Verified · Credit Policy

George Mason University CLEP® Credit Policy

GMU accepts 19 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® · 19 ExamsDSST AcceptedNCCRS MemberACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
GMU 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 GMU's CLEP® code 5827 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their GMU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
George Mason University accepts.

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

Business

1 exams · up to 3 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Information Systems603Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

11 exams · up to 33 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government573Start 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 →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648503Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present503Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

1 exams · up to 6 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Chemistry506Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 45 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I506Start prep →
French Language Level II669Start prep →
German Language Level I506Start prep →
German Language Level II669Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I506Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II669Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with George Mason University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

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

GMU 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 GMU 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 · GMU 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. GMU 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 GMU.

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 GMU.

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 GMU 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.

GMU 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
GMU's bar.

GMU'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

J
Jaxon H.
CLEP® Principles of Marketing
★★★★★
Marketing pro for a decade. Took this just to clear a prereq for grad school. Studied 3 hours the night before. Passed with 71.
L
Leo N.
ACE · English Composition I
★★★★★
Writer by trade but never got the required college comp course. Took the ACE instead of CLEP — more my style. Essays graded fairly.
E
Emily S.
CLEP® Analyzing Literature
★★★★★
Was terrified of lit exams. The chapter structure broke down every period and movement I needed. Passed with a 62 — above what I needed.
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.
A
Aubrey S.
CLEP® Financial Accounting
★★★★★
Business sophomore. Needed to get past intro accounting fast. 3 weeks prep, scored 64. Credit cleared the path to my upper-division courses.
H
Hudson E.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Math olympiad alum. Exam was almost offensively easy. Still, subscription pricing made it worth getting the 3 credits for basically free.
C
Celeste B.
ACE · Human Resources Management
★★★★★
HR coordinator pursuing upskill. ACE course was genuinely educational — not just credential chasing. Passed with strong understanding.
D
David T.
NCCRS · Business Communication
★★★★★
My university is an NCCRS member so I went this route instead of CLEP®. Finished in under a month. Zero drama.
J
Jaxon H.
CLEP® Principles of Marketing
★★★★★
Marketing pro for a decade. Took this just to clear a prereq for grad school. Studied 3 hours the night before. Passed with 71.
L
Leo N.
ACE · English Composition I
★★★★★
Writer by trade but never got the required college comp course. Took the ACE instead of CLEP — more my style. Essays graded fairly.
E
Emily S.
CLEP® Analyzing Literature
★★★★★
Was terrified of lit exams. The chapter structure broke down every period and movement I needed. Passed with a 62 — above what I needed.
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.
A
Aubrey S.
CLEP® Financial Accounting
★★★★★
Business sophomore. Needed to get past intro accounting fast. 3 weeks prep, scored 64. Credit cleared the path to my upper-division courses.
H
Hudson E.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Math olympiad alum. Exam was almost offensively easy. Still, subscription pricing made it worth getting the 3 credits for basically free.
C
Celeste B.
ACE · Human Resources Management
★★★★★
HR coordinator pursuing upskill. ACE course was genuinely educational — not just credential chasing. Passed with strong understanding.
D
David T.
NCCRS · Business Communication
★★★★★
My university is an NCCRS member so I went this route instead of CLEP®. Finished in under a month. Zero drama.
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 GMU'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 GMU

  • CLEP® path: Enter GMU's code 5827 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code 9814
  • 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 GMU 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
GMU acceptsYes · 19 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
GMU 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
GMU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About George Mason University

GMU
in brief.

George Mason University is a public research university in Fairfax, Virginia, in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. It is the largest public university in Virginia by enrollment and operates additional campuses and learning sites in Northern Virginia. The university serves a large and diverse student body and is known for its strong regional connections.

George Mason offers a wide range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across many fields. It is especially recognized for programs in public policy, economics, business, engineering, computer science, and the social sciences. As a research university, it emphasizes innovation, interdisciplinary study, and applied learning.

George Mason is generally transfer-friendly and accepts transfer credit from accredited institutions according to university policy. Like many universities, it may also award credit for approved examinations such as CLEP when scores meet institutional requirements. Students should review George Mason's current transfer and credit-by-exam policies for course equivalencies and any program-specific limits.

Credit evaluation at George Mason is handled through the university's registrar and academic departments, which determine how incoming coursework applies toward degree requirements. Transfer and exam credits are typically posted after official documentation is received and reviewed. Because policies can vary by college, major, and course, students should confirm details directly with the registrar or admissions office before relying on prior credit.

19
CLEP® Exams Accepted
200+
Degree Programs
3
Credit Pathways
87
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Public research university serving the Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C. region
  • Broad academic offerings across undergraduate, graduate, and professional study
  • Strong in public policy and STEM fields with a research-oriented mission
  • Transfer-friendly approach to evaluating prior college and exam credit
  • Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does George Mason University accept?
George Mason University accepts 19 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 GMU require?
GMU 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 George Mason University?
Enter GMU's institution code 5827 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my GMU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does GMU accept DSST exams?
Yes. GMU is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 9814.
Is GMU an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. GMU is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at GMU?
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 GMU accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (11 exams)
Does GMU accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does GMU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. GMU 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 GMU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. GMU 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 GMU accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. GMU 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 (1 exams)
Does GMU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does GMU accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 66.
Does GMU accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 66.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does GMU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. GMU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 66.
Start Today

Your GMU 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 George Mason 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.