Verified · Credit Policy

Colorado Technical University CLEP® Credit Policy

CTU accepts 16 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® · 16 ExamsDSST AcceptedNCCRS Member
How It Works

3 steps to earn
CTU 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 CTU's CLEP® code 4133 — or DSST code 9111 — at registration so scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their CTU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Colorado Technical University accepts.

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

Composition and Literature

2 exams · up to 6 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
English Literature503Start prep →
Humanities503Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

3 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Calculus505Start prep →
Chemistry505Start prep →
College Algebra505Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Colorado Technical University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

CTU is an
NCCRS member institution.

CTU is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org. CLEP® isn't the only way to earn credit here — as an NCCRS member, CTU 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 · CTU 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. CTU 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 CTU.

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 CTU.

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 CTU 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.

CTU 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
CTU's bar.

CTU'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. 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
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.
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.
J
Jude S.
CLEP® College Mathematics
★★★★★
Not a math person. Studied 3 weeks religiously. Readiness meter took forever to hit 80. Finally passed with 51. Every point counts.
M
Maren L.
ACE · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Philosophy minor. ACE course was actually rigorous — discussed real case studies. Passed the final first try. Most enjoyable credit I've earned.
N
Nova R.
CLEP® Biology
★★★★★
Nursing bridge program. Biology req was blocking my path. Studied 4 weeks, lots of practice questions. Passed. Bridge is no longer blocked.
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
Josephine K.
CLEP® Precalculus
★★★★★
Returning student at 35. Precalc was where I'd stopped 15 years ago. Picked it up faster than expected. Passed with 55. Good enough.
E
Elena R.
ACE · Globalization & Intl Management
★★★★★
Future international consultant. Material was actually intellectually interesting. ACE self-paced format let me go deep on topics I loved.
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.
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.
J
Jude S.
CLEP® College Mathematics
★★★★★
Not a math person. Studied 3 weeks religiously. Readiness meter took forever to hit 80. Finally passed with 51. Every point counts.
M
Maren L.
ACE · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Philosophy minor. ACE course was actually rigorous — discussed real case studies. Passed the final first try. Most enjoyable credit I've earned.
N
Nova R.
CLEP® Biology
★★★★★
Nursing bridge program. Biology req was blocking my path. Studied 4 weeks, lots of practice questions. Passed. Bridge is no longer blocked.
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
Josephine K.
CLEP® Precalculus
★★★★★
Returning student at 35. Precalc was where I'd stopped 15 years ago. Picked it up faster than expected. Passed with 55. Good enough.
E
Elena R.
ACE · Globalization & Intl Management
★★★★★
Future international consultant. Material was actually intellectually interesting. ACE self-paced format let me go deep on topics I loved.
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 CTU'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 CTU

  • CLEP® path: Enter CTU's code 4133 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code 9111
  • 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 CTU 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
CTU acceptsYes · 16 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
CTU acceptsYes · code 9111
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
CTU 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
CTU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
🎖
Second Exam Pathway
CTU accepts DSST exams too
Beyond CLEP®, CTU is a DSST credit-granting institution (DSST code 9111). 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 Technical University

CTU
in brief.

Colorado Technical University is a private for-profit university with its main campus in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It also operates online programs and serves students through a distance-learning model. The university is part of the Colorado Springs higher-education landscape and is known primarily for career-oriented study.

CTU offers undergraduate and graduate programs in areas such as business, management, technology, healthcare, and criminal justice. Its academic model emphasizes flexible scheduling and online access, which is a major part of its identity. The university is often associated with working adults and students seeking career-focused credentials.

For transfer and credit-by-exam purposes, Colorado Technical University is a school where students should verify policies directly with the institution before relying on outside exam credit. CLEP and other transfer-credit acceptance can vary by program, degree level, and residency requirements. Because policies can change, the registrar or admissions office is the best source for current evaluation rules.

Credit evaluation at CTU is handled through the university's official academic records and transfer-review processes. Students typically need to submit official transcripts and any supporting documentation for prior coursework or exam credit. Final decisions about how credit applies to a degree are made by the university, usually through registrar or academic advising channels.

16
CLEP® Exams Accepted
3
Credit Pathways
54
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Career-focused university with a strong emphasis on flexible online learning
  • Private for-profit institution serving undergraduate and graduate students
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  • Transfer credit review is handled through the university's official evaluation process
  • Program areas include business, technology, healthcare, and criminal justice
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Colorado Technical University accept?
Colorado Technical University accepts 16 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 CTU require?
CTU 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 Colorado Technical University?
Enter CTU's institution code 4133 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my CTU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does CTU accept DSST exams?
Yes. CTU is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 9111.
Is CTU an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. CTU is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at CTU?
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 (4 exams)
Does CTU accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (2 exams)
Does CTU accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (7 exams)
Does CTU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. CTU 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 CTU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. CTU 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 CTU accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. CTU 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 (3 exams)
Does CTU accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CTU accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. CTU accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Start Today

Your CTU 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 Technical 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.