College Board data · Credit Policy

CLEP Exams at College of Southern Maryland

College of Southern Maryland accepts 24 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® · 24 ExamsDSST Accepted
Start CLEP® Prep → See All 24 Exams
How It Works

3 steps to earn
CSM credit by exam.

Prep with TransferCredit
Pick your CLEP® subject (or prep for a DSST exam). 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 CSM's exam list, or with a study guide.
Sit the CLEP® or DSST exam
90-minute exam at any test center. Enter CSM's CLEP® code 5144 — or DSST code 9555 — at registration so scores transmit to the Registrar automatically. Book it on College Board's CLEP® site.
Credit posts to your transcript
Credit goes on your CSM 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
College of Southern Maryland accepts.

24 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. College of Southern Maryland decides how many exam credits count toward your degree.

Science and Mathematics

2 exams · up to 7 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Calculus504Start prep →
College Algebra503Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with College of Southern Maryland's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
What this is worth

5 exams at College of Southern Maryland, two ways

College of Southern Maryland accepts 24 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 College of Southern Maryland's tuition and how many exam credits it lets you apply toward your degree.

Monthly
$29/mo
Cancel anytime
Choose →
Most popular
Semester
$69/3 mo
Save 21%
Choose →
Best value
Lifetime
$149
CLEP® + DSST® forever
Choose →
Start prepping for College of Southern Maryland → Compare all plans

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 College of Southern Maryland — check the policy above before you test.

About the college

About College of Southern Maryland

College of Southern Maryland is a public community college in La Plata, Maryland, serving students across Southern Maryland. It is part of the Maryland community college system and operates multiple campuses and learning locations in the region. The college focuses on accessible higher education, workforce preparation, and transfer pathways.

CSM offers associate degrees, certificates, workforce training, and continuing education options. Its academic offerings are designed to support students who plan to enter the workforce directly as well as those who intend to transfer to four-year institutions. The college is known for serving local and regional educational needs through career-oriented and transfer-focused programs.

  • Public community college serving Southern Maryland students and employers
  • Transfer-oriented with pathways to four-year institutions
  • Career and workforce training alongside associate degree and certificate study
  • Regionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Multiple campuses and learning locations in the Southern Maryland region
Transfer credit policy

How Transfer Credits Work at College of Southern Maryland

For CLEP and other credit-by-exam questions, College of Southern Maryland is a transfer-oriented public college, so students should expect credit decisions to depend on the specific exam, score, and program requirements. CLEP credit policies can vary by department and by the receiving institution, especially for major requirements versus elective credit. Students should confirm how exam credit applies before relying on it for degree planning.

Students may also have options involving CLEP®, DSST, AP, ACE, or NCCRS credits, depending on CSM'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. College of Southern Maryland transfer credits should therefore be reviewed against the specific degree program.

Transfer tip: Check your transfer credit evaluation and compare accepted credits with your College of Southern Maryland degree requirements before planning additional coursework.
Beyond CLEP®

ACE & NCCRS coursework
may still be considered.

College of Southern Maryland may consider ACE- and NCCRS-recommended coursework for transfer credit under its prior learning assessment (PLA) policies. Acceptance varies by institution, program, and course. Before enrolling in an ACE or NCCRS course, confirm with the college's registrar or transfer credit office whether the specific course can be applied toward your degree.

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
NCCRS Credit
NCCRS reviews non-collegiate coursework and provides college-credit recommendations for eligible learning. Member and non-member institutions may consider NCCRS-recommended coursework under their transfer credit or prior-learning policies. Acceptance depends on the institution, 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. CSM 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.

ACE & NCCRS Courses College of Southern Maryland May Consider

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.

College of Southern Maryland may consider ACE and NCCRS credits under its transfer or prior learning assessment (PLA) policies. Acceptance is institution-specific — confirm with the Registrar before enrolling in any course intended for credit transfer.

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
U.S. History I 3cr U.S. History II 3cr French Language I 3cr
Bundled · Best Value
Get ACE/NCCRS with CLEP® subscription
Includes CLEP® prep + ACE/NCCRS course access via partner network. Pass the exam or earn credit through coursework.
See Plans →
Direct · Finish Fast
Buy ACE/NCCRS direct
Skip the exam. Enroll in any course, complete the final assessment (with retakes), earn the credit.
See ACE & NCCRS →
Why TransferCredit.org

The prep tool built for
CSM's bar.

CSM's minimum CLEP® scores run 50. 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.
🛡️
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

What students
are saying.

Hover to pause

W
Wesley A.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
Undeclared freshman. Wanted to test out of psych. Passed. Now using it as credit for a psych minor. Unplanned but welcome.
B
Bella T.
ACE · Principles of Management
★★★★★
Small business owner, back in school at 40. ACE route was perfect — self-paced, no commute, no peers younger than my kids. Done in 3 weeks.
N
Niko V.
CLEP® Introductory Business Law
★★★★★
Planning law school. Took this for early exposure. Exam was a decent primer. Scored 75. Now I'm actually excited about contracts class.
F
Felix G.
CLEP® Information Systems
★★★★★
Software engineer. Funny how much of this was stuff I learned in my first year on the job. Passed at 77. Exam was shorter than my lunch break.
C
Caleb D.
NCCRS · Financial Accounting
★★★★★
CFO at a nonprofit, no degree. NCCRS course and I was done in two weeks. They accepted my transcript within days. Finally, a solution.
G
Grace L.
CLEP® + ACE bundle
★★★★★
Did 2 CLEP® exams and 3 ACE courses. Saved probably $15K in tuition. Getting my degree done 18 months faster than my roommate.
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
Aiden K.
CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics
★★★★★
Finance freshman. Wanted to prove out of Econ 101. Studied 3 weeks, aced it. Feels way faster than sitting in lecture for 15 weeks.
W
Wesley A.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
Undeclared freshman. Wanted to test out of psych. Passed. Now using it as credit for a psych minor. Unplanned but welcome.
B
Bella T.
ACE · Principles of Management
★★★★★
Small business owner, back in school at 40. ACE route was perfect — self-paced, no commute, no peers younger than my kids. Done in 3 weeks.
N
Niko V.
CLEP® Introductory Business Law
★★★★★
Planning law school. Took this for early exposure. Exam was a decent primer. Scored 75. Now I'm actually excited about contracts class.
F
Felix G.
CLEP® Information Systems
★★★★★
Software engineer. Funny how much of this was stuff I learned in my first year on the job. Passed at 77. Exam was shorter than my lunch break.
C
Caleb D.
NCCRS · Financial Accounting
★★★★★
CFO at a nonprofit, no degree. NCCRS course and I was done in two weeks. They accepted my transcript within days. Finally, a solution.
G
Grace L.
CLEP® + ACE bundle
★★★★★
Did 2 CLEP® exams and 3 ACE courses. Saved probably $15K in tuition. Getting my degree done 18 months faster than my roommate.
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
Aiden K.
CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics
★★★★★
Finance freshman. Wanted to prove out of Econ 101. Studied 3 weeks, aced it. Feels way faster than sitting in lecture for 15 weeks.
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 CSM'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 CSM

  • CLEP® path: Enter CSM's CLEP® code 5144 during registration so College Board can send your scores for credit evaluation
  • DSST path: Send your DSST score to CSM with DSST code 9555, through its 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®, DSST, ACE/NCCRS,
or community college?

Four legitimate ways to earn CSM 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
CSM acceptsYes · 24 subjects
RiskSingle high-stakes exam
Best for: Confident test-takers who want fastest turnaround and lowest cost per credit.
🎖 Military-friendly
📝
DSST Exam
Format~2-hr exam
Time to credit4–8 weeks prep
Cost$100 exam + prep
CSM acceptsYes · code 9555
RiskSingle exam · free for military
Best for: Covers upper-level & technical subjects CLEP® doesn't. Free for active-duty military via DANTES.
📖
ACE/NCCRS Course
FormatSelf-paced + retake-able final
Time to credit2–6 weeks / course
CostIncluded in subscription
CSM acceptsMay accept (confirm)
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
CSM acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
🎖
Second Exam Pathway
CSM accepts DSST exams too
Beyond CLEP®, CSM is a DSST credit-granting institution (DSST code 9555). DSST covers 30+ subjects — including upper-level and technical topics CLEP® doesn't offer, like Business Ethics, Cybersecurity, and Criminal Justice. Exams are free for active-duty military through DANTES. Confirm accepted DSST subjects and minimum scores with the Registrar before scheduling.
Start DSST Prep → Check policy
Helpful Resources

More help with
your CSM credit.

Questions about CSM?
Ask Iris, our AI assistant, about exams, scores and credit, or email our team at team@transfercredit.org.
Ask Iris →
Study guides
A short guide to each CLEP® and DSST exam: what's on it, how it's scored and how to prepare.
See the guides →
Practice tests
See where you stand before you book an exam.
Try a practice test →
Read our blog
Plain-English articles on transfer credit, CLEP®, DSST, ACE and NCCRS.
Read the blog →
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does College of Southern Maryland accept?
College of Southern Maryland accepts 24 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 CSM require?
CSM requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to College of Southern Maryland?
Enter CSM's institution code 5144 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my CSM degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does CSM accept DSST exams?
Yes. CSM is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 9555.
Is CSM an NCCRS member institution?
CSM 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 CSM?
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 CSM 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 CSM accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (4 exams)
Does CSM accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (9 exams)
Does CSM accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. CSM 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 CSM accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. CSM 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 CSM accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (2 exams)
Does CSM accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (4 exams)
Does CSM accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSM accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. CSM accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Start Today

Your CSM credit,
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.

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TransferCredit.org is an independent education service, not affiliated with or endorsed by College of Southern Maryland. 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.