Verified · Credit Policy

Houston Christian University CLEP® Credit Policy

HCU 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 ExamsACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
HCU 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 HCU's CLEP® code 6282 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their HCU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Houston Christian 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 Accounting553Start prep →

Composition and Literature

2 exams · up to 6 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
College Composition503Start prep →
College Composition Modular503Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

8 exams · up to 24 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 →
Principles of Macroeconomics623Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics603Start prep →
Social Sciences and History503Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648503Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present503Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

6 exams · up to 21 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology654Start prep →
Calculus614Start prep →
Chemistry624Start prep →
College Algebra603Start prep →
College Mathematics503Start prep →
Precalculus583Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 63 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I499Start prep →
French Language Level II6812Start prep →
German Language Level I379Start prep →
German Language Level II7112Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I539Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II6412Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Houston Christian University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

HCU is an
ACE-aligned institution.

HCU 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 HCU 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 HCU.

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 HCU.

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 HCU 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.

HCU 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
HCU's bar.

HCU's minimum CLEP® scores run 37 – 71. 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

K
Kai N.
CLEP® American Literature
★★★★★
Twain, Melville, Hawthorne, Hemingway — the canon. Prep material covered every major author. Passed at 66. Credit cleared my Am Lit req.
M
Morgan C.
NCCRS · Principles of Finance
★★★★★
Finance associate at a bank. NCCRS course formalized what I already do. Took the final twice, second try nailed it. Credit in the bank.
Z
Zane H.
CLEP® Western Civilization II
★★★★★
From 1648 to today. Lots of revolution, lots of war. Chapter organization made the timeline clear. Passed at 61. Credit banked.
N
Nova R.
CLEP® Biology
★★★★★
Nursing bridge program. Biology req was blocking my path. Studied 4 weeks, lots of practice questions. Passed. Bridge is no longer blocked.
S
Sebastian N.
CLEP® College Composition Modular
★★★★★
The modular version skips the essay. Perfect for me — I test well but hate timed writing. Three credits, zero essay stress.
M
Miles A.
CLEP® Biology
★★★★★
Pre-med. Needed to prove out of intro bio. Exam was dense but fair. Subscription's practice questions actually prepared me well.
A
Ava D.
CLEP® Spanish Level I
★★★★★
Two semesters of HS Spanish, that's it. Studied intensively for 4 weeks. Squeaked by with a 52 but passed is passed. 6 credits earned.
L
Liam P.
CLEP® History of U.S. II
★★★★★
Post-Civil War to present. Lots of memorization. Chapter-based study guide organized it chronologically which helped enormously. Passed.
K
Kai N.
CLEP® American Literature
★★★★★
Twain, Melville, Hawthorne, Hemingway — the canon. Prep material covered every major author. Passed at 66. Credit cleared my Am Lit req.
M
Morgan C.
NCCRS · Principles of Finance
★★★★★
Finance associate at a bank. NCCRS course formalized what I already do. Took the final twice, second try nailed it. Credit in the bank.
Z
Zane H.
CLEP® Western Civilization II
★★★★★
From 1648 to today. Lots of revolution, lots of war. Chapter organization made the timeline clear. Passed at 61. Credit banked.
N
Nova R.
CLEP® Biology
★★★★★
Nursing bridge program. Biology req was blocking my path. Studied 4 weeks, lots of practice questions. Passed. Bridge is no longer blocked.
S
Sebastian N.
CLEP® College Composition Modular
★★★★★
The modular version skips the essay. Perfect for me — I test well but hate timed writing. Three credits, zero essay stress.
M
Miles A.
CLEP® Biology
★★★★★
Pre-med. Needed to prove out of intro bio. Exam was dense but fair. Subscription's practice questions actually prepared me well.
A
Ava D.
CLEP® Spanish Level I
★★★★★
Two semesters of HS Spanish, that's it. Studied intensively for 4 weeks. Squeaked by with a 52 but passed is passed. 6 credits earned.
L
Liam P.
CLEP® History of U.S. II
★★★★★
Post-Civil War to present. Lots of memorization. Chapter-based study guide organized it chronologically which helped enormously. Passed.
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 HCU'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 HCU

  • CLEP® path: Enter HCU's code 6282 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 HCU 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
HCU 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
HCU 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
HCU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Houston Christian University

HCU
in brief.

Houston Christian University is a private Christian university in Houston, Texas. It serves undergraduate and graduate students in an urban setting in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The university was formerly known as Houston Baptist University.

Houston Christian offers a range of academic programs across the liberal arts, sciences, business, education, and other professional fields. As a Christian university, it emphasizes faith-based learning alongside academic study. Students can pursue both undergraduate and graduate degrees.

For transfer and credit-by-exam purposes, Houston Christian University is a private university that accepts transfer credit subject to institutional review and published policies. CLEP credit may be available for eligible students, but acceptance depends on the university's current rules, the exam, the score earned, and how the credit fits the student's program. Prospective students should confirm current CLEP and transfer-credit policies directly with the university.

Credit evaluation at Houston Christian University is handled through the university's registrar and academic offices according to official policies. Transfer and exam credits are typically posted only after official documentation is received and reviewed. Degree applicability, residency requirements, and course equivalencies are determined by the university, so students should consult the registrar for the most current guidance.

23
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
117
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Private Christian university located in Houston, Texas
  • Formerly Houston Baptist University before adopting its current name
  • Broad academic offerings across liberal arts and professional fields
  • Transfer credit review is handled through institutional policies and registrar evaluation
  • Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Houston Christian University accept?
Houston Christian 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 HCU require?
HCU requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 37 – 71 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Houston Christian University?
Enter HCU's institution code 6282 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my HCU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does HCU accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at HCU is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is HCU an NCCRS member institution?
HCU 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 HCU?
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 HCU accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (2 exams)
Does HCU accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does HCU accept CLEP® College Composition Modular?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® College Composition Modular exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (8 exams)
Does HCU accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does HCU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. HCU 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 HCU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. HCU 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 HCU accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. HCU 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 (6 exams)
Does HCU accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 61.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does HCU accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does HCU accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 58.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does HCU accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 49.
Does HCU accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 68.
Does HCU accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 37.
Does HCU accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 71.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 53.
Does HCU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. HCU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 64.
Start Today

Your HCU 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 Houston Christian 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.