ISU accepts 18 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.
1319 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.18 CLEP® exams organized by category, with the minimum score and credit hours awarded for each.
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Literature | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Composition | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| English Literature | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Humanities | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Government | 63 | 3 | Start prep → |
| History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Psychology | 52 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Sociology | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Social Sciences and History | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present | 56 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Chemistry | 56 | 4 | Start prep → |
| College Algebra | 55 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Mathematics | 55 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Natural Sciences | 56 | 6 | Start prep → |
| Precalculus | 55 | 4 | Start prep → |
ISU is not currently listed as an ACE-aligned or NCCRS member institution in our dataset. However, ACE- and NCCRS-recommended credits are accepted by a large number of U.S. colleges under prior-learning-assessment (PLA) policies, and acceptance is institution-specific. Before enrolling in an ACE or NCCRS course for credit transfer, confirm with the ISU Registrar whether it will accept the specific course toward your degree.
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 ISU.
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.
ISU is not currently listed as an ACE-aligned or NCCRS member in our dataset, but ACE and NCCRS credits are accepted by a wide range of U.S. institutions under prior-learning-assessment policy. Acceptance is institution-specific — confirm with the Registrar before enrolling in any course intended for credit transfer.
ISU'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 ISU's Registrar workflow like any other transcript.
1319 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar(confirm with Registrar)Three legitimate ways to earn ISU credit without sitting in a 15-week university classroom. Here's the honest comparison.
Illinois State University is a public university in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. It is the oldest public university in Illinois and serves a large undergraduate and graduate population in a traditional campus setting. The university is known for its strong ties to teacher education and for offering a broad range of academic opportunities.
Illinois State offers programs across many fields, including education, business, arts and sciences, nursing, and applied sciences and technology. The university is recognized for its teacher preparation, student-centered learning, and a campus culture that emphasizes engagement and practical experience. Graduate study and research opportunities are also part of the institution's academic profile.
For CLEP and transfer credit purposes, Illinois State University evaluates prior learning and transfer coursework through its official academic policies. Credit-by-exam and transfer credit decisions are handled by the university rather than assumed automatically, so students should confirm how a specific exam or course will apply to their degree plan. Policies can vary by department, major, and course equivalency.
Credit evaluation at Illinois State is typically managed through the registrar and related academic offices, which review transcripts, exam scores, and other official records. Students should submit official documentation and consult the university's transfer or registrar resources for current procedures. Final credit applicability depends on university policy, program requirements, and approval of the appropriate academic unit.
1319 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 Illinois State 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.