Verified · Credit Policy

Hillsborough Community College CLEP® Credit Policy

HCC accepts 38 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® · 38 ExamsDSST AcceptedACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
HCC 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 HCC's CLEP® code 5304 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their HCC transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Hillsborough Community College accepts.

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

Note: These CLEP® scores and credit hours reflect the College Board standard. This institution is listed as accepting CLEP®, but specific minimum scores and credit awards were not published at the time of writing — verify with the Registrar before scheduling an exam.

Business

5 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Financial Accounting603Start prep →
Information Systems603Start prep →
Introductory Business Law603Start prep →
Principles of Management603Start prep →
Principles of Marketing603Start prep →

Composition and Literature

6 exams · up to 18 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature603Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature603Start prep →
College Composition603Start prep →
College Composition Modular603Start prep →
English Literature603Start prep →
Humanities603Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

12 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government603Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877603Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present603Start prep →
Human Growth and Development603Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology603Start prep →
Introductory Psychology603Start prep →
Introductory Sociology603Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics603Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics603Start prep →
Social Sciences and History603Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648603Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present603Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

7 exams · up to 21 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology603Start prep →
Calculus603Start prep →
Chemistry603Start prep →
College Algebra603Start prep →
College Mathematics603Start prep →
Natural Sciences603Start prep →
Precalculus603Start prep →

World Languages

8 exams · up to 24 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I603Start prep →
French Language Level II603Start prep →
German Language Level I603Start prep →
German Language Level II603Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I603Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II603Start prep →
Spanish with Writing Level I603Start prep →
Spanish with Writing Level II603Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Hillsborough Community College's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

HCC is an
ACE-aligned institution.

HCC 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 HCC 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 HCC.

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 HCC.

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 HCC 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.

HCC 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
HCC's bar.

HCC'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.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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

W
Willow B.
CLEP® Intro Sociology
★★★★★
Night-shift nurse finishing my BSN. Studied on breaks. Passed first try. The mobile-friendly interface was crucial for my situation.
A
Aria P.
CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level II
★★★★★
Bilingual background. The writing portion tripped me up honestly. Subscription had specific prep for written Spanish. Passed at 63.
E
Elias R.
ACE · Entrepreneurship
★★★★★
Running my own company at 22. The course material was basic for me but the credit mattered for finishing my degree. Took one weekend.
C
Clara N.
CLEP® Western Civilization I
★★★★★
Ancient history fan. This exam was entertainment, not work. Scored 79. Best time I've ever had earning college credit.
C
Cora T.
NCCRS · Entrepreneurship
★★★★★
Small business owner. NCCRS course asked me to case-study my own business. Perfect. Credit felt earned, not gamed.
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.
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.
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.
W
Willow B.
CLEP® Intro Sociology
★★★★★
Night-shift nurse finishing my BSN. Studied on breaks. Passed first try. The mobile-friendly interface was crucial for my situation.
A
Aria P.
CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level II
★★★★★
Bilingual background. The writing portion tripped me up honestly. Subscription had specific prep for written Spanish. Passed at 63.
E
Elias R.
ACE · Entrepreneurship
★★★★★
Running my own company at 22. The course material was basic for me but the credit mattered for finishing my degree. Took one weekend.
C
Clara N.
CLEP® Western Civilization I
★★★★★
Ancient history fan. This exam was entertainment, not work. Scored 79. Best time I've ever had earning college credit.
C
Cora T.
NCCRS · Entrepreneurship
★★★★★
Small business owner. NCCRS course asked me to case-study my own business. Perfect. Credit felt earned, not gamed.
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.
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.
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.
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 HCC'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 HCC

  • CLEP® path: Enter HCC's code 5304 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code 9467
  • 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 HCC 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
HCC acceptsYes · 38 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
HCC 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
HCC acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Hillsborough Community College

HCC
in brief.

Hillsborough Community College is a public community college in Tampa, Florida, serving Hillsborough County and the surrounding area. It is part of the Florida College System and operates multiple campuses and centers in the Tampa Bay region. The college offers open-access higher education focused on affordability and local workforce needs.

HCC offers associate degrees, workforce certificates, and other career-focused programs, along with transfer pathways for students planning to continue at four-year institutions. Its academic offerings span general education, business, health sciences, public safety, technology, and other applied fields. As a community college, it is designed to support both immediate job preparation and university transfer.

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, Hillsborough Community College is a public institution that commonly evaluates prior learning and exam-based credit through established college policies. Students interested in CLEP should confirm in advance which exams are accepted, what minimum scores are required, and how credit applies to their intended program. Transfer credit decisions can vary by course, department, and degree requirements.

Credit and registration at HCC are handled through the college's registrar and student records processes, which govern enrollment, transcripts, and the posting of earned credit. Students should consult the official catalog and registrar guidance for rules on course placement, transfer evaluation, and credit-by-exam procedures. Because policies can change, the most reliable source for current requirements is the college's official academic and registrar information.

38
CLEP® Exams Accepted
3
Credit Pathways
114
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Public community college serving the Tampa and Hillsborough County area
  • Open-access mission with affordable pathways to degrees and certificates
  • Transfer-friendly focus for students planning to continue at four-year colleges
  • Career-oriented programs in applied and workforce fields
  • Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Hillsborough Community College accept?
Hillsborough Community College accepts 38 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 HCC require?
HCC 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 Hillsborough Community College?
Enter HCC's institution code 5304 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my HCC degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does HCC accept DSST exams?
Yes. HCC is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 9467.
Is HCC an NCCRS member institution?
HCC 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 HCC?
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 (5 exams)
Does HCC accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (6 exams)
Does HCC accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® College Composition Modular?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® College Composition Modular exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does HCC accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (7 exams)
Does HCC accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (8 exams)
Does HCC accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level I?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCC accept CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level II?
Yes. HCC accepts the CLEP® Spanish with Writing Level II exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Start Today

Your HCC 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 Hillsborough Community 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.