Verified · Credit Policy

CLEP Exams at Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College accepts 27 CLEP® exams for transferable college credit. See the accepted exams, minimum required scores, and credit hours awarded, along with other credit-by-exam and prior-learning options available at this college.

CLEP® · 27 Exams
Start CLEP® Prep → See All 27 Exams
How It Works

3 steps to earn
Kirkwood 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. Start from Kirkwood's exam list, or with a study guide.
Sit the CLEP® exam
90-minute exam at any College Board test center. Enter Kirkwood's CLEP® code 6027 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically. Book it on College Board's CLEP® site.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their Kirkwood transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit. Plan which credits count with our Degree Planner.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Kirkwood Community College accepts.

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

Tick the exams you plan to take We'll add up the credits and what you could save.
Start CLEP® prep →

Estimate: the credit hours at a $390/credit-hour public university average, minus $95 per CLEP® exam and $149 for Lifetime prep. Kirkwood Community College decides how many exam credits count toward your degree.

Composition and Literature

2 exams · up to 6 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature573Start prep →
College Composition Modular593Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Kirkwood Community College's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
What this is worth

5 exams at Kirkwood, two ways

Kirkwood accepts 27 CLEP® exams. Here's what it costs to earn 15 of those credits in a classroom versus by exam.

In the classroom
$5,850
5 courses · about 75 weeks
15 credit hours$390/cr
PaceFixed semester
Books & feesExtra
vs
By CLEP® exam
$624
5 exams · study at your own pace
5 exam fees$475
Lifetime prep access$149
Same 15 creditsScore 50+
That's $5,226 you don't pay — for the same credits.

Based on a $390/credit-hour public university average. Your actual saving depends on Kirkwood Community College's tuition and how many exam credits it lets you apply toward your degree.

Monthly
$29/mo
Cancel anytime
Choose →
Most popular
Semester
$69/3 mo
Save 21%
Choose →
Best value
Lifetime
$149
CLEP® + DSST® forever
Choose →
Start prepping for Kirkwood → Compare all plans

Plan prices cover TransferCredit.org prep only. The CLEP® exam fee (currently $95) is paid to College Board at registration, and test centres may add a sitting fee. Credit awards are always determined by Kirkwood Community College — check the policy above before you test.

About the college

About Kirkwood Community College

Kirkwood Community College is a public community college based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with additional locations serving the surrounding region. It is part of Iowa's community college system and offers open-access higher education and workforce training. The college serves students seeking associate degrees, certificates, transfer preparation, and career-focused education.

Kirkwood offers a broad mix of academic and technical programs, including transfer-oriented liberal arts and sciences coursework as well as career and technical education. It is known for serving both traditional students and adult learners through flexible pathways. The college also provides continuing education and customized training for employers and community members.

  • Public community college serving Cedar Rapids and the surrounding region
  • Transfer and career pathways with both academic and technical offerings
  • Open-access mission supporting recent graduates and adult learners
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
  • Credit evaluation matters for CLEP, transfer, and prior learning
Transfer credit policy

How Transfer Credits Work at Kirkwood Community College

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, Kirkwood is a community college that may evaluate prior learning and standardized exam credit according to its own policies. Students interested in using CLEP or transferring credit should confirm how specific exams or courses apply to their intended program. Because credit acceptance can vary by department, program, and degree requirements, official review is important before enrollment or registration.

Students may also have options involving CLEP®, DSST, AP, ACE, or NCCRS credits, depending on Kirkwood's current policies. Not every alternative credit source is automatically accepted, so verify eligibility before completing a course or exam.

Approved credits may count toward general education, major requirements, electives, or other degree requirements depending on the evaluation. Kirkwood Community College transfer credits should therefore be reviewed against the specific degree program.

Transfer tip: Check your transfer credit evaluation and compare accepted credits with your Kirkwood Community College degree requirements before planning additional coursework.
Beyond CLEP®

ACE & NCCRS coursework
may still be considered.

Kirkwood Community College may consider ACE- and NCCRS-recommended coursework for transfer credit under its prior learning assessment (PLA) policies. Acceptance varies by institution, program, and course. Before enrolling in an ACE or NCCRS course, confirm with the college's registrar or transfer credit office whether the specific course can be applied toward your degree.

ACE · American Council on Education
ACE Credit
ACE evaluates non-traditional learning — including corporate training, workforce programs, and credit-by-exam — and recommends equivalent college credit. CLEP® exams are also ACE-reviewed. Colleges may consider ACE-recommended coursework under their transfer credit or prior-learning policies.
Source: acenet.edu
NCCRS
NCCRS Credit
NCCRS reviews non-collegiate coursework and provides college-credit recommendations for eligible learning. Member and non-member institutions may consider NCCRS-recommended coursework under their transfer credit or prior-learning policies. Acceptance depends on the institution, program, and applicable degree requirements.
Source: nationalccrs.org
How Your Credit Path Works

Two ways to earn credit.
Both count at Kirkwood.

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 Kirkwood.

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 Kirkwood Community College May Consider

Self-paced courses across general education and major requirements may carry an official ACE or NCCRS credit recommendation and can be submitted to the Registrar for transfer credit review.

Kirkwood Community College may consider ACE and NCCRS credits under its transfer or prior learning assessment (PLA) policies. Acceptance is institution-specific — confirm with the Registrar before enrolling in any course intended for credit transfer.

Subjects with a link go to the matching CLEP® or DSST study guide on TransferCredit.org.

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
Bundled · Best Value
Get ACE/NCCRS with CLEP® subscription
Includes CLEP® prep + ACE/NCCRS course access via partner network. Pass the exam or earn credit through coursework — credit guaranteed.
See Plans →
Direct · Finish Fast
Buy ACE/NCCRS direct
Skip the exam. Enroll in any course, complete the final assessment (with retakes), earn the credit.
See ACE & NCCRS →
Why TransferCredit.org

The prep tool built for
Kirkwood's bar.

Kirkwood's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 74. 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

S
Sarah L.
CLEP® U.S. History II
★★★★★
The practice questions were way harder than the actual exam. Showed up Saturday morning and it felt easy. That's the whole point, right?
M
Maria G.
ACE · Principles of Marketing
★★★★★
Chose ACE over CLEP® because I'm a terrible test-taker. The course-based option felt way more humane. Got my 3 credits without the panic.
S
Sophie V.
CLEP® + NCCRS
★★★★★
Got 24 credits in one year combining both paths. My advisor had never heard of NCCRS — I had to explain what their own school accepts.
R
Ronan F.
CLEP® Chemistry
★★★★★
Pre-pharmacy track. Chemistry was do-or-die. Studied 8 weeks hard. Got a 60. Barely passed but the credit is the same either way.
I
Ivy W.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
My first CLEP®. Was intimidated. Platform's walkthrough of what to expect at the test center calmed me down. Passed at 62. Worth every penny.
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.
T
Tanya B.
CLEP® Financial Accounting
★★★★★
I work in accounting but couldn't afford another semester. Finished this exam in a weekend of studying. Subject-matter experts are legit.
F
Finn M.
ACE · Business Communication
★★★★★
Introverted engineer needing a comm credit. ACE self-paced let me avoid group projects and public speaking. Blessed option.
S
Sarah L.
CLEP® U.S. History II
★★★★★
The practice questions were way harder than the actual exam. Showed up Saturday morning and it felt easy. That's the whole point, right?
M
Maria G.
ACE · Principles of Marketing
★★★★★
Chose ACE over CLEP® because I'm a terrible test-taker. The course-based option felt way more humane. Got my 3 credits without the panic.
S
Sophie V.
CLEP® + NCCRS
★★★★★
Got 24 credits in one year combining both paths. My advisor had never heard of NCCRS — I had to explain what their own school accepts.
R
Ronan F.
CLEP® Chemistry
★★★★★
Pre-pharmacy track. Chemistry was do-or-die. Studied 8 weeks hard. Got a 60. Barely passed but the credit is the same either way.
I
Ivy W.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
My first CLEP®. Was intimidated. Platform's walkthrough of what to expect at the test center calmed me down. Passed at 62. Worth every penny.
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.
T
Tanya B.
CLEP® Financial Accounting
★★★★★
I work in accounting but couldn't afford another semester. Finished this exam in a weekend of studying. Subject-matter experts are legit.
F
Finn M.
ACE · Business Communication
★★★★★
Introverted engineer needing a comm credit. ACE self-paced let me avoid group projects and public speaking. Blessed option.
How TransferCredit.org Works

The policy,
in plain English.

We're a credit-by-exam prep provider offering ACE/NCCRS coursework through our partners. These pathways provide official records that can be submitted to Kirkwood's Registrar for transfer credit evaluation.

The Product

What you get with TransferCredit

  • Structured CLEP® prep for 25+ exams, with chapters, subchapters, and 500+ practice questions per subject
  • Access to 70+ ACE/NCCRS courses through our partner network — self-paced, flexible, and designed for college credit
  • Readiness tracker to help determine when to book a CLEP® exam or continue preparing
  • Official transcripts through the ACE Credit Registry (Credly) and applicable NCCRS providers for transfer credit evaluation
  • Pass-or-pivot option — a CLEP® setback may provide access to a matching ACE/NCCRS course
The Transfer

How credit reaches Kirkwood

  • CLEP® path: Enter Kirkwood's CLEP® code 6027 during registration so College Board can send your scores for credit evaluation
  • DSST path: Submit your DSST score through the institution's designated transfer credit process
  • NCCRS path: Complete the course, receive the applicable NCCRS transcript, and submit it to the Registrar
  • Consolidation option: Eligible ACE/NCCRS credits may be combined through transcript services such as Excelsior University's OneTranscript
  • Credit posting: Processing time varies by college and depends on when the Registrar receives and evaluates your transfer credits
Which Pathway For You

CLEP®, ACE/NCCRS,
or community college?

Three legitimate ways to earn Kirkwood 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
Kirkwood acceptsYes · 27 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
Kirkwood acceptsMay accept (confirm)
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
Kirkwood acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
Helpful Resources

More help with
your Kirkwood credit.

Questions about Kirkwood?
Ask Iris, our AI assistant, about exams, scores and credit, or email our team at team@transfercredit.org.
Ask Iris →
Study guides
A short guide to each CLEP® and DSST exam: what's on it, how it's scored and how to prepare.
See the guides →
Practice tests
See where you stand before you book an exam.
Try a practice test →
Read our blog
Plain-English articles on transfer credit, CLEP®, DSST, ACE and NCCRS.
Read the blog →
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Kirkwood Community College accept?
Kirkwood Community College accepts 27 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 Kirkwood require?
Kirkwood requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 74 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Kirkwood Community College?
Enter Kirkwood's institution code 6027 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my Kirkwood degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does Kirkwood accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at Kirkwood is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is Kirkwood an NCCRS member institution?
Kirkwood 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 Kirkwood?
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 Kirkwood accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (2 exams)
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® College Composition Modular?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® College Composition Modular exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (11 exams)
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 64.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (5 exams)
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 70.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 74.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 74.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (4 exams)
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does Kirkwood accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. Kirkwood accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

Your Kirkwood 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.

Start Free Trial → See Pricing

TransferCredit.org is an independent education service, not affiliated with or endorsed by Kirkwood 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.