Verified · Credit Policy

Central Washington University CLEP® Credit Policy

CWU accepts 20 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® · 20 ExamsACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
CWU 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 CWU's CLEP® code 4044 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their CWU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Central Washington University accepts.

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

Business

1 exams · up to 4 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Information Systems504Start prep →

Composition and Literature

1 exams · up to 5 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Humanities505Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

9 exams · up to 43 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877575Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present545Start prep →
Human Growth and Development504Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology504Start prep →
Introductory Psychology505Start prep →
Introductory Sociology505Start prep →
Social Sciences and History505Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648505Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present505Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

3 exams · up to 20 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Calculus5010Start prep →
Chemistry635Start prep →
Natural Sciences505Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 90 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I5015Start prep →
French Language Level II6215Start prep →
German Language Level I5015Start prep →
German Language Level II6315Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I5015Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II6315Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Central Washington University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

CWU is an
ACE-aligned institution.

CWU 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 CWU 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 CWU.

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 CWU.

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 CWU 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.

CWU 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
CWU's bar.

CWU'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

M
Maria G.
ACE · Principles of Marketing
★★★★★
Chose ACE over CLEP® because I'm a terrible test-taker. The course-based option felt way more humane. Got my 3 credits without the panic.
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
Cora B.
CLEP® College Algebra
★★★★★
Adult learner. Hadn't done math in 20 years. Three weeks of structured prep took me from 'what's a variable' to passing. Good stuff.
A
Aubrey S.
CLEP® Financial Accounting
★★★★★
Business sophomore. Needed to get past intro accounting fast. 3 weeks prep, scored 64. Credit cleared the path to my upper-division courses.
D
Dante R.
CLEP® Analyzing Literature
★★★★★
Not a lit person. Struggled with poetry interpretation specifically. Prep material had analysis frameworks that unlocked it. Passed at 55.
T
Trevor N.
CLEP® College Mathematics
★★★★★
Math is not my thing. The readiness quiz told me I was 68% ready for three weeks straight. When it hit 85% I booked. Scored a 64.
S
Samuel A.
NCCRS · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Needed a humanities elective fast. NCCRS course took 12 days. Transcripted through NCCRS official registry, university accepted immediately.
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.
M
Maria G.
ACE · Principles of Marketing
★★★★★
Chose ACE over CLEP® because I'm a terrible test-taker. The course-based option felt way more humane. Got my 3 credits without the panic.
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
Cora B.
CLEP® College Algebra
★★★★★
Adult learner. Hadn't done math in 20 years. Three weeks of structured prep took me from 'what's a variable' to passing. Good stuff.
A
Aubrey S.
CLEP® Financial Accounting
★★★★★
Business sophomore. Needed to get past intro accounting fast. 3 weeks prep, scored 64. Credit cleared the path to my upper-division courses.
D
Dante R.
CLEP® Analyzing Literature
★★★★★
Not a lit person. Struggled with poetry interpretation specifically. Prep material had analysis frameworks that unlocked it. Passed at 55.
T
Trevor N.
CLEP® College Mathematics
★★★★★
Math is not my thing. The readiness quiz told me I was 68% ready for three weeks straight. When it hit 85% I booked. Scored a 64.
S
Samuel A.
NCCRS · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Needed a humanities elective fast. NCCRS course took 12 days. Transcripted through NCCRS official registry, university accepted immediately.
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.
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 CWU'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 CWU

  • CLEP® path: Enter CWU's code 4044 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 CWU 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
CWU acceptsYes · 20 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
CWU 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
CWU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Central Washington University

CWU
in brief.

Central Washington University is a public university in Ellensburg, Washington, in the central part of the state. It serves students at its main campus in Ellensburg and also offers programs through other instructional locations and online. The university is part of Washington's public higher education system.

CWU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate study areas across arts and humanities, business, education, health sciences, science, technology, and professional fields. The university is known for career-oriented programs and for preparing students for work in education, public service, business, and technical professions. It also provides opportunities for applied learning and field-based experience.

For CLEP and transfer credit, Central Washington University is generally a transfer-oriented public institution that evaluates prior college-level learning through established academic policies. Students seeking credit by exam or transfer credit should expect CWU to review official score reports, transcripts, and course equivalencies before credit is posted. Acceptance of specific CLEP exams or other prior learning is determined by university policy and the relevant academic department.

Credit evaluation and registration at CWU are handled through the university's registrar and academic records processes. Students typically work with official transcripts, degree requirements, and advising to determine how transfer or exam credit applies to a program of study. Because policies can change and may vary by major, students should confirm current requirements directly with the registrar or academic advising office.

20
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
162
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Public university serving students in Ellensburg, Washington
  • Regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
  • Broad academic offerings across undergraduate and graduate fields
  • Career-focused programs with applied learning opportunities
  • Transfer and exam credit are evaluated through university academic policies
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Central Washington University accept?
Central Washington University accepts 20 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 CWU require?
CWU 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 Central Washington University?
Enter CWU's institution code 4044 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my CWU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does CWU accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at CWU is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is CWU an NCCRS member institution?
CWU 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 CWU?
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 CWU accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (1 exams)
Does CWU accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (9 exams)
Does CWU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does CWU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (3 exams)
Does CWU accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 10 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does CWU accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 15 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 15 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does CWU accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 15 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 15 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 15 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CWU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. CWU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 15 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

Your CWU 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 Central Washington 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.