Chemistry Practice Test

140 questions available

Build your confidence for Chemistry. Practice the concepts, understand the answers, and strengthen your knowledge one question at a time.

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Certification exam
75 Exam questions
1 hour 30 minutes Time Limit
Your practice
140 Practice questions
2 hours 20 minutes Practice Time
Try 5 free questions
No account needed. A free account includes 20 questions for this exam.
The bar to clear 50 Published passing score for this certification.
Explore exam topics Official objectives from CLEP
CLEP140 practice questions
Blueprint verifiedChecked against CLEP official objectivesMetadata verified 2026-06-07How we verify

Exam overview and details

The Chemistry Certification Exam is a rigorous, industry-recognized credential that validates a professional's comprehensive understanding of core chemical principles, analytical techniques, and laboratory safety protocols. Achieving this certification demonstrates mastery of foundational concepts including atomic structure, chemical bonding, stoichiometry, thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium, as well as proficiency in organic, inorganic, and analytical chemistry. It signifies the holder's ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios, interpret experimental data with precision, and adhere to the highest standards of scientific integrity and safety. Recognized by employers in pharmaceuticals, materials science, environmental consulting, manufacturing, and research institutions, this credential serves as a benchmark of competency, distinguishing certified professionals in a competitive job market. It is designed for laboratory technicians, quality control analysts, research associates, and educators seeking to formalize their expertise and advance their careers in scientific and technical fields.

Sample Questions

Choose an answer and explore the explanation to see how practice works.

Thermodynamics

At 298 K, a reaction has DeltaH = -40 kJ/mol and DeltaS = -120 J/mol K. Which statement best describes spontaneity at 298 K?

States of Matter

A 2.00 L rigid flask at 300 K contains 0.100 mol He and 0.200 mol Ne. A student computes the pressure using only the moles of Ne because it is heavier. Which pressure should be reported if both gases behave ideally?

Descriptive Chemistry

A student classifies graphite and diamond as different compounds because their properties differ greatly. Which explanation is best?

Thermodynamics

A reaction has DeltaG degrees = -RT ln K. At 298 K, K is much greater than 1. Which conclusion is best?

Structure of Matter

A technician compares SiO2 sand, solid CO2, and NaCl before choosing a material for a furnace window support. The support must remain solid at high temperature and should not conduct electricity as a solid. Which structural reason best explains why SiO2 is favored?

Exam insights and study advice

In today's technology-driven industries, a verified and standardized understanding of chemistry is paramount for innovation, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance. This certification provides tangible proof of your technical proficiency and commitment to professional development, directly impacting career trajectory. It enhances your credibility with employers, often leading to increased responsibility, higher earning potential, and eligibility for advanced roles in R&D, production, and management. Industry recognition of this credential streamlines hiring processes, as it assures organizations of a candidate's validated skillset, reducing onboarding time and training costs. For professionals, it represents a significant milestone that bridges academic knowledge with industry application, fostering confidence and opening doors to specialized career paths.

These are the backgrounds the certifying body suggests. Check the vendor's own page for anything it formally requires.

What this exam covers

Use the published domain weights to plan your study. Practice results do not predict your certification exam score.

01Structure of Matter

20%

Topics

  • Atomic theory and atomic structure
  • Chemical bonding

Learning objectives

  • Atomic theory and atomic structure: Evidence for the atomic theory; Atomic number and mass number; isotopes and mass spectroscopy; Electron energy levels: atomic spectra and atomic orbitals; Periodic relationships; Nuclear chemistry
  • Chemical bonding: Binding forces; Types of bonds; Polarity of bonds and electronegativities; VSEPR theory and Lewis electron-dot diagrams; Hybridization of orbitals; Geometry of molecules; Resonance; Sigma and pi bonds; Dipole moments of molecules; Relation of properties to structure

02States of Matter

19%

Topics

  • Gases
  • Liquids and solids
  • Solutions

Learning objectives

  • Gases: Laws of ideal gases; The mole concept; Kinetic-molecular theory; Interpretation of ideal gas laws; Deviations from ideal gas laws
  • Liquids and solids: Liquids and solids from the kinetic-molecular viewpoint; Phase diagrams; Changes of state and critical phenomena
  • Solutions: Types of solutions and factors affecting solubility; Methods of expressing concentration; Colligative properties

03Descriptive Chemistry

14%

Topics

  • Chemical reactivity and products

Learning objectives

  • Chemical reactivity and products: Relationships in the periodic table; Chemistry of the main groups and transition elements; Organic chemistry

04Reaction Types

12%

Topics

  • Acid-base reactions
  • Reactions involving coordination complexes
  • Precipitation reactions
  • Oxidation-reduction reactions

Learning objectives

  • Acid-base reactions: Concepts of Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, and Lewis; Amphoterism
  • Reactions involving coordination complexes
  • Precipitation reactions
  • Oxidation-reduction reactions: Oxidation number; The role of the electron in oxidation-reduction; Electrochemistry; Standard half-cell potentials

05Equations and Stoichiometry

10%

Topics

  • Ionic and molecular species

Learning objectives

  • Ionic and molecular species: Net-ionic equations; Stoichiometry; Balancing of equations

06Experimental Chemistry

9%

Topics

  • Laboratory experiments

Learning objectives

  • Laboratory experiments: Equipment used; Observations made; Calculations performed; Interpretation of the results

07Equilibrium

7%

Topics

  • Concept of dynamic equilibrium

Learning objectives

  • Concept of dynamic equilibrium: LeChâtelier's principle; Equilibrium constants; Equilibrium constants for gaseous reactions; Equilibrium constants for reactions in solutions; Solubility product constants

08Thermodynamics

5%

Topics

  • State functions

Learning objectives

  • State functions: First law; Heat of formation; Heat of reaction; Second law; Free energy of formation; Free energy of reaction; Relationship of change in free energy to equilibrium constants and electrode potentials

09Kinetics

4%

Topics

  • Concept of rate of reaction

Learning objectives

  • Concept of rate of reaction: Order of reaction and rate constant; Effect of temperature change on rates; Activation energy and the role of catalysts; Rate-determining step and reaction mechanism

Exam Details CHEM | $93 USD | 1 hour 30 minutes

Exam Code CHEM
Vendor CLEP
Exam Cost $93 USD
Passing Score 50
Time Limit 1 hour 30 minutes
Exam questions 75
Question Types Multiple choice (100%)
Retake Policy Each institution reserves the right to set its own credit-granting policy.
Exam Format Multiple-choice (computer-based)
Available In
English

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the typical prerequisites for taking the Chemistry Certification Exam?

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