What is the CLT Test?

If you’re exploring college admissions tests beyond the SAT and ACT, you may have come across the CLT—the Classic Learning Test. But what exactly is the CLT? Who is it for, and how does it compare to other standardized exams?

The CLT is a college entrance exam that evaluates a student’s abilities in reading, grammar, and mathematical reasoning. What sets it apart is its emphasis on classical texts and traditional education values. Designed for students who thrive in literature-rich, discussion-based learning environments, the CLT is gaining popularity among homeschool families, private school students, and others who value a classical approach to education.

Origins and Philosophy

The CLT was created in 2015 by Jeremy Tate, a former high school teacher and college counselor. Concerned about the increasing focus on skill-based, context-free testing, Tate envisioned an assessment rooted in intellectual tradition and cultural literacy. He launched the Classic Learning Initiatives, the organization behind the CLT, with the goal of offering an academically rigorous and philosophically grounded alternative to the SAT and ACT.

The CLT is designed to reflect the values of classical education: thoughtful reading, analytical reasoning, and an appreciation for timeless ideas. Its texts and questions are meant to challenge students not just academically, but intellectually and morally as well.

How the CLT Differs from the SAT and ACT

While all three tests assess college readiness, the CLT differs in both content and structure. In the CLT, reading passages come from classic literature, historical speeches, religious writings, and philosophical texts. Students may find themselves analyzing excerpts from thinkers like Augustine, Jane Austen, or Frederick Douglass. In contrast, the SAT and ACT focus more on modern nonfiction and contemporary topics.

The structure of the CLT also differs. It includes three core sections—Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning—and takes approximately two hours to complete. Unlike the SAT and ACT, the CLT does not include a science section, and its math section is calculator-free. Students can take the CLT either at home under remote proctoring or in-person at participating schools, offering flexibility that many families appreciate.

Philosophically, the CLT prioritizes depth of content over test-taking strategies. It encourages students to engage with complex ideas and develop critical thinking skills. For families and educators who believe education should form both intellect and character, this approach is a welcome alternative.

Test Structure and Content

The CLT is composed of three main sections:

Verbal Reasoning

This 40-minute section features 40 questions based on passages from literature, philosophy, religion, and historical texts. Students are assessed on their ability to interpret complex texts, analyze themes, and draw inferences.

Grammar and Writing

In this 35-minute section, students answer 40 questions that test their understanding of grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and stylistic clarity. The format includes editing passages and identifying grammatical errors.

Quantitative Reasoning

The 45-minute math section includes 40 questions covering algebra, geometry, logic, and quantitative reasoning. Calculators are not allowed, placing emphasis on conceptual understanding and mental problem-solving skills.

In addition to the core test, students may opt to complete an optional essay that allows them to respond to a philosophical prompt. While not required by all colleges, the essay, which is only available to in-person test-takers, can enhance a student’s application by showcasing their writing and reasoning skills.

Scoring and Results

Each section of the CLT—Verbal Reasoning, Grammar/Writing, and Quantitative Reasoning—is scored on a scale of 0 to 40, for a composite score ranging from 0 to 120. These scaled scores are calculated from the number of correct answers, with adjustments made to account for variations in difficulty across different test forms.

Students receive an Analytics Report that breaks down performance by section, helping to identify academic strengths and areas for improvement. This makes the CLT not only a tool for admissions, but also a meaningful resource for long-term learning.

Additionally, students receive a percentile ranking, showing how their score compares nationally, and a Projected Score that estimates their equivalent performance on the SAT or ACT. This helps colleges interpret CLT results using familiar benchmarks.

Who Accepts the CLT?

As of 2025, over 280 colleges and universities accept the CLT. These include a growing number of liberal arts institutions, Christian colleges, and classical education partners. Some examples are Hillsdale College, Liberty University, Patrick Henry College, and St. John’s College.

Most CLT-partner schools place strong emphasis on critical thinking, moral formation, and the liberal arts. The number of colleges accepting the CLT continues to grow each year, so students interested in using CLT scores for admission should check with individual schools or consult the CLT website for the latest information.

Who Should Consider the CLT?

The CLT is a good fit for students who:

attend classical, Christian, or homeschool programs
are comfortable reading and analyzing classic literature and philosophical texts
prefer a test that emphasizes depth of content and moral reasoning
want the flexibility of online, at-home testing
plan to apply to colleges that accept or prefer the CLT

That said, any student can take the CLT. Some even use it to supplement their SAT or ACT scores when applying to colleges that accept multiple types of assessments.

Test Availability and Registration

The CLT is administered several times throughout the year and can be taken from home or in person. Students register through the CLT website, and test dates are published in advance. The at-home option is especially appealing to homeschoolers and students in rural areas who may not have easy access to a testing center. The cost of the CLT is $69 as of 2025, making it slightly less expensive than the SAT or ACT.

How to Prepare for the CLT

The best preparation for the CLT is a strong foundation in reading comprehension, grammar, and math. Students should focus on building critical thinking skills and familiarity with the types of texts featured on the test.

Preparation resources include:

CLT practice tests
reading lists that include classic authors and philosophers
online CLT-specific prep courses and guides
general review of grammar rules, math concepts, and logical reasoning

Since the Quantitative Reasoning section is calculator-free, students should practice solving problems by hand and reviewing mental math strategies.

Final Considerations

The Classic Learning Test offers a meaningful alternative for students and families seeking a values-driven, intellectually rigorous assessment. With its emphasis on classic texts, critical thinking, and moral reflection, the CLT aligns well with students from classical education and homeschool backgrounds—but it’s open to anyone looking for a different approach to college entrance testing.

While it’s not accepted at every college, its growing recognition among private and liberal arts institutions makes it a valuable option for many students. For those who find traditional tests lacking in substance or relevance, the CLT may be the ideal fit.

Before registering, be sure to explore whether your target schools accept the CLT, and consider taking a practice test to see how you perform. For many students, the CLT offers a fresh, meaningful, and academically challenging path into higher education.