SDSU accepts 38 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.
6653 — or DSST code 8768 — at registration so scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.38 CLEP® exams organized by category, with the minimum score and credit hours awarded for each.
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Literature | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Composition | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Composition Modular | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| English Literature | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Humanities | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Government | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 | 60 | 3 | Start prep → |
| History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present | 60 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Human Growth and Development | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introduction to Educational Psychology | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Psychology | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Introductory Sociology | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Social Sciences and History | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 | 60 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present | 60 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 50 | 8 | Start prep → |
| Calculus | 50 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Chemistry | 50 | 8 | Start prep → |
| College Algebra | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| College Mathematics | 50 | 4 | Start prep → |
| Natural Sciences | 50 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Precalculus | 50 | 5 | Start prep → |
| Exam | Min Score | Credits | Prep |
|---|---|---|---|
| French Language Level I | 50 | 8 | Start prep → |
| French Language Level II | 60 | 14 | Start prep → |
| German Language Level I | 50 | 8 | Start prep → |
| German Language Level II | 60 | 14 | Start prep → |
| Spanish Language Level I | 50 | 8 | Start prep → |
| Spanish Language Level II | 63 | 14 | Start prep → |
| Spanish with Writing Level I | 60 | 3 | Start prep → |
| Spanish with Writing Level II | 60 | 3 | Start prep → |
SDSU 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 SDSU Registrar whether it will accept the specific course toward your degree.
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 SDSU.
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.
SDSU 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.
SDSU's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 63. Generic flashcard apps aim for "passing." We're built for acing.
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We're credit-by-exam prep provider and offer ACE/NCCRS coursework via our partners — both pathways produce official records that feed into SDSU's Registrar workflow like any other transcript.
6653 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar8768Four legitimate ways to earn SDSU credit without sitting in a 15-week university classroom. Here's the honest comparison.
8768). DSST covers 30+ subjects — including upper-level and technical topics CLEP® doesn't offer, like Business Ethics, Cybersecurity, and Criminal Justice. Exams are free for active-duty military through DANTES. Confirm accepted DSST subjects and minimum scores with the Registrar before scheduling.
South Dakota State University is a public land-grant research university in Brookings, South Dakota. It is the state’s largest university and serves students from across South Dakota, the region, and beyond. The university’s main campus is in Brookings, with additional locations and online offerings.
SDSU offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs across fields such as agriculture, engineering, nursing, pharmacy, education, business, and the arts and sciences. It is especially known for its land-grant mission, applied research, and programs connected to agriculture, health sciences, and engineering. The university also supports online and distance education options.
For transfer and credit-by-exam purposes, South Dakota State University is a public university that evaluates prior college coursework and other approved forms of credit through its admissions and academic records processes. Students interested in CLEP or other exam-based credit should check SDSU’s current transfer-credit and placement policies, since acceptance can depend on the exam, score, and the degree program. Policies may also differ by department or major.
Credit evaluation and registration at SDSU are handled through the university’s registrar and academic advising structures. Transfer credit is typically posted after official transcripts or score reports are received and reviewed, and applicability toward a degree depends on course equivalency and program requirements. Students should consult the registrar, their advisor, and the relevant academic department for the most current rules on credit acceptance and degree applicability.
6653 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.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 South Dakota 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.