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. Designed as an alternative to other standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT, 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 for the majority of reading passages on the exam.
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, the CLT8, for seventh and eighth-grade students, and CLT3-6, for third through sixth-grade students. CLT scores have been indexed to SAT and ACT scores, as well as CLT10 scores to PSAT scores.
Controversy
The New York Times reported in Sept 2023 that there is an emphasis on Christian thought. The article displays a religious passage used for reading comprehension.
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. This amounts to roughly 6% of the 3,931 colleges and universities in the United States. 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.
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 Bob Jones University
Cedarville University
Grove City College
Liberty University
Harding University
Mount St. Mary's University
Palm Beach Atlantic University
Saint Vincent College
St. Olaf College
Wheaton College (Illinois) Zaytuna College
Some colleges accept the CLT as part of determinations related to course placement, including California Baptist University. New College Franklin requires CLT scores for admission.