Verified · Credit Policy

Fairfield University CLEP® Credit Policy

Fairfield accepts 23 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® · 23 ExamsNCCRS MemberACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
Fairfield 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 Fairfield's CLEP® code 3390 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their Fairfield transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Fairfield University accepts.

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

Business

1 exams · up to 3 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Financial Accounting503Start prep →

Composition and Literature

3 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature503Start prep →
College Composition506Start prep →
Humanities506Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

10 exams · up to 30 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government503Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877503Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present503Start prep →
Human Growth and Development503Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology503Start prep →
Introductory Psychology503Start prep →
Introductory Sociology503Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics503Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics503Start prep →
Social Sciences and History503Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

3 exams · up to 12 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology503Start prep →
Calculus503Start prep →
Natural Sciences506Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 54 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I506Start prep →
French Language Level II5012Start prep →
German Language Level I506Start prep →
German Language Level II5012Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I506Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II5012Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Fairfield University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

Fairfield is both an ACE-aligned
and NCCRS member institution.

Fairfield is listed as an NCCRS member on nationalccrs.org and recognized on acenet.edu. Beyond CLEP®, it may accept both ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended coursework — three complementary pathways to your degree. Acceptance of specific courses is determined by the Fairfield 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 · Fairfield 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. Fairfield 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 Fairfield.

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 Fairfield.

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 & NCCRS courses Fairfield 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.

Fairfield is both an ACE-aligned institution (per acenet.edu) and an NCCRS member (per nationalccrs.org). Acceptance of specific courses is determined at the Registrar's discretion under prior-learning policy — confirm with your registrar 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
Fairfield's bar.

Fairfield'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

H
Hannah D.
NCCRS · Art History I
★★★★★
Didn't want to sit through a semester of slideshows. NCCRS course let me study on my own pace. Finished the final exam three times to ace it.
J
Juno F.
CLEP® French Level I
★★★★★
Three years of HS French. Dusted off my knowledge with 5 weeks of prep. Passed at 57. 6 credits for 90 minutes of effort. Unreal.
V
Violet O.
CLEP® Introductory Business Law
★★★★★
Business minor needing an elective. Studied contract law + torts hard. Exam was direct — if you know the concepts, you pass. I passed.
A
Atlas K.
ACE · Project Management
★★★★★
Program manager at a tech company. ACE course was more comprehensive than any PMP prep I've done. Learned something new. Credit earned.
F
Freya C.
ACE · Business Math
★★★★★
Math anxiety is real. ACE course let me retake the final. Took it three times. Passed. No test-day panic. This option shouldn't be rare.
S
Samuel A.
NCCRS · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Needed a humanities elective fast. NCCRS course took 12 days. Transcripted through NCCRS official registry, university accepted immediately.
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.
I
Iris D.
NCCRS · Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Econ blog reader for years. NCCRS course made me formalize the vocabulary. Final went smoothly. Credit appeared on transcript two weeks later.
H
Hannah D.
NCCRS · Art History I
★★★★★
Didn't want to sit through a semester of slideshows. NCCRS course let me study on my own pace. Finished the final exam three times to ace it.
J
Juno F.
CLEP® French Level I
★★★★★
Three years of HS French. Dusted off my knowledge with 5 weeks of prep. Passed at 57. 6 credits for 90 minutes of effort. Unreal.
V
Violet O.
CLEP® Introductory Business Law
★★★★★
Business minor needing an elective. Studied contract law + torts hard. Exam was direct — if you know the concepts, you pass. I passed.
A
Atlas K.
ACE · Project Management
★★★★★
Program manager at a tech company. ACE course was more comprehensive than any PMP prep I've done. Learned something new. Credit earned.
F
Freya C.
ACE · Business Math
★★★★★
Math anxiety is real. ACE course let me retake the final. Took it three times. Passed. No test-day panic. This option shouldn't be rare.
S
Samuel A.
NCCRS · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Needed a humanities elective fast. NCCRS course took 12 days. Transcripted through NCCRS official registry, university accepted immediately.
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.
I
Iris D.
NCCRS · Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Econ blog reader for years. NCCRS course made me formalize the vocabulary. Final went smoothly. Credit appeared on transcript two weeks later.
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 Fairfield'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 Fairfield

  • CLEP® path: Enter Fairfield's code 3390 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 Fairfield 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
Fairfield acceptsYes · 23 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
Fairfield 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
Fairfield acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Fairfield University

Fairfield
in brief.

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university in Fairfield, Connecticut, on the Long Island Sound in southwestern Connecticut. It was founded in 1942 and is part of the Jesuit tradition of higher education. The university serves undergraduate and graduate students in a suburban campus setting.

Fairfield offers a range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through its schools and colleges. The university is known for its liberal arts foundation, business education, nursing, engineering, and health-related programs. Its Jesuit mission emphasizes academic rigor, service, and ethical leadership.

For transfer and credit-by-exam purposes, Fairfield University evaluates credit according to its own academic policies. Students seeking CLEP or other transfer credit should confirm in advance whether a specific exam or course will be accepted and how it will apply to their degree plan. Credit decisions can vary by program, major, and academic department.

The registrar and academic offices handle official credit evaluation, transcript processing, and degree audit matters. Students typically work with admissions, advising, and the registrar to determine how transfer coursework, exam credit, and prior learning fit into Fairfield's requirements. Because policies can change, the university's official catalog and registrar guidance are the best sources for current rules.

23
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
114
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Jesuit university with a mission centered on academic rigor and service
  • Suburban Connecticut campus in Fairfield near the Long Island Sound
  • Liberal arts foundation complemented by professional and pre-professional study
  • Regionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education
  • Transfer and exam credit are evaluated through the university's official academic policies
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Fairfield University accept?
Fairfield University accepts 23 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 Fairfield require?
Fairfield 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 Fairfield University?
Enter Fairfield's institution code 3390 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my Fairfield degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does Fairfield accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at Fairfield is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is Fairfield an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. Fairfield is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at Fairfield?
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 Fairfield accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (3 exams)
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (10 exams)
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. Fairfield 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 Fairfield accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. Fairfield 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 Fairfield accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (3 exams)
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Fairfield accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. Fairfield accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Start Today

Your Fairfield 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 Fairfield 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.