Verified · Credit Policy

Dakota County Technical College CLEP® Credit Policy

DCTC accepts 31 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® · 31 ExamsDSST AcceptedNCCRS Member
How It Works

3 steps to earn
DCTC 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 DCTC's CLEP® code 4253 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their DCTC transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Dakota County Technical College accepts.

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

Business

1 exams · up to 3 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Introductory Business Law503Start prep →

Composition and Literature

5 exams · up to 30 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature506Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature506Start prep →
College Composition506Start prep →
English Literature506Start prep →
Humanities506Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

12 exams · up to 54 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government506Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877506Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present506Start prep →
Human Growth and Development506Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology506Start prep →
Introductory Psychology503Start prep →
Introductory Sociology503Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics503Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics503Start prep →
Social Sciences and History506Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648503Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present503Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

7 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology506Start prep →
Calculus506Start prep →
Chemistry506Start prep →
College Algebra503Start prep →
College Mathematics506Start prep →
Natural Sciences506Start prep →
Precalculus503Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 54 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I506Start prep →
French Language Level II6212Start prep →
German Language Level I506Start prep →
German Language Level II6312Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I506Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II6612Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Dakota County Technical College's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

DCTC is an
NCCRS member institution.

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

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 DCTC.

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 DCTC 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.

DCTC 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
DCTC's bar.

DCTC's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 66. 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
Mila R.
CLEP® French Level II
★★★★★
Grew up bilingual. Exam was trivially easy for me but still had to prep on grammar terminology. 6 credits in a single sitting.
P
Priya K.
ACE · Managerial Accounting
★★★★★
Did the ACE course instead of CLEP® — took me 4 weeks, retake-able final was a huge stress reliever. Credit transferred cleanly.
K
Kevin O.
CLEP® Intro Psychology
★★★★★
One subscription, studied 5 subjects. Cost me less than a single community college course would have. Math doesn't lie.
L
Liam P.
CLEP® History of U.S. II
★★★★★
Post-Civil War to present. Lots of memorization. Chapter-based study guide organized it chronologically which helped enormously. Passed.
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.
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.
A
Adrian M.
NCCRS · Project Management
★★★★★
PMP certified, still needed academic credit for the degree. NCCRS course was a paperwork exercise more than learning. Finished in 7 days.
M
Mila R.
CLEP® French Level II
★★★★★
Grew up bilingual. Exam was trivially easy for me but still had to prep on grammar terminology. 6 credits in a single sitting.
P
Priya K.
ACE · Managerial Accounting
★★★★★
Did the ACE course instead of CLEP® — took me 4 weeks, retake-able final was a huge stress reliever. Credit transferred cleanly.
K
Kevin O.
CLEP® Intro Psychology
★★★★★
One subscription, studied 5 subjects. Cost me less than a single community college course would have. Math doesn't lie.
L
Liam P.
CLEP® History of U.S. II
★★★★★
Post-Civil War to present. Lots of memorization. Chapter-based study guide organized it chronologically which helped enormously. Passed.
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.
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.
A
Adrian M.
NCCRS · Project Management
★★★★★
PMP certified, still needed academic credit for the degree. NCCRS course was a paperwork exercise more than learning. Finished in 7 days.
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 DCTC'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 DCTC

  • CLEP® path: Enter DCTC's code 4253 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code 9688
  • 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 DCTC 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
DCTC acceptsYes · 31 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
DCTC 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
DCTC acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Dakota County Technical College

DCTC
in brief.

Dakota County Technical College is a public technical college in Rosemount, Minnesota, in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. It is part of the Minnesota State system of colleges and universities. The college serves students seeking career-focused education, transfer pathways, and workforce training.

The college offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in career and technical fields. Its academic offerings are oriented toward applied learning and preparation for employment or further study. DCTC is known for programs that connect classroom instruction with hands-on, industry-relevant training.

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, Dakota County Technical College is a public college that accepts transfer credit under Minnesota State and college policies. Students who have earned qualifying credit by exam or coursework elsewhere should expect evaluation through the college's official transfer and records processes. As with any institution, acceptance of specific CLEP exams or transfer courses depends on the college's current policies and the student's program requirements.

Credit and registration matters at DCTC are handled through the college's registrar and student records processes. Students typically use official transcripts, placement information, and academic advising to determine how prior learning applies to a program. Final decisions about credit posting, degree applicability, and graduation requirements are made according to institutional policy and program rules.

31
CLEP® Exams Accepted
3
Credit Pathways
177
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Public technical college serving students in Rosemount and the greater Twin Cities area
  • Career-focused programs in applied and technical fields
  • Transfer pathways available for students planning to continue their education
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  • Credit evaluation process handled through official registrar and transfer procedures
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Dakota County Technical College accept?
Dakota County Technical College accepts 31 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 DCTC require?
DCTC requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 66 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Dakota County Technical College?
Enter DCTC's institution code 4253 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my DCTC degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does DCTC accept DSST exams?
Yes. DCTC is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 9688.
Is DCTC an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. DCTC is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at DCTC?
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 DCTC accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (5 exams)
Does DCTC accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does DCTC accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. DCTC 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 DCTC accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does DCTC accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does DCTC accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. DCTC accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 66.
Start Today

Your DCTC 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 Dakota County Technical College. 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.