Verified · Credit Policy

American University CLEP® Credit Policy

AU accepts 38 CLEP® exams for transferable college credit. Here's every exam, its minimum required score, and credit hours awarded — plus the other credit-by-exam and prior-learning pathways available at this university.

CLEP® · 38 ExamsACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
AU credit via CLEP®.

Prep with TransferCredit
Pick your CLEP® subject. Our structured chapters and 500+ practice questions per course take you from zero to exam-ready in 4–8 weeks of part-time study.
Sit the CLEP® exam
90-minute exam at any College Board test center. Enter AU's CLEP® code 5007 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their AU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
American University accepts.

38 CLEP® exams organized by category, with the minimum score and credit hours awarded for each.

Note: These CLEP® scores and credit hours reflect the College Board standard. This institution is listed as accepting CLEP®, but specific minimum scores and credit awards were not published at the time of writing — verify with the Registrar before scheduling an exam.

Business

5 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Financial Accounting603Start prep →
Information Systems603Start prep →
Introductory Business Law603Start prep →
Principles of Management603Start prep →
Principles of Marketing603Start prep →

Composition and Literature

6 exams · up to 18 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature603Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature603Start prep →
College Composition603Start prep →
College Composition Modular603Start prep →
English Literature603Start prep →
Humanities603Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

12 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government603Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877603Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present603Start prep →
Human Growth and Development603Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology603Start prep →
Introductory Psychology603Start prep →
Introductory Sociology603Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics603Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics603Start prep →
Social Sciences and History603Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648603Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present603Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

7 exams · up to 21 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology603Start prep →
Calculus603Start prep →
Chemistry603Start prep →
College Algebra603Start prep →
College Mathematics603Start prep →
Natural Sciences603Start prep →
Precalculus603Start prep →

World Languages

8 exams · up to 24 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I603Start prep →
French Language Level II603Start prep →
German Language Level I603Start prep →
German Language Level II603Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I603Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II603Start prep →
Spanish with Writing Level I603Start prep →
Spanish with Writing Level II603Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with American University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

AU is an
ACE-aligned institution.

AU is recognized on acenet.edu as an ACE-aligned institution. Beyond CLEP®, it may accept ACE-recommended coursework toward degree requirements. Acceptance of specific courses is determined by the AU Registrar under its prior-learning policy; confirm before enrolling.

ACE · American Council on Education
ACE Credit
ACE evaluates non-traditional learning — corporate training, workforce programs, credit-by-exam — and recommends equivalent college credit. CLEP® exams themselves are ACE-reviewed. Colleges that are ACE-aligned often accept ACE coursework in addition to CLEP®.
Source: acenet.edu
NCCRS
NCCRS Credit
The National College Credit Recommendation Service, administered by the University of the State of New York, reviews non-collegiate coursework and assigns college-equivalent credit. Member institutions accept NCCRS-recommended coursework directly; non-member institutions often consider NCCRS coursework under their prior-learning policy. Either way, acceptance means NCCRS-recommended self-paced courses may count toward degree requirements.
Source: nationalccrs.org
How Your Credit Path Works

Two ways to earn credit.
Both count at AU.

Most students pass their CLEP® on the first try. If you don't, your subscription unlocks the matching ACE/NCCRS self-paced course — with a retake-able final exam. Either route earns you transferable credit at AU.

Watch how it works
📝
Step 1
Take your CLEP®
exam
Prep with chapters & 500+ questions
Outcome
Awaiting
result
Most students pass first try
🎟️
Safety Net
ACE/NCCRS
included
Self-paced · retake-able exam
Ready. Pass or not — you're covered.

ACE courses AU may accept

Self-paced courses across the full gen-ed and major-requirement catalog. Each carries an official ACE or NCCRS credit recommendation — submitted to the Registrar like any transcript.

AU is an ACE-aligned institution per acenet.edu. Acceptance of specific courses is determined at the Registrar's discretion — confirm before enrolling.

Business & Accounting

20 courses · 60 credits
Managerial Accounting 3cr Financial Accounting 3cr Business Essentials 3cr Principles of Management 3cr Foundations of Leadership 3cr Leadership & Organizational Behavior 3cr Business Communication 3cr Business Ethics 3cr Leading Organizational Change 3cr Project Management 3cr Business Law 3cr International Business 3cr Human Resources Management 3cr Globalization & International Mgmt. 3cr Entrepreneurship 3cr Microeconomics 3cr Macroeconomics 3cr Principles of Finance 3cr Financial Management 3cr Principles of Marketing 3cr

English, Writing & Humanities

7 courses · 21 credits
Advanced Technical Writing 3cr English Composition I 3cr English Composition II 3cr College Writing 3cr Humanities 201: Critical Thinking 3cr Art History I 3cr Art History II 3cr

Mathematics

9 courses · 31 credits
Business Math 3cr College Algebra 3cr Pre-Calculus 3cr Calculus 1 4cr Calculus 2 4cr Calculus 3 4cr Discrete Mathematics 4cr Quantitative Analysis 3cr Principles of Statistics 3cr

Computer Science & IT

22 courses · 66 credits
Current Trends in CS & IT 3cr Computer Concepts & Applications 3cr Introduction to HTML & CSS 3cr Introduction to JavaScript 3cr Ethics in Technology 3cr Introduction to Networking 3cr Fundamentals of Information Technology 3cr Introduction to Linux 3cr Introduction to Java 3cr Programming in Python 3cr Introduction to Computing 3cr Programming in C 3cr Programming in C++ 3cr Data Structures & Algorithms 3cr Network & Systems Security 3cr Cybersecurity 3cr Database Fundamentals 3cr Software Engineering 3cr Introduction to Operating Systems 3cr Introduction to Artificial Intelligence 3cr Database Programming 3cr Systems Analysis & Design 3cr

Health Sciences

8 courses · 20 credits
Medical Terminology 3cr Healthcare Finance & Budgeting 3cr Healthcare Organization & Management 3cr HR Management in Healthcare 3cr Anatomy & Physiology I 3cr Anatomy & Physiology I Lab 1cr Anatomy & Physiology II 3cr Anatomy & Physiology II Lab 1cr

Natural Sciences

5 courses · 13 credits
Introduction to Biology 1 3cr Introduction to Biology 2 3cr Chemistry I 3cr Physics I 3cr Environmental Science 1cr

Psychology & Social Science

11 courses · 33 credits
Introduction to Psychology 3cr Research Methods in Psychology 3cr Psychology of Diversity 3cr Educational Psychology 3cr Abnormal Psychology 3cr Psychology of Personality 3cr Advanced Social Psychology 3cr Ethics in the Social Sciences 3cr Introduction to Sociology 3cr Introduction to Criminology 3cr Principles of Philosophy 3cr

History & Languages

3 courses · 9 credits
U.S. History I 3cr U.S. History II 3cr French Language I 3cr
Why TransferCredit.org

The prep tool built for
AU's bar.

AU's minimum CLEP® scores run 60. Generic flashcard apps aim for "passing." We're built for acing.

📖
Structured chapters & subchapters
Not flashcards. Every subject is broken into chapters and subchapters mapped directly to the College Board exam outline — you learn the material, not memorize trivia.
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Readiness quizzes per topic
Short quizzes after each subchapter. Your readiness score tells you when you're actually ready for the target minimum — no guessing, no wasted exam fees.
500+ questions per course
Every subject ships with 500+ practice questions calibrated to real exam difficulty. Most students hit their target score in 4–8 weeks of part-time prep.
🛡️
ACE/NCCRS backup included
If CLEP® doesn't work out, your subscription unlocks the matching ACE/NCCRS course with a retake-able final exam.
Self-paced, no deadlines
Study on your schedule. Complete prep in 2 weeks or 12 — whatever works. Especially useful for adult learners, military, and working students.
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One subscription, every subject
Prep for 25+ CLEP® subjects under one plan. No per-course fees. At ~$29/mo vs. $300–600 per credit — the math is obvious.
Everything You Need

One subscription.
Everything unlocked.

📚
25+
CLEP® Subjects
College Board's most popular exams, covered in depth with official exam-outline alignment.
500+
Questions per course
Exam-calibrated practice tests with detailed explanations for every answer.
🎓
70+
ACE/NCCRS courses
Full catalog via partner — your CLEP® safety net and credit-direct path.
🧑‍🏫
Expert help
Subject-matter experts available when you're stuck on a concept or a question.
Student Reviews

50,000+ students.
Real results.

Hover to pause · updates daily

T
Theo L.
NCCRS · Leadership & Org Behavior
★★★★★
Middle manager pursuing an MBA. The course was more academic than I expected — rigorous, actually taught me something. Credit earned.
C
Connor J.
CLEP® Principles of Management
★★★★★
Working manager for 8 years. The exam basically tested stuff I do daily. Studied 10 hours total, scored a 67. Felt like stealing credit.
R
Reid C.
NCCRS · Marketing
★★★★★
Marketing manager. NCCRS course was basically a refresher. Took the final, scored well, credit posted. Entire process took 11 days.
M
Maren L.
ACE · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Philosophy minor. ACE course was actually rigorous — discussed real case studies. Passed the final first try. Most enjoyable credit I've earned.
C
Chloe P.
ACE · Foundations of Leadership
★★★★★
Manager at a Fortune 500 and pursuing an MBA. Took this to skip the undergrad leadership req. Took me one weekend. Done.
Z
Zane H.
CLEP® Western Civilization II
★★★★★
From 1648 to today. Lots of revolution, lots of war. Chapter organization made the timeline clear. Passed at 61. Credit banked.
I
Iris D.
NCCRS · Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Econ blog reader for years. NCCRS course made me formalize the vocabulary. Final went smoothly. Credit appeared on transcript two weeks later.
D
David T.
NCCRS · Business Communication
★★★★★
My university is an NCCRS member so I went this route instead of CLEP®. Finished in under a month. Zero drama.
T
Theo L.
NCCRS · Leadership & Org Behavior
★★★★★
Middle manager pursuing an MBA. The course was more academic than I expected — rigorous, actually taught me something. Credit earned.
C
Connor J.
CLEP® Principles of Management
★★★★★
Working manager for 8 years. The exam basically tested stuff I do daily. Studied 10 hours total, scored a 67. Felt like stealing credit.
R
Reid C.
NCCRS · Marketing
★★★★★
Marketing manager. NCCRS course was basically a refresher. Took the final, scored well, credit posted. Entire process took 11 days.
M
Maren L.
ACE · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Philosophy minor. ACE course was actually rigorous — discussed real case studies. Passed the final first try. Most enjoyable credit I've earned.
C
Chloe P.
ACE · Foundations of Leadership
★★★★★
Manager at a Fortune 500 and pursuing an MBA. Took this to skip the undergrad leadership req. Took me one weekend. Done.
Z
Zane H.
CLEP® Western Civilization II
★★★★★
From 1648 to today. Lots of revolution, lots of war. Chapter organization made the timeline clear. Passed at 61. Credit banked.
I
Iris D.
NCCRS · Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Econ blog reader for years. NCCRS course made me formalize the vocabulary. Final went smoothly. Credit appeared on transcript two weeks later.
D
David T.
NCCRS · Business Communication
★★★★★
My university is an NCCRS member so I went this route instead of CLEP®. Finished in under a month. Zero drama.
How TransferCredit.org Works

The policy,
in plain English.

We're credit-by-exam prep provider and offer ACE/NCCRS coursework via our partners — both pathways produce official records that feed into AU's Registrar workflow like any other transcript.

The Product

What you get with TransferCredit

  • Structured prep content for 25+ CLEP® exams — chapters, subchapters, 500+ practice questions per subject
  • Access to 70+ ACE/NCCRS courses via partner network like UPIStudy — self-paced, retake-able final exam, no strict proctoring
  • Readiness tracker that tells you when to book the exam vs. keep prepping
  • Official transcripts issued through ACE Credit Registry (Credly) and NCCRS Official trnascript issued via the provider — same format any U.S. college accepts
  • Pass-or-pivot safety net — a CLEP® setback converts into access to the matching ACE/NCCRS course
The Transfer

How credit reaches AU

  • CLEP® path: Enter AU's code 5007 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code (confirm with Registrar)
  • NCCRS path: Complete the course, we issue an official NCCRS transcript, you submit it to the Registrar
  • Consolidation option: ACE/NCCRS credits can be merged into one transcript via Excelsior University's OneTranscript service
  • Credit typically posts 2–4 weeks after the Registrar receives your score or transcript
Which Pathway For You

CLEP®, ACE/NCCRS,
or community college?

Three legitimate ways to earn AU credit without sitting in a 15-week university classroom. Here's the honest comparison.

⚡ Fastest
🎯
CLEP® Exam
Format90-min exam
Time to credit4–8 weeks prep
Cost$93 exam + prep
AU acceptsYes · 38 subjects
RiskSingle high-stakes exam
Best for: Confident test-takers who want fastest turnaround and lowest cost per credit.
📖
ACE/NCCRS Course
FormatSelf-paced + retake-able final
Time to credit2–6 weeks / course
CostIncluded in subscription
AU acceptsYes · Cooperating College
RiskLow · unlimited retakes
Best for: Students who prefer structured learning over high-stakes exams, or who didn't pass a CLEP® first try.
🏫
Community College
Format15-week semester
Time to credit4–6 months
Cost$300–600 per credit
AU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About American University

AU
in brief.

American University is a private university in Washington, DC, in the Northwest section of the city. It is known for its strong connection to public affairs, policy, international service, and the arts and sciences. The university’s urban location gives students access to internships, government agencies, nonprofits, and cultural institutions.

American offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its schools and colleges, with notable strengths in international relations, public policy, communication, business, law, and the social sciences. The university is also recognized for experiential learning and opportunities tied to Washington, DC. Students can combine classroom study with research, internships, and civic engagement.

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, American University evaluates prior college-level learning through its official transfer and credit policies rather than assuming automatic acceptance of outside coursework. CLEP credit, if accepted, is typically subject to university rules, score requirements, and degree-program applicability. Students should confirm current policies with the university before relying on exam credit for graduation planning.

Credit evaluation at American University is handled through the registrar and academic units, which determine how transfer, exam, and other prior-learning credits apply to a student’s record. Accepted credits generally must fit university and major requirements, and some courses may be limited by residency, grade, or departmental rules. Because policies can vary by program, students should consult the registrar and their academic adviser for the most current guidance.

38
CLEP® Exams Accepted
100+
Degree Programs
2
Credit Pathways
114
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Washington, DC location offers access to internships and public-affairs opportunities
  • Private research university with a strong emphasis on experiential learning
  • Known for international studies, public policy, communication, and related fields
  • Transfer and exam credit are evaluated through official university policies
  • Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does American University accept?
American University accepts 38 CLEP® exams for college credit across Business, Composition and Literature, History and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and World Languages.
What minimum CLEP® score does AU require?
AU requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 60 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to American University?
Enter AU's institution code 5007 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my AU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does AU accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at AU is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is AU an NCCRS member institution?
AU is not currently listed as an NCCRS member. NCCRS-recommended coursework may still be considered under the Registrar's prior-learning policy — confirm first.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at AU?
Most students prep 4–8 weeks per exam. The CLEP® itself is 90 minutes. Credit typically posts to your transcript 2–4 weeks after transmission.
What if I don't pass my CLEP® exam on the first try?
You can retake CLEP® after 3 months. With a TransferCredit.org subscription, you can also pivot to the matching ACE/NCCRS self-paced course with retake-able finals.
CLEP® exam details — Business (5 exams)
Does AU accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (6 exams)
Does AU accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® College Composition Modular?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® College Composition Modular exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does AU accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (7 exams)
Does AU accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (8 exams)
Does AU accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level I?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does AU accept CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level II?
Yes. AU accepts the CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Start Today

Your AU credit,
in weeks not semesters.

One subscription. 25+ CLEP® subjects for prep. 70+ ACE/NCCRS courses via partner. Pass-or-pivot safety net. Start your trial today.

TransferCredit.org is an independent education service, not affiliated with or endorsed by American University. CLEP® is a registered trademark of the College Board. DSST is a registered trademark of Prometric. Credit policy facts verified at time of writing; always confirm current policy with the Registrar.