Verified · Credit Policy

Black Hills State University CLEP® Credit Policy

BHSU accepts 26 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® · 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.
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.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their BHSU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
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.

Business

5 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Financial Accounting503Start prep →
Information Systems503Start prep →
Introductory Business Law503Start prep →
Principles of Management503Start prep →
Principles of Marketing503Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

10 exams · up to 30 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 →
Introductory Psychology503Start prep →
Introductory Sociology503Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics503Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics503Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648503Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present503Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

5 exams · up to 28 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology508Start prep →
Calculus504Start prep →
Chemistry508Start prep →
College Algebra503Start prep →
Precalculus505Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I504Start prep →
French Language Level II598Start prep →
German Language Level I504Start prep →
German Language Level II608Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I504Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II638Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated?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.
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 — 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 · BHSU 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. BHSU 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 BHSU.

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 BHSU.

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.

NCCRS courses BHSU 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.

BHSU is an NCCRS member institution per nationalccrs.org. 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
BHSU's bar.

BHSU's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 63. 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

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 credit-by-exam prep provider and offer ACE/NCCRS coursework via our partners — both pathways produce official records that feed into BHSU'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 BHSU

  • CLEP® path: Enter BHSU's code 6042 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 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.
About Black Hills State University

BHSU
in brief.

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.

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.

Credit at BHSU is typically managed through the registrar and academic records processes, with final decisions guided by university policy and degree requirements. Transfer and exam-based credits are generally posted to the student record after official documentation is received and reviewed. Students should work with the registrar, admissions, and their academic advisor to confirm how credits apply toward general education, major, or elective requirements.

26
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
109
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • 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
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, Composition and Literature, 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?
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 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

Your BHSU 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 Black Hills State 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.