Verified · Credit Policy

Simpson College CLEP® Credit Policy

Simpson accepts 33 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® · 33 ExamsNCCRS Member
How It Works

3 steps to earn
Simpson 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 Simpson's CLEP® code 6650 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their Simpson transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Simpson College accepts.

33 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 Systems663Start prep →
Introductory Business Law603Start prep →
Principles of Management633Start prep →
Principles of Marketing653Start prep →

Composition and Literature

4 exams · up to 12 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature583Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature603Start prep →
English Literature623Start prep →
Humanities553Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

12 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government633Start prep →
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877563Start prep →
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present573Start prep →
Human Growth and Development583Start prep →
Introduction to Educational Psychology623Start prep →
Introductory Psychology593Start prep →
Introductory Sociology563Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics623Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics643Start prep →
Social Sciences and History623Start prep →
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648553Start prep →
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present543Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

7 exams · up to 25 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology574Start prep →
Calculus644Start prep →
Chemistry654Start prep →
College Algebra633Start prep →
College Mathematics623Start prep →
Natural Sciences623Start prep →
Precalculus614Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 36 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I506Start prep →
French Language Level II596Start prep →
German Language Level I506Start prep →
German Language Level II606Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I506Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II636Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Simpson College's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

Simpson is an
NCCRS member institution.

Simpson is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org. CLEP® isn't the only way to earn credit here — as an NCCRS member, Simpson may also award credit for NCCRS-recommended coursework, and its Registrar often considers ACE-recommended coursework under the same prior-learning framework. Acceptance of any specific course is determined by the Registrar; 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 · Simpson 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. Simpson 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 Simpson.

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 Simpson.

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.

NCCRS courses Simpson 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.

Simpson is an NCCRS member institution per nationalccrs.org. 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
Simpson's bar.

Simpson's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 66. 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

A
Aiden K.
CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics
★★★★★
Finance freshman. Wanted to prove out of Econ 101. Studied 3 weeks, aced it. Feels way faster than sitting in lecture for 15 weeks.
Z
Zane H.
CLEP® Western Civilization II
★★★★★
From 1648 to today. Lots of revolution, lots of war. Chapter organization made the timeline clear. Passed at 61. Credit banked.
E
Elias R.
ACE · Entrepreneurship
★★★★★
Running my own company at 22. The course material was basic for me but the credit mattered for finishing my degree. Took one weekend.
T
Tyler B.
CLEP® Introductory Sociology
★★★★★
Two weeks of solid study, one evening of cramming, passed with room to spare. The practice questions mirror the real exam format closely.
L
Lily G.
CLEP® + DSST combo
★★★★★
Mixed CLEP and DSST for different reqs. Both accepted at my school. Prep tools were equally solid for either exam type.
O
Owen G.
CLEP® Western Civilization II
★★★★★
Surprised by how much French/American Revolution content was on this exam. Study material covered every era. Got my 3 credits.
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.
H
Hassan R.
CLEP® Microeconomics
★★★★★
International student, needed to convert transcript credits. CLEP® was by far the fastest path. Two weeks prep, one exam, three credits.
A
Aiden K.
CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics
★★★★★
Finance freshman. Wanted to prove out of Econ 101. Studied 3 weeks, aced it. Feels way faster than sitting in lecture for 15 weeks.
Z
Zane H.
CLEP® Western Civilization II
★★★★★
From 1648 to today. Lots of revolution, lots of war. Chapter organization made the timeline clear. Passed at 61. Credit banked.
E
Elias R.
ACE · Entrepreneurship
★★★★★
Running my own company at 22. The course material was basic for me but the credit mattered for finishing my degree. Took one weekend.
T
Tyler B.
CLEP® Introductory Sociology
★★★★★
Two weeks of solid study, one evening of cramming, passed with room to spare. The practice questions mirror the real exam format closely.
L
Lily G.
CLEP® + DSST combo
★★★★★
Mixed CLEP and DSST for different reqs. Both accepted at my school. Prep tools were equally solid for either exam type.
O
Owen G.
CLEP® Western Civilization II
★★★★★
Surprised by how much French/American Revolution content was on this exam. Study material covered every era. Got my 3 credits.
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.
H
Hassan R.
CLEP® Microeconomics
★★★★★
International student, needed to convert transcript credits. CLEP® was by far the fastest path. Two weeks prep, one exam, three credits.
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 Simpson'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 Simpson

  • CLEP® path: Enter Simpson's code 6650 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 Simpson 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
Simpson acceptsYes · 33 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
Simpson 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
Simpson acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About Simpson College

Simpson
in brief.

Simpson College is a private liberal arts college in Indianola, Iowa, in the United States. It is affiliated with the United Methodist tradition and serves undergraduate students in a campus setting south of Des Moines. The college is known for a close-knit academic environment and a traditional residential college experience.

Simpson offers a broad range of undergraduate majors and pre-professional pathways in the liberal arts and sciences. The college is especially known for combining classroom study with experiential learning, including internships, research, performance, and community engagement. Its academic profile is centered on personalized instruction and faculty mentorship.

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, Simpson College is the kind of institution that typically reviews prior learning through established academic policies rather than automatic acceptance of every exam or course. Students interested in using CLEP scores or transfer coursework should confirm how credit applies to their intended major and degree requirements. Policies can vary by department, course equivalency, and minimum score or grade standards.

Credit evaluation at Simpson College is handled through the registrar and academic records process, where incoming coursework and exam-based credit are reviewed for applicability to the student’s program. As with most colleges, the final decision on how credit is posted and whether it satisfies a requirement depends on institutional policy. Students should consult the registrar and academic advising resources for the most current rules on transfer, exam credit, and transcript evaluation.

33
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
121
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Private liberal arts college in Indianola, Iowa
  • United Methodist affiliation with a traditional residential campus environment
  • Broad undergraduate offerings across the liberal arts and sciences
  • Experiential learning emphasis through internships, research, and community engagement
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Simpson College accept?
Simpson College accepts 33 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 Simpson require?
Simpson requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 66 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Simpson College?
Enter Simpson's institution code 6650 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my Simpson degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does Simpson accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at Simpson is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is Simpson an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. Simpson is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at Simpson?
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 Simpson accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 66.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (4 exams)
Does Simpson accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 58.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. Simpson 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 Simpson accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. Simpson 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 Simpson accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 58.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 64.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. Simpson 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 (7 exams)
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 64.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 61.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does Simpson accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does Simpson accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. Simpson accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

Your Simpson 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 Simpson College. CLEP® is a registered trademark of the College Board. DSST is a registered trademark of Prometric. Credit policy facts verified at time of writing; always confirm current policy with the Registrar.