GCU accepts 36 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.
4331 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.36 CLEP® exams organized by category, with the minimum score and credit hours awarded for each.
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Accounting | 50 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Information Systems | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Business Law | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Management | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Marketing | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Literature | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Composition | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| College Composition Modular | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| English Literature | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Humanities | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Government | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Human Growth and Development | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introduction to Educational Psychology | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Psychology | 50 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Sociology | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Social Sciences and History | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| Calculus | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Chemistry | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| College Algebra | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Mathematics | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| Natural Sciences | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| Precalculus | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Language Level I | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| French Language Level II | 59 | 9 | Start prep → |
| German Language Level I | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| German Language Level II | 60 | 9 | Start prep → |
| Spanish Language Level I | 50 | 6 | Start prep → |
| Spanish Language Level II | 63 | 9 | Start prep → |
GCU 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 GCU Registrar under its prior-learning policy; confirm before enrolling.
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 GCU.
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.
GCU 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.
GCU's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 63. Generic flashcard apps aim for "passing." We're built for acing.
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We're credit-by-exam prep provider and offer ACE/NCCRS coursework via our partners — both pathways produce official records that feed into GCU's Registrar workflow like any other transcript.
4331 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar9406Three legitimate ways to earn GCU credit without sitting in a 15-week university classroom. Here's the honest comparison.
Grand Canyon University is a private Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. It was founded in 1949 and operates a large campus along with a substantial online presence. The university is known for serving both traditional and adult learners.
GCU offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs across areas such as business, education, nursing, health professions, engineering, and the liberal arts. It is especially known for its online programs and for professional fields that attract transfer students and working adults. The university is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
For credit-by-exam and transfer-credit purposes, Grand Canyon University evaluates prior learning and transfer coursework through its own academic policies. CLEP credit acceptance can vary by exam, score, and degree program, so students should confirm applicability with the university before testing. Because policies can differ across colleges and majors, the safest approach is to verify requirements with GCU directly.
Registrar and credit processing at Grand Canyon University are handled through the university's academic records and registration systems. Students typically need official documentation for transfer work, exam scores, and other prior learning credit to be posted to their record. Degree applicability is determined by the receiving program, so students should review catalog requirements and consult academic advising or the registrar for current procedures.
4331 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.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 Grand Canyon 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.