Verified · Credit Policy

Penn State University - University Park CLEP® Credit Policy

Penn State accepts 36 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® · 36 Exams
How It Works

3 steps to earn
Penn State 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 Penn State's CLEP® code 2660 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their Penn State transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Penn State University - University Park accepts.

36 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

6 exams · up to 21 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature503Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature503Start prep →
College Composition506Start prep →
College Composition Modular503Start prep →
English Literature503Start prep →
Humanities503Start 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

7 exams · up to 34 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology506Start prep →
Calculus504Start prep →
Chemistry506Start prep →
College Algebra503Start prep →
College Mathematics506Start prep →
Natural Sciences506Start prep →
Precalculus503Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 45 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I506Start prep →
French Language Level II599Start prep →
German Language Level I506Start prep →
German Language Level II609Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I506Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II639Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Penn State University - University Park's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

ACE & NCCRS coursework
may still be considered.

Penn State is not currently listed as an ACE-aligned or NCCRS member institution in our dataset. However, ACE- and NCCRS-recommended credits are accepted by a large number of U.S. colleges under prior-learning-assessment (PLA) policies, and acceptance is institution-specific. Before enrolling in an ACE or NCCRS course for credit transfer, confirm with the Penn State Registrar whether it will accept the specific course toward your degree.

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 Penn State.

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 Penn State.

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 Penn State may consider

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.

Penn State is not currently listed as an ACE-aligned or NCCRS member in our dataset, but ACE and NCCRS credits are accepted by a wide range of U.S. institutions under prior-learning-assessment policy. Acceptance is institution-specific — confirm with the Registrar before enrolling in any course intended for credit transfer.

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
Penn State's bar.

Penn State's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 63. 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

M
Morgan C.
NCCRS · Principles of Finance
★★★★★
Finance associate at a bank. NCCRS course formalized what I already do. Took the final twice, second try nailed it. Credit in the bank.
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.
X
Xavier O.
CLEP® Intro Educational Psychology
★★★★★
Education major. Needed this req out of the way before student teaching. Two weeks of prep, passed, back to focusing on field work.
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.
P
Priya K.
ACE · Managerial Accounting
★★★★★
Did the ACE course instead of CLEP® — took me 4 weeks, retake-able final was a huge stress reliever. Credit transferred cleanly.
G
Gavin T.
CLEP® Natural Sciences
★★★★★
Double-major in humanities, just needed a science req. This knocked it out. Material was more survey than deep-dive. Works perfectly.
I
Isabella C.
CLEP® Natural Sciences
★★★★★
Biology and chemistry combined into one exam sounded brutal. The study guides broke it into manageable modules. Passed with a 58.
M
Morgan C.
NCCRS · Principles of Finance
★★★★★
Finance associate at a bank. NCCRS course formalized what I already do. Took the final twice, second try nailed it. Credit in the bank.
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.
X
Xavier O.
CLEP® Intro Educational Psychology
★★★★★
Education major. Needed this req out of the way before student teaching. Two weeks of prep, passed, back to focusing on field work.
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.
P
Priya K.
ACE · Managerial Accounting
★★★★★
Did the ACE course instead of CLEP® — took me 4 weeks, retake-able final was a huge stress reliever. Credit transferred cleanly.
G
Gavin T.
CLEP® Natural Sciences
★★★★★
Double-major in humanities, just needed a science req. This knocked it out. Material was more survey than deep-dive. Works perfectly.
I
Isabella C.
CLEP® Natural Sciences
★★★★★
Biology and chemistry combined into one exam sounded brutal. The study guides broke it into manageable modules. Passed with a 58.
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 Penn State'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 Penn State

  • CLEP® path: Enter Penn State's code 2660 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 Penn State 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
Penn State acceptsYes · 36 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
Penn State 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
Penn State acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Penn State University - University Park

Penn State
in brief.

Penn State University - University Park is the flagship campus of The Pennsylvania State University, located in University Park, Pennsylvania. It is a large public research university and the main campus in Penn State's multi-campus system. The University Park campus serves as the primary academic and administrative center of the university.

The university offers a very broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional study across many fields. Penn State is especially known for research, engineering, business, agriculture, and other large academic divisions, along with extensive opportunities for undergraduate research and campus involvement. As a major research university, it combines large-scale academic offerings with a wide network of colleges and schools.

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, Penn State University Park is a transfer-friendly institution in the sense that it evaluates prior learning and external coursework through official university policies. Credit by examination, including CLEP where accepted, is handled through Penn State's academic and admissions processes rather than by informal departmental arrangement. Students should verify current subject-by-subject policies before testing or transferring credit, since acceptance can vary by exam, score, and academic program.

Credit evaluation at Penn State is typically managed through the university's registrar and academic colleges, which determine how external credits apply toward degree requirements. Official transcripts, exam score reports, and course equivalencies are used to assess whether credit can be posted and how it fits into a student's academic record. Because policies can differ across colleges and majors, students should consult the registrar and their academic adviser for the most current guidance.

36
CLEP® Exams Accepted
Hundreds
Degree Programs
1
Credit Pathways
154
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Flagship campus of The Pennsylvania State University system
  • Large research university with a wide range of academic disciplines
  • Public institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education
  • Transfer and exam credit are evaluated through official university policies
  • Strong academic breadth across undergraduate, graduate, and professional study
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Penn State University - University Park accept?
Penn State University - University Park accepts 36 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 Penn State require?
Penn State requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 63 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Penn State University - University Park?
Enter Penn State's institution code 2660 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my Penn State degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does Penn State accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at Penn State is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is Penn State an NCCRS member institution?
Penn State 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 Penn State?
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 Penn State accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (6 exams)
Does Penn State accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® College Composition?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® College Composition exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® College Composition Modular?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® College Composition Modular exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does Penn State accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. Penn State 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 Penn State accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. Penn State 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 Penn State accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. Penn State 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 Penn State accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does Penn State accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Penn State accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. Penn State accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 9 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

Your Penn State 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 Penn State University - University Park. 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.