Verified · Credit Policy

CLEP Credits at University of Colorado Denver

CU Denver accepts 23 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® · 23 ExamsACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
CU Denver 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 CU Denver's CLEP® code 4875 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their CU Denver transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
University of Colorado Denver accepts.

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

Business

2 exams · up to 6 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Financial Accounting503Start prep →
Information Systems503Start prep →

Composition and Literature

4 exams · up to 18 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature506Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature503Start prep →
College Composition Modular503Start prep →
English Literature506Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

5 exams · up to 23 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology506Start prep →
Calculus504Start prep →
Chemistry506Start prep →
College Algebra503Start prep →
Precalculus504Start prep →

World Languages

3 exams · up to 9 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I503Start prep →
German Language Level I503Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I503Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with University of Colorado Denver's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
What this is worth

5 exams at Colorado Denver, two ways

Colorado Denver accepts 23 CLEP® exams. Here's what it costs to earn 15 of those credits in a classroom versus by exam.

In the classroom
$5,850
5 courses · about 75 weeks
15 credit hours$390/cr
PaceFixed semester
Books & feesExtra
vs
By CLEP® exam
$624
5 exams · study at your own pace
5 exam fees$475
Lifetime prep access$149
Same 15 creditsScore 50+
That's $5,226 you don't pay — for the same credits.

Based on a $390/credit-hour public university average. Your actual saving depends on University of Colorado Denver's tuition and how many exam credits it lets you apply toward your degree.

Plan prices cover TransferCredit.org prep only. The CLEP® exam fee (currently $95) is paid to College Board at registration, and test centres may add a sitting fee. Credit awards are always determined by University of Colorado Denver — check the policy above before you test.

Beyond CLEP®

CU Denver is an
ACE-aligned institution.

CU Denver is recognized on acenet.edu as an ACE-aligned institution. Beyond CLEP®, it may accept ACE-recommended coursework toward degree requirements. Acceptance of specific courses is determined by the CU Denver 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
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 CU Denver.

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 CU Denver.

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 courses CU Denver 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.

CU Denver is an ACE-aligned institution per acenet.edu. 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
CU Denver's bar.

CU Denver's minimum CLEP® scores run 50. 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

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.
I
Isla M.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Actual Calc nerd so I was probably overqualified. Still, the practice material was rigorous. Got a 77. Credit saved me 4 months.
A
Arlo D.
CLEP® Humanities
★★★★★
Renaissance and classical music buff. This exam rewarded general cultural knowledge. Got a 73. Random hobby paid off for once.
C
Connor J.
CLEP® Principles of Management
★★★★★
Working manager for 8 years. The exam basically tested stuff I do daily. Studied 10 hours total, scored a 67. Felt like stealing credit.
A
Atlas K.
ACE · Project Management
★★★★★
Program manager at a tech company. ACE course was more comprehensive than any PMP prep I've done. Learned something new. Credit earned.
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.
G
Gabriel T.
CLEP® Precalculus
★★★★★
Engineering major, needed precalc out of the way. Studied two weekends. Exam was focused on stuff I already knew from trig. Easy win.
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.
I
Isla M.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Actual Calc nerd so I was probably overqualified. Still, the practice material was rigorous. Got a 77. Credit saved me 4 months.
A
Arlo D.
CLEP® Humanities
★★★★★
Renaissance and classical music buff. This exam rewarded general cultural knowledge. Got a 73. Random hobby paid off for once.
C
Connor J.
CLEP® Principles of Management
★★★★★
Working manager for 8 years. The exam basically tested stuff I do daily. Studied 10 hours total, scored a 67. Felt like stealing credit.
A
Atlas K.
ACE · Project Management
★★★★★
Program manager at a tech company. ACE course was more comprehensive than any PMP prep I've done. Learned something new. Credit earned.
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.
G
Gabriel T.
CLEP® Precalculus
★★★★★
Engineering major, needed precalc out of the way. Studied two weekends. Exam was focused on stuff I already knew from trig. Easy win.
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.
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 CU Denver'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 CU Denver

  • CLEP® path: Enter CU Denver's code 4875 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 CU Denver 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
CU Denver acceptsYes · 23 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
CU Denver 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
CU Denver acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About University of Colorado Denver

CU Denver
in brief.

The University of Colorado Denver is a public university in Denver, Colorado, and part of the University of Colorado system. Its main campus is in downtown Denver, with a strong connection to the city’s professional, civic, and healthcare communities. The university serves a large and diverse student population in an urban setting.

CU Denver offers a broad range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs through multiple schools and colleges. It is especially known for programs connected to business, public affairs, engineering, education, and health-related fields. The university also emphasizes research, applied learning, and partnerships with employers and community organizations.

For transfer and credit-by-exam students, CU Denver is generally a transfer-oriented public university, and CLEP credit may be available for selected subjects depending on the exam and the student’s academic program. Credit acceptance is not universal and can vary by department, major, and degree requirements. Students should review current university policies before relying on exam credit for graduation planning.

Credit evaluation at CU Denver is handled through the university’s registrar and academic advising processes. Official transcripts, exam score reports, and course equivalencies are typically reviewed to determine how credit applies toward a specific degree. Because policies can change, students should confirm details directly with the registrar or the relevant academic unit before enrolling in exams or transferring credit.

23
CLEP® Exams Accepted
2
Credit Pathways
83
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Urban public university located in downtown Denver
  • Part of the University of Colorado system with multiple schools and colleges
  • Strong professional programs in fields such as business, engineering, education, and health-related disciplines
  • Transfer-friendly environment with credit evaluation for prior coursework and exam credit
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does University of Colorado Denver accept?
University of Colorado Denver accepts 23 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 CU Denver require?
CU Denver 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 University of Colorado Denver?
Enter CU Denver's institution code 4875 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my CU Denver degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does CU Denver accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at CU Denver is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is CU Denver an NCCRS member institution?
CU Denver 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 CU Denver?
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 (2 exams)
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (4 exams)
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® College Composition Modular?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® College Composition Modular exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (9 exams)
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. CU Denver 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 CU Denver accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. CU Denver 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 CU Denver accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. CU Denver 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 (5 exams)
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (3 exams)
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does CU Denver accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. CU Denver accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Start Today

Your CU Denver 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 University of Colorado Denver. 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.