Verified · Credit Policy

Denison University CLEP® Credit Policy

Denison accepts 21 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® · 21 ExamsACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
Denison 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 Denison's CLEP® code 1164 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their Denison transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Denison University accepts.

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

Business

1 exams · up to 4 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Information Systems604Start prep →

Composition and Literature

3 exams · up to 12 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature604Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature604Start prep →
English Literature604Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

7 exams · up to 28 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government604Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877604Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present604Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology604Start prep →
Introductory Sociology604Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648604Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present604Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

4 exams · up to 16 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology604Start prep →
Calculus604Start prep →
Chemistry604Start prep →
College Algebra604Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 24 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I604Start prep →
French Language Level II604Start prep →
German Language Level I604Start prep →
German Language Level II604Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I604Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II604Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Denison University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

Denison is an
ACE-aligned institution.

Denison 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 Denison 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 Denison.

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 Denison.

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 Denison 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.

Denison 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
Denison's bar.

Denison's minimum CLEP® scores run 60. 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

A
Amanda F.
CLEP® Biology · Homeschool mom
★★★★★
Using this for my son's junior year. We're both learning actually. 500+ questions per course is no joke — you can really drill weak spots.
C
Cora T.
NCCRS · Entrepreneurship
★★★★★
Small business owner. NCCRS course asked me to case-study my own business. Perfect. Credit felt earned, not gamed.
R
Ronan F.
CLEP® Chemistry
★★★★★
Pre-pharmacy track. Chemistry was do-or-die. Studied 8 weeks hard. Got a 60. Barely passed but the credit is the same either way.
R
Ruby J.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
First semester psych student testing out of intro. Readiness quizzes said I was ready after 2 weeks. Booked the test. Scored 68. Easy.
S
Sage M.
CLEP® Analyzing & Interp Literature
★★★★★
Poet and lit enthusiast. This exam was a joy. Read the practice passages, answered confidently, scored 78. Wish every exam was this fun.
Q
Quinn S.
CLEP® Information Systems
★★★★★
IT for a decade, zero formal CS credit. Passed this easy. Platform's material is actually current, not 2010 outdated nonsense.
O
Otto B.
CLEP® German Level II
★★★★★
Studied abroad in Berlin, never took formal college German. Prep content tested my real fluency. Got a 74. 9 credits. That math is insane.
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.
A
Amanda F.
CLEP® Biology · Homeschool mom
★★★★★
Using this for my son's junior year. We're both learning actually. 500+ questions per course is no joke — you can really drill weak spots.
C
Cora T.
NCCRS · Entrepreneurship
★★★★★
Small business owner. NCCRS course asked me to case-study my own business. Perfect. Credit felt earned, not gamed.
R
Ronan F.
CLEP® Chemistry
★★★★★
Pre-pharmacy track. Chemistry was do-or-die. Studied 8 weeks hard. Got a 60. Barely passed but the credit is the same either way.
R
Ruby J.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
First semester psych student testing out of intro. Readiness quizzes said I was ready after 2 weeks. Booked the test. Scored 68. Easy.
S
Sage M.
CLEP® Analyzing & Interp Literature
★★★★★
Poet and lit enthusiast. This exam was a joy. Read the practice passages, answered confidently, scored 78. Wish every exam was this fun.
Q
Quinn S.
CLEP® Information Systems
★★★★★
IT for a decade, zero formal CS credit. Passed this easy. Platform's material is actually current, not 2010 outdated nonsense.
O
Otto B.
CLEP® German Level II
★★★★★
Studied abroad in Berlin, never took formal college German. Prep content tested my real fluency. Got a 74. 9 credits. That math is insane.
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 credit-by-exam prep provider and offer ACE/NCCRS coursework via our partners — both pathways produce official records that feed into Denison'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 Denison

  • CLEP® path: Enter Denison's code 1164 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code (confirm with Registrar)
  • 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 Denison 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
Denison acceptsYes · 21 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
Denison 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
Denison acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Denison University

Denison
in brief.

Denison University is a private liberal arts college in Granville, Ohio, in the United States. It is a residential undergraduate institution with a campus on a hill overlooking the village of Granville. The university emphasizes a close-knit academic community and a traditional liberal arts setting.

Denison offers undergraduate study across the arts, humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. The college is known for a broad liberal arts curriculum, small classes, and opportunities for research, internships, and study away. Students can pursue majors and minors in a range of fields rather than a large menu of graduate and professional programs.

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, Denison is the kind of institution where credit policies are typically handled carefully through academic review rather than automatic acceptance of every external exam or course. Students considering CLEP or transfer credit should consult Denison's official transfer and registrar guidance before relying on outside coursework. Policies can vary by department, course equivalency, and residency requirements.

Registrar and credit procedures at Denison are managed through the university's official academic offices, which determine how credits apply toward degree requirements. Students should expect course evaluation, transcript review, and approval processes for transfer work, advanced standing, and other nonstandard credit. The safest source for current rules is Denison's registrar or academic catalog, since credit policies can change.

21
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
84
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Private liberal arts college located in Granville, Ohio
  • Residential undergraduate focus with a strong campus community
  • Broad academic offerings across the liberal arts and sciences
  • Transfer and CLEP credit should be confirmed through official academic offices
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Denison University accept?
Denison University accepts 21 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 Denison require?
Denison requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 60 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Denison University?
Enter Denison's institution code 1164 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my Denison degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does Denison accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at Denison is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is Denison an NCCRS member institution?
Denison 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 Denison?
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 Denison accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (3 exams)
Does Denison accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (7 exams)
Does Denison accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (4 exams)
Does Denison accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does Denison accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Denison accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. Denison accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Start Today

Your Denison 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 Denison 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.