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The Classic Learning Test (CLT) is a standardized test administered by Classic Learning Initiatives. Designed as an alternative to other standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT,[1][better source needed] the test assesses reading, grammar, writing, and mathematics. One of the distinctive elements of the CLT is its use of classic literature[2][better source needed] for the majority of reading passages on the exam.

The test can be taken online or in-school and takes approximately two hours to complete.[3] Scores are issued within ten days and are calculated out of 120.

Content

As of September 2023, the CLT contained sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and grammar and writing, as well as an optional essay segment.[3] The test has a noticeable emphasis on Christian thought[4] and many of its textual excerpts come from works by Christian figures such as Thomas Aquinas, Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Paul II, Jonathan Edwards, Teresa of Ávila,[5] Augustine of Hippo,[4] Thomas à Kempis,[3] and C. S. Lewis,[4] though religiously critical individuals such as Mark Twain, Charles Darwin, and Karl Marx also feature in the test’s author bank.[5] Other writers excerpted in the test include Jorge Luis Borges,[4] Aristotle, Plato, Cicero, William Shakespeare,[3] Anna Julia Cooper,[4] Toni Morrison, and Ida B. Wells.[5]

Schools accepting CLT scores

Approximately 325 colleges and universities in both the United States and abroad accept the CLT for various purposes related to admissions and course placement.[6][7] These schools tend to be private, liberal arts or faith-based colleges. Many are evangelical and Catholic schools.

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.[4]

Beginning with the 2027 admissions cycle, U.S. service academies will accept CLT scores.[8]

A 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:

References

  1. ^ “Student Publishes Comparison of ACT and Classic Learning Test”. The Heartland Institute. Retrieved November 14, 2018.
  2. ^ “Author Bank for Classic Learning Test (CLT)”. CLT. Retrieved August 4, 2023.
  3. ^ a b c d Kim, Juliana (September 11, 2023). “What to know about Florida’s ‘classic’ alternative to the SAT”. NPR. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  4. ^ a b c d e f Goldstein, Dana (September 8, 2023). “Florida Approves Classic Learning Test for Use in College Admissions”. The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on September 8, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
  5. ^ a b c Demopoulos, Alaina (September 26, 2023). “‘This is not a Trumpy, conservative education’: Florida’s controversial new SAT alternative”. The Guardian. Retrieved March 15, 2025.
  6. ^ Ceballos, Ana; Brugal, Sommer (February 17, 2023). “Florida is considering a ‘classical and Christian’ alternative to the SAT”. Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved February 22, 2023.
  7. ^ “Over 200 Colleges & Universities Accept CLT Scores”. cltexam.com. CLT. Retrieved April 12, 2023.
  8. ^ “Service academies to accept conservative alternative to SAT and ACT”. POLITICO. September 15, 2025.
  9. ^ “Apply to Benedictine”. August 31, 2018. Retrieved June 3, 2023.
  10. ^ “Admissions Process – Bob Jones University”. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  11. ^ “Classic Learning Test Accepted at Cedarville”. Cedarville University. Retrieved October 8, 2021.
  12. ^ “How to Apply”. Retrieved July 10, 2023.
  13. ^ “Liberty University’s Admission Requirements”. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  14. ^ “Undergraduate Admissions Process”. harding.edu. Retrieved January 18, 2026.
  15. ^ “Undergraduate Admissions”. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  16. ^ “Test Scores”. www.ou.edu. Retrieved October 6, 2025.
  17. ^ “Freshman Admissions”. Palm Beach Atlantic University. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  18. ^ “Undergraduate Students – Saint Vincent College”. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  19. ^ “Test Optional – St Olaf College”. Retrieved May 24, 2021.
  20. ^ College, Wheaton. “Submit Test Scores”. Wheaton College. Retrieved September 8, 2023.
  21. ^ BA FAQs