College Board data · Credit Policy

CLEP Exams at Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University accepts 26 CLEP® exams for transferable college credit. See the accepted exams, minimum required scores, and credit hours awarded, along with other credit-by-exam and prior-learning options available at this college.

CLEP® · 26 ExamsNCCRS Member
How It Works

3 steps to earn
BHSU 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. Start from BHSU's exam list, or with a study guide.
Sit the CLEP® exam
90-minute exam at any College Board test center. Enter BHSU's CLEP® code 6042 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically. Book it on College Board's CLEP® site.
Credit posts to your transcript
Credit goes on your BHSU transcript once the Registrar has your score — ask the Registrar how long that takes. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit. Plan which credits count with our Degree Planner.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Black Hills State University accepts.

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

Tick the exams you plan to take We'll add up the credits and what you could save.
Start CLEP® prep →

Estimate: the credit hours at a $390/credit-hour public university average, minus $95 per CLEP® exam and $149 for Lifetime prep. Black Hills State University decides how many exam credits count toward your degree.

✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Black Hills State University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
What this is worth

5 exams at Black Hills State, two ways

Black Hills State accepts 26 CLEP® exams. Here's what it costs to earn 15 of those credits in a classroom versus by exam.

In the classroom
$5,850
5 courses · about 75 weeks
15 credit hours$390/cr
PaceFixed semester
Books & feesExtra
vs
By CLEP® exam
$624
5 exams · study at your own pace
5 exam fees$475
Lifetime prep access$149
Same 15 creditsScore 50+
That's $5,226 you don't pay — for the same credits.

Based on a $390/credit-hour public university average. Your actual saving depends on Black Hills State University's tuition and how many exam credits it lets you apply toward your degree.

Plan prices cover TransferCredit.org prep only. The CLEP® exam fee (currently $95) is paid to College Board at registration, and test centres may add a sitting fee. Credit awards are always determined by Black Hills State University — check the policy above before you test.

About the university

About Black Hills State University

Black Hills State University is a public university in Spearfish, South Dakota. It is part of the South Dakota public higher education system and serves students from the Black Hills region and beyond. The university's main campus is in Spearfish, with additional educational presence in the region through its outreach and online offerings.

BHSU offers undergraduate and graduate study across a range of fields, including education, business, arts and sciences, and health-related areas. The university is known for its teacher education tradition and for providing applied, career-oriented programs alongside liberal arts coursework. It also offers online and distance learning options that expand access for working and place-bound students.

  • Public university serving students in Spearfish, South Dakota
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  • Teacher education tradition with career-focused academic offerings
  • Online and distance learning options expand access for students
  • Transfer and CLEP credit are evaluated through university policy and degree requirements
Transfer credit policy

How Transfer Credits Work at Black Hills State University

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, Black Hills State University is a public institution that evaluates prior learning through established academic policies rather than automatically granting credit for every exam or course. Students seeking CLEP credit or transfer credit should consult the university's current credit policies and the relevant academic department or admissions office. Acceptance of credit can depend on the exam, score, course equivalency, and degree program.

Students may also have options involving CLEP®, DSST, AP, ACE, or NCCRS credits, depending on BHSU's current policies. Not every alternative credit source is automatically accepted, so verify eligibility before completing a course or exam.

Approved credits may count toward general education, major requirements, electives, or other degree requirements depending on the evaluation. Black Hills State University transfer credits should therefore be reviewed against the specific degree program.

Transfer tip: Check your transfer credit evaluation and compare accepted credits with your Black Hills State University degree requirements before planning additional coursework.
Beyond CLEP®

BHSU is an
NCCRS member institution.

BHSU is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org. CLEP® isn't the only way to earn credit here — as an NCCRS member, BHSU may also award credit for NCCRS-recommended coursework, and its Registrar often considers ACE-recommended coursework under the same prior-learning framework. Acceptance of any specific course is determined by the Registrar; confirm before enrolling.

ACE · American Council on Education
ACE Credit
ACE evaluates non-traditional learning — including corporate training, workforce programs, and credit-by-exam — and recommends equivalent college credit. CLEP® exams are also ACE-reviewed. Colleges may consider ACE-recommended coursework under their transfer credit or prior-learning policies.
Source: acenet.edu
NCCRS · BHSU is a Member
NCCRS Credit
NCCRS reviews non-collegiate coursework and provides college-credit recommendations for eligible learning. BHSU is a listed NCCRS member, so NCCRS-recommended self-paced courses may count toward its degree requirements. Acceptance depends on the program and applicable degree requirements.
Source: nationalccrs.org
How Your Credit Path Works

Two ways to earn credit.
One subscription.

If you don't pass your CLEP®, your subscription unlocks the matching ACE/NCCRS self-paced course — with a retake-able final exam. BHSU decides which credit it accepts, so check with the Registrar first.

Watch how it works
📝
Step 1
Take your CLEP®
exam
Prep with chapters & 500+ questions
⋯
Outcome
Awaiting
result
Pass, or pivot
🎟️
Safety Net
ACE/NCCRS
included
Self-paced · retake-able exam
Ready. Pass, or pivot to ACE/NCCRS.

NCCRS courses BHSU may accept

Self-paced courses across general education and major requirements may carry an official ACE or NCCRS credit recommendation and can be submitted to the Registrar for transfer credit review.

BHSU is an NCCRS member institution per nationalccrs.org. Acceptance of specific courses is determined at the Registrar's discretion — confirm before enrolling.

Subjects with a link go to the matching CLEP® or DSST study guide on TransferCredit.org.

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
Why TransferCredit.org

The prep tool built for
BHSU's bar.

BHSU's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 63. 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.
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500+ questions per course
Every subject ships with 500+ practice questions calibrated to real exam difficulty.
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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.
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500+
Questions per course
Exam-calibrated practice tests with detailed explanations for every answer.
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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

What students
are saying.

Hover to pause

S
Sebastian N.
CLEP® College Composition Modular
★★★★★
The modular version skips the essay. Perfect for me — I test well but hate timed writing. Three credits, zero essay stress.
H
Hannah D.
NCCRS · Art History I
★★★★★
Didn't want to sit through a semester of slideshows. NCCRS course let me study on my own pace. Finished the final exam three times to ace it.
C
Clara N.
CLEP® Western Civilization I
★★★★★
Ancient history fan. This exam was entertainment, not work. Scored 79. Best time I've ever had earning college credit.
A
Amanda F.
CLEP® Biology · Homeschool mom
★★★★★
Using this for my son's junior year. We're both learning actually. 500+ questions per course is no joke — you can really drill weak spots.
R
Riley K.
CLEP® American Literature
★★★★★
Hated reading in high school. Weirdly, the chapter breakdown made me actually enjoy American lit. Got my credit and a new interest.
A
Aria P.
CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level II
★★★★★
Bilingual background. The writing portion tripped me up honestly. Subscription had specific prep for written Spanish. Passed at 63.
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.
M
Mila R.
CLEP® French Level II
★★★★★
Grew up bilingual. Exam was trivially easy for me but still had to prep on grammar terminology. 6 credits in a single sitting.
S
Sebastian N.
CLEP® College Composition Modular
★★★★★
The modular version skips the essay. Perfect for me — I test well but hate timed writing. Three credits, zero essay stress.
H
Hannah D.
NCCRS · Art History I
★★★★★
Didn't want to sit through a semester of slideshows. NCCRS course let me study on my own pace. Finished the final exam three times to ace it.
C
Clara N.
CLEP® Western Civilization I
★★★★★
Ancient history fan. This exam was entertainment, not work. Scored 79. Best time I've ever had earning college credit.
A
Amanda F.
CLEP® Biology · Homeschool mom
★★★★★
Using this for my son's junior year. We're both learning actually. 500+ questions per course is no joke — you can really drill weak spots.
R
Riley K.
CLEP® American Literature
★★★★★
Hated reading in high school. Weirdly, the chapter breakdown made me actually enjoy American lit. Got my credit and a new interest.
A
Aria P.
CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level II
★★★★★
Bilingual background. The writing portion tripped me up honestly. Subscription had specific prep for written Spanish. Passed at 63.
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.
M
Mila R.
CLEP® French Level II
★★★★★
Grew up bilingual. Exam was trivially easy for me but still had to prep on grammar terminology. 6 credits in a single sitting.
How TransferCredit.org Works

The policy,
in plain English.

We're a credit-by-exam prep provider offering ACE/NCCRS coursework through our partners. These pathways provide official records that can be submitted to BHSU's Registrar for transfer credit evaluation.

The Product

What you get with TransferCredit

  • Structured CLEP® prep for 25+ exams, with chapters, subchapters, and 500+ practice questions per subject
  • Access to 70+ ACE/NCCRS courses through our partner network — self-paced, flexible, and designed for college credit
  • Readiness tracker to help determine when to book a CLEP® exam or continue preparing
  • Official transcripts through the ACE Credit Registry (Credly) and applicable NCCRS providers for transfer credit evaluation
  • Pass-or-pivot option — a CLEP® setback may provide access to a matching ACE/NCCRS course
The Transfer

How credit reaches BHSU

  • CLEP® path: Enter BHSU's CLEP® code 6042 during registration so College Board can send your scores for credit evaluation
  • DSST path: Submit your DSST score through the institution's designated transfer credit process
  • NCCRS path: Complete the course, receive the applicable NCCRS transcript, and submit it to the Registrar
  • Consolidation option: Eligible ACE/NCCRS credits may be combined through transcript services such as Excelsior University's OneTranscript
  • Credit posting: Processing time varies by college and depends on when the Registrar receives and evaluates your transfer credits
Which Pathway For You

CLEP®, ACE/NCCRS,
or community college?

Three legitimate ways to earn BHSU 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
BHSU acceptsYes · 26 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
BHSU 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
BHSU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Black Hills State University accept?
Black Hills State University accepts 26 CLEP® exams for college credit across Business, History and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, and World Languages.
What minimum CLEP® score does BHSU require?
BHSU requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 63 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Black Hills State University?
Enter BHSU's institution code 6042 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my BHSU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does BHSU accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at BHSU is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is BHSU an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. BHSU is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at BHSU?
Prep time depends on the subject and what you already know. The CLEP® itself is 90 minutes. Credit posts to your transcript once the Registrar has your score — ask BHSU how long that takes.
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 BHSU accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (10 exams)
Does BHSU accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. BHSU 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 BHSU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. BHSU 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 BHSU accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. BHSU 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 (5 exams)
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does BHSU accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does BHSU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. BHSU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

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in weeks not semesters.

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

TransferCredit.org is an independent education service, not affiliated with or endorsed by Black Hills State University. CLEP® is a registered trademark of the College Board. DSST is a registered trademark of Prometric. Credit policy facts come from College Board's CLEP® policy search at the time of writing; always confirm current policy with the Registrar.