Verified · Credit Policy

Colorado State University CLEP® Credit Policy

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.

CLEP® · 36 ExamsDSST AcceptedACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
CSU 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.
Sit the CLEP® or DSST exam
90-minute exam at any test center. Enter CSU's CLEP® code 4075 — or DSST code 8796 — at registration so scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their CSU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Colorado State University accepts.

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

Composition and Literature

6 exams · up to 24 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature503Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature503Start prep →
College Composition506Start prep →
College Composition Modular506Start prep →
English Literature503Start prep →
Humanities503Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 54 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I506Start prep →
French Language Level II5912Start prep →
German Language Level I506Start prep →
German Language Level II6312Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I506Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II6312Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Colorado State University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

CSU is an
ACE-aligned institution.

CSU 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 CSU 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 CSU.

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.

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 CSU 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.

CSU 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
CSU's bar.

CSU'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

F
Freya O.
CLEP® Social Sciences & History
★★★★★
6 credits for one exam is absurdly efficient. Covered ancient world, European, American, and social theory. Passed at 58. Done.
S
Sarah L.
CLEP® U.S. History II
★★★★★
The practice questions were way harder than the actual exam. Showed up Saturday morning and it felt easy. That's the whole point, right?
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.
A
Aisha B.
NCCRS · Intro to Criminology
★★★★★
Majoring in criminal justice. Took three NCCRS courses in one summer. All transferred. Saved me a full semester of tuition.
A
Arlo D.
CLEP® Humanities
★★★★★
Renaissance and classical music buff. This exam rewarded general cultural knowledge. Got a 73. Random hobby paid off for once.
M
Marcus D.
CLEP® College Composition
★★★★★
I'd tried three other prep platforms before this. The structured chapters finally made the essay section click for me.
F
Finn M.
ACE · Business Communication
★★★★★
Introverted engineer needing a comm credit. ACE self-paced let me avoid group projects and public speaking. Blessed option.
C
Connor J.
CLEP® Principles of Management
★★★★★
Working manager for 8 years. The exam basically tested stuff I do daily. Studied 10 hours total, scored a 67. Felt like stealing credit.
F
Freya O.
CLEP® Social Sciences & History
★★★★★
6 credits for one exam is absurdly efficient. Covered ancient world, European, American, and social theory. Passed at 58. Done.
S
Sarah L.
CLEP® U.S. History II
★★★★★
The practice questions were way harder than the actual exam. Showed up Saturday morning and it felt easy. That's the whole point, right?
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.
A
Aisha B.
NCCRS · Intro to Criminology
★★★★★
Majoring in criminal justice. Took three NCCRS courses in one summer. All transferred. Saved me a full semester of tuition.
A
Arlo D.
CLEP® Humanities
★★★★★
Renaissance and classical music buff. This exam rewarded general cultural knowledge. Got a 73. Random hobby paid off for once.
M
Marcus D.
CLEP® College Composition
★★★★★
I'd tried three other prep platforms before this. The structured chapters finally made the essay section click for me.
F
Finn M.
ACE · Business Communication
★★★★★
Introverted engineer needing a comm credit. ACE self-paced let me avoid group projects and public speaking. Blessed option.
C
Connor J.
CLEP® Principles of Management
★★★★★
Working manager for 8 years. The exam basically tested stuff I do daily. Studied 10 hours total, scored a 67. Felt like stealing credit.
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 CSU'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 CSU

  • CLEP® path: Enter CSU's code 4075 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code 8796
  • 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®, DSST, ACE/NCCRS,
or community college?

Four legitimate ways to earn CSU 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
CSU acceptsYes · 36 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
CSU acceptsYes · code 8796
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
CSU 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
CSU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
🎖
Second Exam Pathway
CSU accepts DSST exams too
Beyond CLEP®, CSU is a DSST credit-granting institution (DSST code 8796). 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.
About Colorado State University

CSU
in brief.

Colorado State University is a public land-grant research university in Fort Collins, Colorado. It is the flagship campus of the Colorado State University System and serves students from across Colorado, the United States, and abroad. The university is located at the base of the Rocky Mountains and is known for its large, comprehensive campus environment.

Colorado State offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional study across many disciplines. It is especially recognized for strengths in areas such as veterinary medicine, agriculture, natural resources, engineering, business, and the sciences. As a research university, CSU also supports extensive faculty scholarship and graduate education.

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, Colorado State University is generally the kind of institution that evaluates prior learning through formal academic review rather than automatic blanket acceptance. Students should expect credit decisions to depend on the specific exam, score, course equivalency, and degree program requirements. The university’s policies may differ by college or major, so students should verify current rules before relying on exam credit.

Credit and transcript decisions at Colorado State University are handled through official university offices, typically in coordination with the registrar and academic departments. Transfer and exam credits are usually posted only after official documentation is received and evaluated. Students should consult the university’s current catalog and registrar guidance for the most accurate information on how credits apply toward a degree.

36
CLEP® Exams Accepted
3
Credit Pathways
164
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Public land-grant university with a broad research mission
  • Located in Fort Collins at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains
  • Strong academic reputation in veterinary medicine, agriculture, engineering, and natural resources
  • Transfer and exam credit review is handled through official university evaluation processes
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Colorado State University accept?
Colorado State University accepts 36 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 CSU require?
CSU 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 Colorado State University?
Enter CSU's institution code 4075 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my CSU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does CSU accept DSST exams?
Yes. CSU is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 8796.
Is CSU an NCCRS member institution?
CSU 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 CSU?
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 CSU accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (6 exams)
Does CSU accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® College Composition Modular?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® College Composition Modular exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does CSU accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. CSU 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 CSU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. CSU 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 CSU accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. CSU 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 (7 exams)
Does CSU accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does CSU accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does CSU accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CSU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. CSU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

Your CSU 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 Colorado 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.