Verified · Credit Policy

Berklee College of Music CLEP® Credit Policy

Berklee accepts 33 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® · 33 ExamsACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
Berklee 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 Berklee's CLEP® code 3107 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their Berklee transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Berklee College of Music accepts.

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

Business

3 exams · up to 8 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Information Systems503Start prep →
Introductory Business Law503Start prep →
Principles of Management502Start prep →

Composition and Literature

5 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature503Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature503Start prep →
College Composition703Start prep →
English Literature503Start prep →
Humanities503Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

12 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government503Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877503Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present503Start prep →
Human Growth and Development503Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology503Start prep →
Introductory Psychology503Start prep →
Introductory Sociology503Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics503Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics503Start prep →
Social Sciences and History503Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648503Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present503Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

7 exams · up to 21 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology503Start prep →
Calculus503Start prep →
Chemistry503Start prep →
College Algebra503Start prep →
College Mathematics503Start prep →
Natural Sciences503Start prep →
Precalculus503Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 18 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I503Start prep →
French Language Level II503Start prep →
German Language Level I503Start prep →
German Language Level II503Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I503Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II503Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Berklee College of Music's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

Berklee is an
ACE-aligned institution.

Berklee 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 Berklee 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 Berklee.

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 Berklee.

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 Berklee 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.

Berklee 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
Berklee's bar.

Berklee's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 70. 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.
🎯
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.
💰
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

X
Xavier O.
CLEP® Intro Educational Psychology
★★★★★
Education major. Needed this req out of the way before student teaching. Two weeks of prep, passed, back to focusing on field work.
L
Liam P.
CLEP® History of U.S. II
★★★★★
Post-Civil War to present. Lots of memorization. Chapter-based study guide organized it chronologically which helped enormously. Passed.
E
Evelyn S.
CLEP® English Literature
★★★★★
English major lol. This was review for me. Took me 6 days of light prep. The detail on practice questions was actually impressive.
B
Ben Z.
CLEP® Financial Accounting · CPA track
★★★★★
CPA candidate. Needed the accounting prereq. Exam was tough but subscription's 500+ questions actually prepared me. Scored 74.
R
Ronan F.
CLEP® Chemistry
★★★★★
Pre-pharmacy track. Chemistry was do-or-die. Studied 8 weeks hard. Got a 60. Barely passed but the credit is the same either way.
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.
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.
M
Marcus D.
CLEP® College Composition
★★★★★
I'd tried three other prep platforms before this. The structured chapters finally made the essay section click for me.
X
Xavier O.
CLEP® Intro Educational Psychology
★★★★★
Education major. Needed this req out of the way before student teaching. Two weeks of prep, passed, back to focusing on field work.
L
Liam P.
CLEP® History of U.S. II
★★★★★
Post-Civil War to present. Lots of memorization. Chapter-based study guide organized it chronologically which helped enormously. Passed.
E
Evelyn S.
CLEP® English Literature
★★★★★
English major lol. This was review for me. Took me 6 days of light prep. The detail on practice questions was actually impressive.
B
Ben Z.
CLEP® Financial Accounting · CPA track
★★★★★
CPA candidate. Needed the accounting prereq. Exam was tough but subscription's 500+ questions actually prepared me. Scored 74.
R
Ronan F.
CLEP® Chemistry
★★★★★
Pre-pharmacy track. Chemistry was do-or-die. Studied 8 weeks hard. Got a 60. Barely passed but the credit is the same either way.
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.
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.
M
Marcus D.
CLEP® College Composition
★★★★★
I'd tried three other prep platforms before this. The structured chapters finally made the essay section click for me.
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 Berklee'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 Berklee

  • CLEP® path: Enter Berklee's code 3107 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 Berklee 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
Berklee acceptsYes · 33 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
Berklee 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
Berklee acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Berklee College of Music

Berklee
in brief.

Berklee College of Music is a private music college in Boston, Massachusetts. It is known for its focus on contemporary music, performance, composition, production, and music business. The college also has a strong presence in online and international education through Berklee Online and related programs.

Berklee offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate study in music and related fields, including performance, songwriting, composition, music production, film scoring, music business, and music therapy. It is especially well known for contemporary styles such as jazz, pop, rock, and electronic music, as well as for training musicians for professional careers. The college’s strengths are closely tied to hands-on performance, collaboration, and industry-oriented study.

For CLEP and transfer credit purposes, Berklee’s policies should be checked directly with the college because credit acceptance can depend on the specific exam, score, and program of study. As a specialized music institution, it may evaluate prior college work and exam-based credit differently from a broad liberal arts college. Students should confirm whether any CLEP exam or transfer course applies to their intended major before relying on it.

Credit evaluation at Berklee is handled through the college’s registrar and academic records processes, which determine how outside coursework is posted and whether it satisfies degree requirements. Students typically need official transcripts and, when relevant, official exam score reports for review. Because policies can vary by program and academic level, the registrar or academic advising office is the best source for current transfer and credit-by-exam procedures.

33
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
98
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Specialized music college focused on contemporary performance, composition, and production
  • Boston location with a strong connection to the city’s arts and music scene
  • Industry-oriented curriculum that emphasizes collaboration and professional preparation
  • Online and international reach through Berklee’s broader educational offerings
  • Transfer and exam credit review handled through official academic records processes
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Berklee College of Music accept?
Berklee College of Music accepts 33 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 Berklee require?
Berklee requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 70 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Berklee College of Music?
Enter Berklee's institution code 3107 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my Berklee degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does Berklee accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at Berklee is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is Berklee an NCCRS member institution?
Berklee 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 Berklee?
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 (3 exams)
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 2 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (5 exams)
Does Berklee accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 70.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does Berklee accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (7 exams)
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does Berklee accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Berklee accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. Berklee accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Start Today

Your Berklee 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 Berklee College of Music. 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.