Verified · Credit Policy

Montana State University - Billings CLEP® Credit Policy

MSU Billings accepts 34 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® · 34 ExamsNCCRS MemberACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
MSU Billings 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 MSU Billings's CLEP® code 4298 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their MSU Billings transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Montana State University - Billings accepts.

34 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

5 exams · up to 27 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature506Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature503Start prep →
College Composition506Start prep →
English Literature506Start prep →
Humanities506Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

11 exams · up to 39 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government506Start 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 →
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

7 exams · up to 39 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology506Start prep →
Calculus506Start prep →
Chemistry506Start prep →
College Algebra506Start prep →
College Mathematics506Start prep →
Natural Sciences506Start prep →
Precalculus503Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I506Start prep →
French Language Level II506Start prep →
German Language Level I506Start prep →
German Language Level II506Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I506Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II506Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Montana State University - Billings's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

MSU Billings is both an ACE-aligned
and NCCRS member institution.

MSU Billings is listed as an NCCRS member on nationalccrs.org and recognized on acenet.edu. Beyond CLEP®, it may accept both ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended coursework — three complementary pathways to your degree. Acceptance of specific courses is determined by the MSU Billings 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 · MSU Billings is a Member
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. MSU Billings is a listed NCCRS member, meaning 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 MSU Billings.

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 MSU Billings.

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 MSU Billings 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.

MSU Billings is both an ACE-aligned institution (per acenet.edu) and an NCCRS member (per nationalccrs.org). Acceptance of specific courses is determined at the Registrar's discretion under prior-learning policy — confirm with your registrar 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
MSU Billings's bar.

MSU Billings's minimum CLEP® scores run 50. Generic flashcard apps aim for "passing." We're built for acing.

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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.
🎓
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

P
Poppy G.
CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Fed-watcher and econ nerd. Passed with 76. Easily my favorite CLEP exam topic. Prep material taught me terminology I'd only half-known.
T
Trevor N.
CLEP® College Mathematics
★★★★★
Math is not my thing. The readiness quiz told me I was 68% ready for three weeks straight. When it hit 85% I booked. Scored a 64.
C
Celeste B.
ACE · Human Resources Management
★★★★★
HR coordinator pursuing upskill. ACE course was genuinely educational — not just credential chasing. Passed with strong understanding.
N
Niko V.
CLEP® Introductory Business Law
★★★★★
Planning law school. Took this for early exposure. Exam was a decent primer. Scored 75. Now I'm actually excited about contracts class.
A
Aubrey S.
CLEP® Financial Accounting
★★★★★
Business sophomore. Needed to get past intro accounting fast. 3 weeks prep, scored 64. Credit cleared the path to my upper-division courses.
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.
R
Reid C.
NCCRS · Marketing
★★★★★
Marketing manager. NCCRS course was basically a refresher. Took the final, scored well, credit posted. Entire process took 11 days.
P
Poppy G.
CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Fed-watcher and econ nerd. Passed with 76. Easily my favorite CLEP exam topic. Prep material taught me terminology I'd only half-known.
T
Trevor N.
CLEP® College Mathematics
★★★★★
Math is not my thing. The readiness quiz told me I was 68% ready for three weeks straight. When it hit 85% I booked. Scored a 64.
C
Celeste B.
ACE · Human Resources Management
★★★★★
HR coordinator pursuing upskill. ACE course was genuinely educational — not just credential chasing. Passed with strong understanding.
N
Niko V.
CLEP® Introductory Business Law
★★★★★
Planning law school. Took this for early exposure. Exam was a decent primer. Scored 75. Now I'm actually excited about contracts class.
A
Aubrey S.
CLEP® Financial Accounting
★★★★★
Business sophomore. Needed to get past intro accounting fast. 3 weeks prep, scored 64. Credit cleared the path to my upper-division courses.
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.
R
Reid C.
NCCRS · Marketing
★★★★★
Marketing manager. NCCRS course was basically a refresher. Took the final, scored well, credit posted. Entire process took 11 days.
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 MSU Billings'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 MSU Billings

  • CLEP® path: Enter MSU Billings's code 4298 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 MSU Billings 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
MSU Billings acceptsYes · 34 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
MSU Billings 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
MSU Billings acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Montana State University - Billings

MSU Billings
in brief.

Montana State University Billings is a public university in Billings, Montana. It is part of the Montana State University System and serves students in the state’s largest city and surrounding region. The university offers undergraduate and graduate study in a campus setting with both in-person and online options.

MSU Billings offers a range of academic programs through its colleges and schools, including business, education, health professions, liberal arts, and related professional fields. The university is known for serving a broad mix of traditional and nontraditional students, including many who study part time or commute. Its location in Billings supports connections to regional employers, internships, and applied learning opportunities.

For CLEP and transfer credit purposes, MSU Billings is a public university that evaluates prior learning through established admissions and registrar processes. Students who have taken CLEP exams or coursework elsewhere should expect credit decisions to depend on official score reports, course equivalencies, and university policy. Because policies can change, students should confirm current transfer and exam-credit rules directly with the university before relying on any outside credit.

Credit evaluation at MSU Billings is typically handled through the registrar or another designated academic office, which applies institutional rules to determine how outside credit fits a student’s degree plan. Official transcripts and test-score documentation are usually required before credit can be posted. Students should work with academic advisors and the registrar to understand how transferred or exam-based credit will appear on the record and whether it satisfies general education, elective, or major requirements.

34
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
156
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Public university serving Billings and the surrounding region
  • Part of the Montana State University System with undergraduate and graduate study
  • Career-oriented programs in business, education, health professions, and liberal arts
  • Transfer and exam credit are evaluated through official university procedures
  • Regionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Montana State University - Billings accept?
Montana State University - Billings accepts 34 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 MSU Billings require?
MSU Billings 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 Montana State University - Billings?
Enter MSU Billings's institution code 4298 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my MSU Billings degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does MSU Billings accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at MSU Billings is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is MSU Billings an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. MSU Billings is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at MSU Billings?
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 MSU Billings accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (5 exams)
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (11 exams)
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. MSU Billings 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 MSU Billings accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. MSU Billings 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 MSU Billings accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. MSU Billings 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 (7 exams)
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does MSU Billings accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. MSU Billings accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Start Today

Your MSU Billings 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 Montana State University - Billings. 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.