College Board data · Credit Policy

CLEP Exams at University of Colorado School of Nursing

University of Colorado School of Nursing accepts 16 CLEP® exams for transferable college credit. See the accepted exams, minimum required scores, and credit hours awarded, along with other credit-by-exam and prior-learning options available at this college.

CLEP® · 16 Exams
How It Works

3 steps to earn
CU Nursing 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. Start from CU Nursing's exam list, or with a study guide.
Sit the CLEP® exam
90-minute exam at any College Board test center. Enter CU Nursing's CLEP® code 5281 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically. Book it on College Board's CLEP® site.
Credit posts to your transcript
Credit goes on your CU Nursing transcript once the Registrar has your score — ask the Registrar how long that takes. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit. Plan which credits count with our Degree Planner.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
University of Colorado School of Nursing accepts.

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

Tick the exams you plan to take We'll add up the credits and what you could save.
Start CLEP® prep →

Estimate: the credit hours at a $390/credit-hour public university average, minus $95 per CLEP® exam and $149 for Lifetime prep. University of Colorado School of Nursing decides how many exam credits count toward your degree.

✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with University of Colorado School of Nursing's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
What this is worth

5 exams at Colorado School of Nursing, two ways

Colorado School of Nursing accepts 16 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 54+
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 School of Nursing'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 School of Nursing — check the policy above before you test.

About the university

About University of Colorado School of Nursing

The University of Colorado School of Nursing is the nursing school of the University of Colorado system and is based on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, Colorado. It serves students preparing for nursing careers in a health sciences environment with close ties to clinical practice and research.

The school offers nursing education at multiple levels, including undergraduate and graduate study, with programs focused on professional nursing practice, advanced practice, leadership, and research. It is known for its connection to a major academic medical campus and for preparing nurses for a range of clinical and academic roles.

  • Health sciences setting on the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora
  • Nursing-focused education with undergraduate and graduate pathways
  • Clinical and research connections through a major academic medical campus
  • Accredited nursing school by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Program-specific credit review for transfer and credit-by-exam decisions
Transfer credit policy

How Transfer Credits Work at University of Colorado School of Nursing

For CLEP and transfer credit purposes, students should rely on the University of Colorado School of Nursing and University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus policies rather than assuming a generic university rule. Credit-by-exam and transfer decisions are typically handled through official academic review, and applicability can depend on the specific program, course content, and degree requirements. Prospective students should confirm whether any exam or transfer credit can be applied to their intended nursing pathway before enrolling.

Students may also have options involving CLEP®, DSST, AP, ACE, or NCCRS credits, depending on CU Nursing's current policies. Not every alternative credit source is automatically accepted, so verify eligibility before completing a course or exam.

Approved credits may count toward general education, major requirements, electives, or other degree requirements depending on the evaluation. University of Colorado School of Nursing transfer credits should therefore be reviewed against the specific degree program.

Transfer tip: Check your transfer credit evaluation and compare accepted credits with your University of Colorado School of Nursing degree requirements before planning additional coursework.
Beyond CLEP®

ACE & NCCRS coursework
may still be considered.

University of Colorado School of Nursing may consider ACE- and NCCRS-recommended coursework for transfer credit under its prior learning assessment (PLA) policies. Acceptance varies by institution, program, and course. Before enrolling in an ACE or NCCRS course, confirm with the college's registrar or transfer credit office whether the specific course can be applied toward your degree.

ACE · American Council on Education
ACE Credit
ACE evaluates non-traditional learning — including corporate training, workforce programs, and credit-by-exam — and recommends equivalent college credit. CLEP® exams are also ACE-reviewed. Colleges may consider ACE-recommended coursework under their transfer credit or prior-learning policies.
Source: acenet.edu
NCCRS
NCCRS Credit
NCCRS reviews non-collegiate coursework and provides college-credit recommendations for eligible learning. Member and non-member institutions may consider NCCRS-recommended coursework under their transfer credit or prior-learning policies. Acceptance depends on the institution, program, and applicable degree requirements.
Source: nationalccrs.org
How Your Credit Path Works

Two ways to earn credit.
One subscription.

If you don't pass your CLEP®, your subscription unlocks the matching ACE/NCCRS self-paced course — with a retake-able final exam. CU Nursing decides which credit it accepts, so check with the Registrar first.

Watch how it works
📝
Step 1
Take your CLEP®
exam
Prep with chapters & 500+ questions
⋯
Outcome
Awaiting
result
Pass, or pivot
🎟️
Safety Net
ACE/NCCRS
included
Self-paced · retake-able exam
Ready. Pass, or pivot to ACE/NCCRS.

ACE & NCCRS Courses University of Colorado School of Nursing May Consider

Self-paced courses across general education and major requirements may carry an official ACE or NCCRS credit recommendation and can be submitted to the Registrar for transfer credit review.

University of Colorado School of Nursing may consider ACE and NCCRS credits under its transfer or prior learning assessment (PLA) policies. Acceptance is institution-specific — confirm with the Registrar before enrolling in any course intended for credit transfer.

Subjects with a link go to the matching CLEP® or DSST study guide on TransferCredit.org.

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
Why TransferCredit.org

The prep tool built for
CU Nursing's bar.

CU Nursing's minimum CLEP® scores run 54. 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.
🛡️
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

What students
are saying.

Hover to pause

M
Malik Y.
CLEP® College Composition · Navy
★★★★★
Deployed twice during my degree. Self-paced prep was the only thing that kept me on track. Took the CLEP at a test center overseas.
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.
R
Reid C.
NCCRS · Marketing
★★★★★
Marketing manager. NCCRS course was basically a refresher. Took the final, scored well, credit posted. Entire process took 11 days.
E
Emily S.
CLEP® Analyzing Literature
★★★★★
Was terrified of lit exams. The chapter structure broke down every period and movement I needed. Passed with a 62 — above what I needed.
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.
S
Sage M.
CLEP® Analyzing & Interp Literature
★★★★★
Poet and lit enthusiast. This exam was a joy. Read the practice passages, answered confidently, scored 78. Wish every exam was this fun.
E
Everett H.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Engineering transfer. Needed the calc credit to match my target degree. Passed with 72 — well above their minimum of 60. Smooth.
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.
M
Malik Y.
CLEP® College Composition · Navy
★★★★★
Deployed twice during my degree. Self-paced prep was the only thing that kept me on track. Took the CLEP at a test center overseas.
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.
R
Reid C.
NCCRS · Marketing
★★★★★
Marketing manager. NCCRS course was basically a refresher. Took the final, scored well, credit posted. Entire process took 11 days.
E
Emily S.
CLEP® Analyzing Literature
★★★★★
Was terrified of lit exams. The chapter structure broke down every period and movement I needed. Passed with a 62 — above what I needed.
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.
S
Sage M.
CLEP® Analyzing & Interp Literature
★★★★★
Poet and lit enthusiast. This exam was a joy. Read the practice passages, answered confidently, scored 78. Wish every exam was this fun.
E
Everett H.
CLEP® Calculus
★★★★★
Engineering transfer. Needed the calc credit to match my target degree. Passed with 72 — well above their minimum of 60. Smooth.
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.
How TransferCredit.org Works

The policy,
in plain English.

We're a credit-by-exam prep provider offering ACE/NCCRS coursework through our partners. These pathways provide official records that can be submitted to CU Nursing's Registrar for transfer credit evaluation.

The Product

What you get with TransferCredit

  • Structured CLEP® prep for 25+ exams, with chapters, subchapters, and 500+ practice questions per subject
  • Access to 70+ ACE/NCCRS courses through our partner network — self-paced, flexible, and designed for college credit
  • Readiness tracker to help determine when to book a CLEP® exam or continue preparing
  • Official transcripts through the ACE Credit Registry (Credly) and applicable NCCRS providers for transfer credit evaluation
  • Pass-or-pivot option — a CLEP® setback may provide access to a matching ACE/NCCRS course
The Transfer

How credit reaches CU Nursing

  • CLEP® path: Enter CU Nursing's CLEP® code 5281 during registration so College Board can send your scores for credit evaluation
  • DSST path: Submit your DSST score through the institution's designated transfer credit process
  • NCCRS path: Complete the course, receive the applicable NCCRS transcript, and submit it to the Registrar
  • Consolidation option: Eligible ACE/NCCRS credits may be combined through transcript services such as Excelsior University's OneTranscript
  • Credit posting: Processing time varies by college and depends on when the Registrar receives and evaluates your transfer credits
Which Pathway For You

CLEP®, ACE/NCCRS,
or community college?

Three legitimate ways to earn CU Nursing 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 Nursing acceptsYes · 16 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 Nursing 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
CU Nursing acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does University of Colorado School of Nursing accept?
University of Colorado School of Nursing accepts 16 CLEP® exams for college credit across Composition and Literature, History and Social Sciences, and Science and Mathematics.
What minimum CLEP® score does CU Nursing require?
CU Nursing requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 54 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 School of Nursing?
Enter CU Nursing's institution code 5281 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my CU Nursing degree?
Each college and program sets its own limit. Ask the CU Nursing Registrar how many exam credits it accepts toward your degree.
Does CU Nursing accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at CU Nursing is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is CU Nursing an NCCRS member institution?
CU Nursing 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 Nursing?
Prep time depends on the subject and what you already know. The CLEP® itself is 90 minutes. Credit posts to your transcript once the Registrar has your score — ask CU Nursing how long that takes.
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 — Composition and Literature (3 exams)
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (9 exams)
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. CU Nursing 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 (4 exams)
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Does CU Nursing accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. CU Nursing accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 54.
Start Today

Your CU Nursing credit,
in weeks not semesters.

One subscription. 25+ CLEP® subjects for prep. 70+ ACE/NCCRS courses via partner. Pass-or-pivot safety net. Get started today.

TransferCredit.org is an independent education service, not affiliated with or endorsed by University of Colorado School of Nursing. CLEP® is a registered trademark of the College Board. DSST is a registered trademark of Prometric. Credit policy facts come from College Board's CLEP® policy search at the time of writing; always confirm current policy with the Registrar.