
    Follow the instructions that appear. You will be asked to do the following:

a. Check that you can see your video recording and screen share in the preview boxes that appear. 

b. State your full name, to confirm that your microphone is working. 

c. Hold your photo ID up to the camera for three seconds. 

d. Then hold it next to your face for another three seconds. Check the preview box to ensure that your face and the entirety of the ID are clearly being seen at the same time by the camera. 

e. Show that your ears are not covered with hair or a hat and that you are not using earphones or a headset.

f. Briefly videotape the room, showing the following: 

    i. Show all doors and that they are closed. 

    ii. Show that there are no educational posters or materials on the wall. 

    iii. Show that your device does not have an additional monitor and that

         there are no additional computer monitors in the room. 

    iv. Show the desk and chair where you will be sitting. 

     v. Show that there is nothing on or near the desk except the Required and

       Permitted items listed in Section II.

    vi. Show each sheet of your scratch paper. Pick up sheets one by one and

         show both sides to the camera to show that all of them are    

         completely blank. 

  1. 10
    Return to your chair, return the camera to its previous position (if applicable), check the preview box again to ensure that your camera is filming your face properly, and click the button to begin the test and timer.

a. You may begin reading the passage and answering questions as soon as you click the button. 

b. The timer will automatically begin counting down. 

c. It will count down from 40 minutes in the Verbal Reasoning Section, 35 minutes in the Grammar/Writing Section, and 45 minutes in the Quantitative Reasoning Section. 

d. The timer will begin as green and will turn yellow at the five-minute warning. 

e. If the timer reaches 0, it will turn red and begin counting up in "negative time," e.g., -00:01, -00:02, -00:03. 

f. You are to click the button to move the next section as soon as the timer reaches 0, neither before nor after. 

g. Exception: If you lose time due to a technical difficulty after you have already started the timer, you will be given compensatory time in the "red zone" (i.e., negative time) equal to the amount of time lost. Chat with us if this occurs. 

h. The timer will automatically restart and begin counting down from that section's allotted amount of time (35 minutes for Grammar/Writing and 45 minutes for Quantitative Reasoning).

  1. 11
    At the conclusion of the final section, you will click the button to submit the test, which will submit your answers to all three sections and end the recording of your video, screen, audio, and keystrokes.
  2. 12
    You will then be asked to provide your valuable feedback in the form of a survey.
  3. 13
     You will then be free to leave the testing room. 14. Please do not discuss the content of the exam with others or on social media. 

3. After Test Day

  1. 1
    Your test score will be posted on your CLT account.
  2. 2
    You will receive an email when scores are about to be released. 
  3. 3
    Once they are released, you may view your score and Student Analytics (included free of charge in any CLT or CLT8 registration).
  4. 4
     You may then send your CLT score to colleges free of charge through your CLT account.

V. About Your Exam

  1. 1
    The exam consists of 120 questions, all multiple choice. There will be no essay on the June 20ths remote-proctored CLT.
  2. 2
    You will receive one point for every question that you answer correctly. Points will not be deducted for incorrect answers.
  3. 3
    The exam contains three sections, each of which contains 40 questions and is timed:

a. Verbal Reasoning: 40 minutes 

b. Grammar/Writing: 35 minutes 

c.  Quantitative Reasoning: 45 minutes 

  1. 4
    For information on test content, visit cltexam.com/test-content or check out a Practice Test on the "Practice" tab of your CLT account. For a comparison of the CLT with the SAT and the ACT, visit cltexam.com/comparison.
  2. 5
    Each of the exam sections is timed, and you will work only within the current section at that time. You may skip around among the questions within that one section, but you may not return to an earlier section at any time or proceed to a later section until the allotted time has elapsed.
  3. 6
    If you finish a section early, you may not proceed to the next section or submit your test until the allotted time has elapsed. You are encouraged to use that time to check your answers on that section - but not on any previous sections.
  4. 7
    You are welcome to use scratch paper and a pen or pencil as an aid at any time during the exam.
  5. 8
    Your score will be posted on your CLT account. You will receive an email when scores are about to be released.
  6. 9
    You may then send your score to colleges free of charge using your CLT account. CLT partner colleges acknowledge the rigor of CLT tests, and sending them a test score is an excellent way to set yourself apart as an applicant! 

We are excited to offer students this remote-proctored version of the exam. A remote-proctored exam requires a detailed breakdown of the requirements for before and during test day, and we thank you for taking the time to read this document thoroughly. 

If you still have any questions after reading this document, please ask us during one of the pre-test webinars, contact us at info@cltexam.com, or call us at 844-925-8392 ext. 703. 

Thanks again for choosing the CLT!

For Updates: College Prep Genius + CLT

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