and it basically was a "mentor" who the student was accountable to as they studied for CLEP tests. Not much real coaching as I remember. They sent some study books and the student was on her own to prepare and take the tests. Her mom liked that someone else was prodding her to study, but I thought it was a waste of money as well. Just get the study books from the library or pay about $30 (with homeschool discount) at Borders for a text (REA is best). The test itself is around $80. Check college board .com for more info and site testing locations. My older son has taken several CLEP tests with no problem.