Verified · Credit Policy

Bellarmine University CLEP® Credit Policy

Bellarmine University accepts 21 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® · 21 ExamsNCCRS MemberACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
Bellarmine University 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 Bellarmine University's CLEP® code 1056 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their Bellarmine University transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Bellarmine University accepts.

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

Business

1 exams · up to 3 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Introductory Business Law603Start prep →

Composition and Literature

4 exams · up to 12 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature503Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature503Start prep →
College Composition503Start prep →
English Literature503Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

8 exams · up to 24 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government603Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877653Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present653Start prep →
Human Growth and Development603Start prep →
Introductory Psychology603Start prep →
Introductory Sociology603Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648653Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present653Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

2 exams · up to 6 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Chemistry503Start prep →
Natural Sciences503Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 27 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I503Start prep →
French Language Level II656Start prep →
German Language Level I503Start prep →
German Language Level II656Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I503Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II656Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Bellarmine University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

Bellarmine University is both an ACE-aligned
and NCCRS member institution.

Bellarmine University is listed as an NCCRS member on nationalccrs.org and recognized on acenet.edu. Beyond CLEP®, it may accept both ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended coursework — three complementary pathways to your degree. Acceptance of specific courses is determined by the Bellarmine University 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 · Bellarmine University is a Member
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. Bellarmine University is a listed NCCRS member, meaning 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 Bellarmine University.

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 Bellarmine University.

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 & NCCRS courses Bellarmine University 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.

Bellarmine University is both an ACE-aligned institution (per acenet.edu) and an NCCRS member (per nationalccrs.org). Acceptance of specific courses is determined at the Registrar's discretion under prior-learning policy — confirm with your registrar 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
Bellarmine University's bar.

Bellarmine University's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 65. Generic flashcard apps aim for "passing." We're built for acing.

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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.

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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

C
Celeste B.
ACE · Human Resources Management
★★★★★
HR coordinator pursuing upskill. ACE course was genuinely educational — not just credential chasing. Passed with strong understanding.
C
Cyrus J.
NCCRS · Intl Business
★★★★★
Import/export career, no degree. NCCRS course formalized 15 years of field experience. Done in 10 days. Still feels too easy, honestly.
J
Jasper H.
CLEP® Humanities
★★★★★
Broadest exam I've taken. Art, music, philosophy, lit — all one test. Prep material covered it methodically. Passed with margin.
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.
E
Ethan W.
DSST · Technical Writing
★★★★★
DSST is underrated. My school accepted it for their writing req. Studied two weeks, sat the exam, done. Way less stressful than CLEP®.
W
Wesley A.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
Undeclared freshman. Wanted to test out of psych. Passed. Now using it as credit for a psych minor. Unplanned but welcome.
H
Hudson E.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Math olympiad alum. Exam was almost offensively easy. Still, subscription pricing made it worth getting the 3 credits for basically free.
K
Kevin O.
CLEP® Intro Psychology
★★★★★
One subscription, studied 5 subjects. Cost me less than a single community college course would have. Math doesn't lie.
C
Celeste B.
ACE · Human Resources Management
★★★★★
HR coordinator pursuing upskill. ACE course was genuinely educational — not just credential chasing. Passed with strong understanding.
C
Cyrus J.
NCCRS · Intl Business
★★★★★
Import/export career, no degree. NCCRS course formalized 15 years of field experience. Done in 10 days. Still feels too easy, honestly.
J
Jasper H.
CLEP® Humanities
★★★★★
Broadest exam I've taken. Art, music, philosophy, lit — all one test. Prep material covered it methodically. Passed with margin.
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.
E
Ethan W.
DSST · Technical Writing
★★★★★
DSST is underrated. My school accepted it for their writing req. Studied two weeks, sat the exam, done. Way less stressful than CLEP®.
W
Wesley A.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
Undeclared freshman. Wanted to test out of psych. Passed. Now using it as credit for a psych minor. Unplanned but welcome.
H
Hudson E.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Math olympiad alum. Exam was almost offensively easy. Still, subscription pricing made it worth getting the 3 credits for basically free.
K
Kevin O.
CLEP® Intro Psychology
★★★★★
One subscription, studied 5 subjects. Cost me less than a single community college course would have. Math doesn't lie.
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 Bellarmine University'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 Bellarmine University

  • CLEP® path: Enter Bellarmine University's code 1056 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 Bellarmine University 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
Bellarmine University acceptsYes · 21 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
Bellarmine University 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
Bellarmine University acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Bellarmine University

Bellarmine University
in brief.

Bellarmine University is a private Catholic university in Louisville, Kentucky. It is located in the city’s east end and serves undergraduate and graduate students in a campus setting. The university is associated with the Catholic intellectual tradition and a liberal arts orientation.

Bellarmine offers a range of undergraduate majors and graduate programs across fields such as business, health professions, education, arts and sciences, and nursing. The university is known for combining liberal arts study with professional preparation and experiential learning. It also has a strong regional presence in Louisville and the surrounding area.

For CLEP and transfer credit purposes, Bellarmine University is the kind of institution that typically evaluates prior learning through its own academic policies rather than automatically accepting every external exam or course. Students should expect credit decisions to depend on the specific exam, score, course equivalency, and degree program requirements. The most reliable source for current CLEP and transfer-credit applicability is Bellarmine’s official transfer or registrar information.

Credit evaluation at Bellarmine is handled through the university’s academic records and registrar processes. Incoming transfer work is generally reviewed for institutional equivalency, applicability to the student’s program, and compliance with residency and degree requirements. Students should confirm details directly with the registrar or admissions office before relying on outside coursework or exam credit.

21
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
72
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Private Catholic university in Louisville, Kentucky
  • Liberal arts foundation with professional and graduate programs
  • Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
  • Transfer and CLEP credit are evaluated through institutional academic policies
  • Urban campus setting with a strong regional presence
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Bellarmine University accept?
Bellarmine University accepts 21 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 Bellarmine University require?
Bellarmine University requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 65 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Bellarmine University?
Enter Bellarmine University's institution code 1056 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my Bellarmine University degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does Bellarmine University accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at Bellarmine University is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is Bellarmine University an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. Bellarmine University is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at Bellarmine University?
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 (1 exams)
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (4 exams)
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (8 exams)
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (2 exams)
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Bellarmine University accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. Bellarmine University accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Start Today

Your Bellarmine University 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 Bellarmine 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.