Verified · Credit Policy

Mercer University CLEP® Credit Policy

Mercer accepts 30 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® · 30 ExamsDSST AcceptedACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
Mercer 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 Mercer's CLEP® code 5409 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their Mercer transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Mercer University accepts.

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

Business

5 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Financial Accounting503Start prep →
Information Systems503Start prep →
Introductory Business Law503Start prep →
Principles of Management503Start prep →
Principles of Marketing503Start prep →

Composition and Literature

4 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature503Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature503Start prep →
English Literature503Start prep →
Humanities506Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

12 exams · up to 39 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 →
Human Growth and Development503Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology503Start prep →
Introductory Psychology503Start prep →
Introductory Sociology503Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics503Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics503Start prep →
Social Sciences and History506Start 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 26 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology504Start prep →
Calculus504Start prep →
Chemistry504Start prep →
College Algebra503Start prep →
College Mathematics503Start prep →
Natural Sciences508Start prep →

World Languages

3 exams · up to 24 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I508Start prep →
German Language Level I508Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I508Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Mercer University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

Mercer is an
ACE-aligned institution.

Mercer 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 Mercer 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 Mercer.

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 Mercer.

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 Mercer 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.

Mercer 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
Mercer's bar.

Mercer's minimum CLEP® scores run 50. 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?
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.
D
Dylan K.
CLEP® History of the U.S. I
★★★★★
Colonial to Civil War era. Dense material. Chapter format made it manageable. Passed with 63 first try. 3 credits banked.
H
Hudson E.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Math olympiad alum. Exam was almost offensively easy. Still, subscription pricing made it worth getting the 3 credits for basically free.
B
Ben Z.
CLEP® Financial Accounting · CPA track
★★★★★
CPA candidate. Needed the accounting prereq. Exam was tough but subscription's 500+ questions actually prepared me. Scored 74.
C
Celeste B.
ACE · Human Resources Management
★★★★★
HR coordinator pursuing upskill. ACE course was genuinely educational — not just credential chasing. Passed with strong understanding.
R
Roman P.
CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Econ junkie. Podcast listener. This exam was fun. Scored a 72. Credit posted two weeks after the test. Smooth process end to end.
T
Taylor F.
CLEP® American Government
★★★★★
Poli sci major. This exam was basically Civics on steroids. Well-structured prep content, realistic practice questions. No complaints.
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?
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.
D
Dylan K.
CLEP® History of the U.S. I
★★★★★
Colonial to Civil War era. Dense material. Chapter format made it manageable. Passed with 63 first try. 3 credits banked.
H
Hudson E.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Math olympiad alum. Exam was almost offensively easy. Still, subscription pricing made it worth getting the 3 credits for basically free.
B
Ben Z.
CLEP® Financial Accounting · CPA track
★★★★★
CPA candidate. Needed the accounting prereq. Exam was tough but subscription's 500+ questions actually prepared me. Scored 74.
C
Celeste B.
ACE · Human Resources Management
★★★★★
HR coordinator pursuing upskill. ACE course was genuinely educational — not just credential chasing. Passed with strong understanding.
R
Roman P.
CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Econ junkie. Podcast listener. This exam was fun. Scored a 72. Credit posted two weeks after the test. Smooth process end to end.
T
Taylor F.
CLEP® American Government
★★★★★
Poli sci major. This exam was basically Civics on steroids. Well-structured prep content, realistic practice questions. No complaints.
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 Mercer'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 Mercer

  • CLEP® path: Enter Mercer's code 5409 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code 9481
  • 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 Mercer 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
Mercer acceptsYes · 30 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
Mercer 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
Mercer acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Mercer University

Mercer
in brief.

Mercer University is a private university in Macon, Georgia, with additional campuses and instructional sites in other parts of the state. It is one of Georgia’s oldest private universities and is known for combining a traditional residential campus experience with professional and graduate education.

Mercer offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through multiple schools and colleges. Areas of strength include health professions, business, engineering, law, education, theology, and the liberal arts. The university is also known for emphasizing service, experiential learning, and community engagement.

For transfer and credit-by-exam purposes, Mercer is a private university that evaluates outside coursework through its own transfer credit policies. CLEP credit acceptance is not universal across all institutions or all subjects, so students should confirm how Mercer applies exam credit to their intended program before testing. Policies can vary by school, major, and degree level.

Credit evaluation at Mercer is handled through the university’s registrar and academic offices, which determine how transfer coursework, exam credit, and prior learning fit into a student’s degree plan. Students should consult official Mercer transfer and registrar resources for current rules on course equivalencies, residency requirements, and any limits on credit that may apply. Because requirements can differ by program, the final decision on credit applicability is made by the university.

30
CLEP® Exams Accepted
3
Credit Pathways
119
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Private university with a main campus in Macon, Georgia
  • Broad academic offerings across undergraduate, graduate, and professional study
  • Strong professional programs in areas such as health, law, business, and engineering
  • Transfer credit is reviewed individually through Mercer’s academic policies
  • Regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Mercer University accept?
Mercer University accepts 30 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 Mercer require?
Mercer requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Mercer University?
Enter Mercer's institution code 5409 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my Mercer degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does Mercer accept DSST exams?
Yes. Mercer is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 9481.
Is Mercer an NCCRS member institution?
Mercer 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 Mercer?
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 Mercer accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (4 exams)
Does Mercer accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does Mercer accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. Mercer 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 Mercer accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. Mercer 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 Mercer accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. Mercer 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 Mercer accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (3 exams)
Does Mercer accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Mercer accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. Mercer accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Start Today

Your Mercer 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 Mercer 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.