CSU accepts 36 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.
1221 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.36 CLEP® exams organized by category, with the minimum score and credit hours awarded for each.
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Accounting | 65 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Information Systems | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Business Law | 60 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Management | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Marketing | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Literature | 53 | 8 | Start prep → |
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 50 | 8 | Start prep → |
| College Composition | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Composition Modular | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| English Literature | 62 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Humanities | 50 | 8 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Government | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present | 57 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Human Growth and Development | 58 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introduction to Educational Psychology | 62 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Psychology | 59 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Sociology | 56 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 57 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Social Sciences and History | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 | 55 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present | 54 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Calculus | 50 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Chemistry | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Algebra | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Mathematics | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Natural Sciences | 50 | 8 | Start prep → |
| Precalculus | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Language Level I | 55 | 8 | Start prep → |
| French Language Level II | 65 | 16 | Start prep → |
| German Language Level I | 59 | 8 | Start prep → |
| German Language Level II | 67 | 12 | Start prep → |
| Spanish Language Level I | 56 | 8 | Start prep → |
| Spanish Language Level II | 63 | 12 | Start prep → |
CSU is listed as an NCCRS member on nationalccrs.org and recognized on acenet.edu. Beyond CLEP®, it may accept both ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended coursework — three complementary pathways to your degree. Acceptance of specific courses is determined by the CSU Registrar under its prior-learning policy; confirm before enrolling.
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 CSU.
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.
CSU is both an ACE-aligned institution (per acenet.edu) and an NCCRS member (per nationalccrs.org). Acceptance of specific courses is determined at the Registrar's discretion under prior-learning policy — confirm with your registrar before enrolling.
CSU's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 67. Generic flashcard apps aim for "passing." We're built for acing.
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We're credit-by-exam prep provider and offer ACE/NCCRS coursework via our partners — both pathways produce official records that feed into CSU's Registrar workflow like any other transcript.
1221 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar(confirm with Registrar)Three legitimate ways to earn CSU credit without sitting in a 15-week university classroom. Here's the honest comparison.
Cleveland State University is a public university in Cleveland, Ohio, in the heart of downtown near the city’s business, legal, and cultural districts. It is part of the University System of Ohio and serves a largely commuter and urban student population. The campus location gives students access to internships, clinical experiences, and other community connections in Northeast Ohio.
The university offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs through its colleges and schools, including business, engineering, education, health, law, liberal arts, and sciences. Cleveland State is especially known for its urban mission, professional programs, and ties to the Cleveland region. Students can pursue both traditional academic study and career-oriented preparation.
Cleveland State accepts transfer credit, and students may also be able to use credit-by-exam options such as CLEP depending on university policy and program requirements. Credit acceptance can vary by course, score, residency, and degree plan, so students should confirm how any exam or transfer credit applies to their intended major. The university’s policies are designed to help students bring in prior learning where appropriate.
Credit evaluation at Cleveland State is handled through the university’s academic and registrar processes, with official transcripts and exam scores reviewed for applicability to a student’s program. As with most universities, not all credits automatically satisfy major, minor, or general education requirements. Students should consult the registrar, admissions, or academic advising offices for the most current rules before relying on transfer or CLEP credit.
1221 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.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 Cleveland 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.