Verified · Credit Policy

University of Michigan CLEP® Credit Policy

UMich accepts 4 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® · 4 ExamsACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
UMich 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 UMich's CLEP® code 1839 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their UMich 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 Michigan accepts.

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

History and Social Sciences

3 exams · up to 11 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Human Growth and Development453Start prep →
Introductory Psychology474Start prep →
Introductory Sociology474Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

1 exams · up to 3 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Chemistry473Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with University of Michigan's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

UMich is an
ACE-aligned institution.

UMich 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 UMich 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 UMich.

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 UMich.

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 UMich 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.

UMich 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
UMich's bar.

UMich's minimum CLEP® scores run 45 – 47. 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
Maren L.
ACE · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Philosophy minor. ACE course was actually rigorous — discussed real case studies. Passed the final first try. Most enjoyable credit I've earned.
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.
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.
L
Lauren W.
ACE · Intro to Sociology
★★★★★
Failed the CLEP® by 4 points. Was crushed. Then I saw my subscription had the matching ACE course. Retook the final, passed, credit posted.
N
Nova R.
CLEP® Biology
★★★★★
Nursing bridge program. Biology req was blocking my path. Studied 4 weeks, lots of practice questions. Passed. Bridge is no longer blocked.
E
Ethan W.
DSST · Technical Writing
★★★★★
DSST is underrated. My school accepted it for their writing req. Studied two weeks, sat the exam, done. Way less stressful than CLEP®.
B
Ben Z.
CLEP® Financial Accounting · CPA track
★★★★★
CPA candidate. Needed the accounting prereq. Exam was tough but subscription's 500+ questions actually prepared me. Scored 74.
B
Bella T.
ACE · Principles of Management
★★★★★
Small business owner, back in school at 40. ACE route was perfect — self-paced, no commute, no peers younger than my kids. Done in 3 weeks.
M
Maren L.
ACE · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Philosophy minor. ACE course was actually rigorous — discussed real case studies. Passed the final first try. Most enjoyable credit I've earned.
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.
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.
L
Lauren W.
ACE · Intro to Sociology
★★★★★
Failed the CLEP® by 4 points. Was crushed. Then I saw my subscription had the matching ACE course. Retook the final, passed, credit posted.
N
Nova R.
CLEP® Biology
★★★★★
Nursing bridge program. Biology req was blocking my path. Studied 4 weeks, lots of practice questions. Passed. Bridge is no longer blocked.
E
Ethan W.
DSST · Technical Writing
★★★★★
DSST is underrated. My school accepted it for their writing req. Studied two weeks, sat the exam, done. Way less stressful than CLEP®.
B
Ben Z.
CLEP® Financial Accounting · CPA track
★★★★★
CPA candidate. Needed the accounting prereq. Exam was tough but subscription's 500+ questions actually prepared me. Scored 74.
B
Bella T.
ACE · Principles of Management
★★★★★
Small business owner, back in school at 40. ACE route was perfect — self-paced, no commute, no peers younger than my kids. Done in 3 weeks.
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 UMich'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 UMich

  • CLEP® path: Enter UMich's code 1839 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 UMich 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
UMich acceptsYes · 4 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
UMich 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
UMich acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About University of Michigan

UMich
in brief.

The University of Michigan is a public research university in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is one of the flagship campuses of the University of Michigan system and is widely known for its large, comprehensive academic environment. The university serves undergraduate, graduate, and professional students across a broad range of disciplines.

Michigan offers a very wide array of academic programs through its colleges and schools, with especially strong reputations in areas such as engineering, business, law, medicine, public policy, social sciences, and the arts. It is also recognized for extensive research activity and for opportunities that connect classroom study with laboratory, clinical, and field-based learning. Students can pursue many majors, minors, and graduate pathways across the university.

For CLEP and transfer-credit purposes, the University of Michigan is a selective research university, so credit acceptance is handled through its own academic policies rather than a blanket guarantee. Students should expect that any exam or transfer credit will be reviewed by the university and, in many cases, by the relevant college or department. Because policies can vary by school and program, applicants should verify current rules before relying on outside credit.

Credit evaluation at Michigan is typically managed through the registrar and the academic unit responsible for the student’s program. Transfer work is generally assessed for applicability to degree requirements, and approved credit is posted according to university procedures. Students seeking credit for prior coursework or exams should consult the official transfer-credit and registrar resources for the most current guidance.

4
CLEP® Exams Accepted
Hundreds
Degree Programs
2
Credit Pathways
14
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Public flagship university located in Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • Broad academic offerings across undergraduate, graduate, and professional study
  • Strong research profile with extensive opportunities for scholarly work
  • Selective credit review for CLEP and transfer coursework
  • Official policies matter because credit decisions are made by the university and academic units
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does University of Michigan accept?
University of Michigan accepts 4 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 UMich require?
UMich requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 45 – 47 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to University of Michigan?
Enter UMich's institution code 1839 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my UMich degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does UMich accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at UMich is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is UMich an NCCRS member institution?
UMich 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 UMich?
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 — History and Social Sciences (3 exams)
Does UMich accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. UMich accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 45.
Does UMich accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. UMich accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 47.
Does UMich accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. UMich accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 47.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (1 exams)
Does UMich accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. UMich accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 47.
Start Today

Your UMich 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 Michigan. 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.