Verified · Credit Policy

Ohio State University CLEP® Credit Policy

OSU accepts 31 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® · 31 ExamsDSST AcceptedNCCRS MemberACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
OSU 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 OSU's CLEP® code 1592 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their OSU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Ohio State University accepts.

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

Business

4 exams · up to 12 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Information Systems503Start prep →
Introductory Business Law573Start prep →
Principles of Management503Start prep →
Principles of Marketing653Start prep →

Composition and Literature

3 exams · up to 9 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature533Start prep →
English Literature633Start prep →
Humanities553Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

12 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government563Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877613Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present573Start prep →
Human Growth and Development583Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology623Start prep →
Introductory Psychology553Start prep →
Introductory Sociology563Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics563Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics573Start prep →
Social Sciences and History633Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648553Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present543Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

6 exams · up to 23 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology503Start prep →
Calculus645Start prep →
Chemistry503Start prep →
College Algebra634Start prep →
College Mathematics633Start prep →
Precalculus615Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 60 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I558Start prep →
French Language Level II6512Start prep →
German Language Level I528Start prep →
German Language Level II6512Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I568Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II6312Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Ohio State University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

OSU is both an ACE-aligned
and NCCRS member institution.

OSU 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 OSU 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 · OSU 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. OSU 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 OSU.

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 OSU.

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 OSU 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.

OSU 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
OSU's bar.

OSU's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 65. 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

I
Iris D.
NCCRS · Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Econ blog reader for years. NCCRS course made me formalize the vocabulary. Final went smoothly. Credit appeared on transcript two weeks later.
E
Elena R.
ACE · Globalization & Intl Management
★★★★★
Future international consultant. Material was actually intellectually interesting. ACE self-paced format let me go deep on topics I loved.
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.
C
Chloe P.
ACE · Foundations of Leadership
★★★★★
Manager at a Fortune 500 and pursuing an MBA. Took this to skip the undergrad leadership req. Took me one weekend. Done.
T
Theo L.
NCCRS · Leadership & Org Behavior
★★★★★
Middle manager pursuing an MBA. The course was more academic than I expected — rigorous, actually taught me something. Credit earned.
C
Clara N.
CLEP® Western Civilization I
★★★★★
Ancient history fan. This exam was entertainment, not work. Scored 79. Best time I've ever had earning college credit.
G
Grace L.
CLEP® + ACE bundle
★★★★★
Did 2 CLEP® exams and 3 ACE courses. Saved probably $15K in tuition. Getting my degree done 18 months faster than my roommate.
M
Milo P.
CLEP® Principles of Management
★★★★★
Middle management for 5 years. Exam tested exactly what I do at work. Prep took a few hours. Passed easily. 3 credits earned.
I
Iris D.
NCCRS · Macroeconomics
★★★★★
Econ blog reader for years. NCCRS course made me formalize the vocabulary. Final went smoothly. Credit appeared on transcript two weeks later.
E
Elena R.
ACE · Globalization & Intl Management
★★★★★
Future international consultant. Material was actually intellectually interesting. ACE self-paced format let me go deep on topics I loved.
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.
C
Chloe P.
ACE · Foundations of Leadership
★★★★★
Manager at a Fortune 500 and pursuing an MBA. Took this to skip the undergrad leadership req. Took me one weekend. Done.
T
Theo L.
NCCRS · Leadership & Org Behavior
★★★★★
Middle manager pursuing an MBA. The course was more academic than I expected — rigorous, actually taught me something. Credit earned.
C
Clara N.
CLEP® Western Civilization I
★★★★★
Ancient history fan. This exam was entertainment, not work. Scored 79. Best time I've ever had earning college credit.
G
Grace L.
CLEP® + ACE bundle
★★★★★
Did 2 CLEP® exams and 3 ACE courses. Saved probably $15K in tuition. Getting my degree done 18 months faster than my roommate.
M
Milo P.
CLEP® Principles of Management
★★★★★
Middle management for 5 years. Exam tested exactly what I do at work. Prep took a few hours. Passed easily. 3 credits earned.
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 OSU'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 OSU

  • CLEP® path: Enter OSU's code 1592 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code 9264
  • 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 OSU 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
OSU acceptsYes · 31 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
OSU 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
OSU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Ohio State University

OSU
in brief.

Ohio State University is a public research university in Columbus, Ohio, and the flagship campus of The Ohio State University system. It is one of the largest universities in the United States and serves a broad student population across undergraduate, graduate, and professional study. The university also operates regional campuses and extension locations in Ohio.

Ohio State offers a wide range of academic programs through many colleges and schools, including strong offerings in engineering, business, medicine, law, agriculture, education, and the arts and sciences. It is widely recognized for research activity and for major strengths in areas such as health sciences, public affairs, and agricultural and environmental studies. The university also provides extensive graduate and professional education.

For transfer and credit-by-exam planning, Ohio State is a large public university that evaluates prior college work and other forms of earned credit through established university policies. Students considering CLEP or other exam-based credit should check Ohio State's current credit evaluation rules, since acceptance can vary by exam, score, and academic program. The university's transfer-credit approach is designed to help students bring in eligible prior learning where it fits degree requirements.

Credit decisions at Ohio State are handled through the university's academic and registrar processes, with final applicability determined by the student's college, major, and degree plan. Transfer and exam credits may appear on the academic record, but whether they satisfy a specific requirement is reviewed by the appropriate academic unit. Students should consult the registrar and the relevant advising office for the most current policies and course equivalencies.

31
CLEP® Exams Accepted
200+
Degree Programs
3
Credit Pathways
140
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Flagship public university serving Columbus and the broader Ohio State system
  • Extensive academic offerings across undergraduate, graduate, and professional study
  • Research-intensive institution with major strengths in health, engineering, business, and agriculture
  • Transfer and exam credit policies are reviewed through university academic processes
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Ohio State University accept?
Ohio State University accepts 31 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 OSU require?
OSU requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 65 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Ohio State University?
Enter OSU's institution code 1592 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my OSU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does OSU accept DSST exams?
Yes. OSU is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 9264.
Is OSU an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. OSU is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at OSU?
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 (4 exams)
Does OSU accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (3 exams)
Does OSU accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 53.
Does OSU accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does OSU accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does OSU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 61.
Does OSU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. OSU 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 OSU accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 58.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (6 exams)
Does OSU accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 64.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does OSU accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does OSU accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 61.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does OSU accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does OSU accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does OSU accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 52.
Does OSU accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does OSU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. OSU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 12 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

Your OSU 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 Ohio 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.