Verified · Credit Policy

University of Tennessee, Knoxville CLEP® Credit Policy

UT Knoxville accepts 16 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® · 16 ExamsACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
UT Knoxville 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 UT Knoxville's CLEP® code 1843 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their UT Knoxville 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 Tennessee, Knoxville accepts.

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

Business

1 exams · up to 3 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Principles of Management503Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

5 exams · up to 15 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government553Start prep →
Introductory Psychology473Start prep →
Introductory Sociology503Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics483Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics473Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

4 exams · up to 12 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Calculus503Start prep →
Chemistry523Start prep →
College Algebra503Start prep →
Precalculus503Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 27 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I503Start prep →
French Language Level II596Start prep →
German Language Level I503Start prep →
German Language Level II606Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I503Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II636Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with University of Tennessee, Knoxville's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

UT Knoxville is an
ACE-aligned institution.

UT Knoxville 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 UT Knoxville 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 UT Knoxville.

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 UT Knoxville.

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 UT Knoxville 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.

UT Knoxville 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
UT Knoxville's bar.

UT Knoxville's minimum CLEP® scores run 47 – 63. 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

L
Luis R.
CLEP® Chemistry
★★★★★
Brutal exam honestly. Studied 6 weeks. Practice problems pushed me hard. Barely passed but that's all I needed. 3 credits earned.
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.
J
Jonathan M.
CLEP® College Algebra · Army
★★★★★
Working full-time and active duty. Self-paced was the only way this was going to happen. Knocked out 4 exams in one semester.
E
Esme B.
CLEP® Introductory Sociology
★★★★★
Social work major. Basic review for me. Studied a few hours, passed with a 68. Credit cleared my gen-ed sociology requirement in one shot.
O
Otto B.
CLEP® German Level II
★★★★★
Studied abroad in Berlin, never took formal college German. Prep content tested my real fluency. Got a 74. 9 credits. That math is insane.
A
Aisha B.
NCCRS · Intro to Criminology
★★★★★
Majoring in criminal justice. Took three NCCRS courses in one summer. All transferred. Saved me a full semester of tuition.
J
Josephine K.
CLEP® Precalculus
★★★★★
Returning student at 35. Precalc was where I'd stopped 15 years ago. Picked it up faster than expected. Passed with 55. Good enough.
X
Xavier O.
CLEP® Intro Educational Psychology
★★★★★
Education major. Needed this req out of the way before student teaching. Two weeks of prep, passed, back to focusing on field work.
L
Luis R.
CLEP® Chemistry
★★★★★
Brutal exam honestly. Studied 6 weeks. Practice problems pushed me hard. Barely passed but that's all I needed. 3 credits earned.
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.
J
Jonathan M.
CLEP® College Algebra · Army
★★★★★
Working full-time and active duty. Self-paced was the only way this was going to happen. Knocked out 4 exams in one semester.
E
Esme B.
CLEP® Introductory Sociology
★★★★★
Social work major. Basic review for me. Studied a few hours, passed with a 68. Credit cleared my gen-ed sociology requirement in one shot.
O
Otto B.
CLEP® German Level II
★★★★★
Studied abroad in Berlin, never took formal college German. Prep content tested my real fluency. Got a 74. 9 credits. That math is insane.
A
Aisha B.
NCCRS · Intro to Criminology
★★★★★
Majoring in criminal justice. Took three NCCRS courses in one summer. All transferred. Saved me a full semester of tuition.
J
Josephine K.
CLEP® Precalculus
★★★★★
Returning student at 35. Precalc was where I'd stopped 15 years ago. Picked it up faster than expected. Passed with 55. Good enough.
X
Xavier O.
CLEP® Intro Educational Psychology
★★★★★
Education major. Needed this req out of the way before student teaching. Two weeks of prep, passed, back to focusing on field work.
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 UT Knoxville'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 UT Knoxville

  • CLEP® path: Enter UT Knoxville's code 1843 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 UT Knoxville 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
UT Knoxville 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
UT Knoxville 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
UT Knoxville acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About University of Tennessee, Knoxville

UT Knoxville
in brief.

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is a public research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. It is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system and is commonly known as UT Knoxville or UTK. The university serves a large undergraduate and graduate population in an urban setting near the Tennessee River.

UT Knoxville offers a broad range of academic programs through its colleges and professional schools, with strengths in engineering, business, agriculture, education, law, nursing, and the sciences. It is also known for research activity and for programs connected to the nearby Oak Ridge research community. Students can pursue undergraduate, graduate, and professional study across many disciplines.

For CLEP and transfer credit, UT Knoxville is generally a transfer-oriented public university that evaluates prior learning through established academic policies rather than guaranteeing blanket credit for every exam or course. Credit acceptance can depend on the specific exam, score, subject, and how the credit fits the student’s degree program. Students should review the university’s current transfer and credit-by-exam policies before relying on outside credit.

Credit evaluation at UT Knoxville is handled through the university’s registrar and academic departments, which determine how transfer, exam, and other prior-learning credits apply to a student’s record. Accepted credit is typically posted according to university rules and may count as elective credit, general education credit, or major credit depending on the department’s review. Because policies can change and program requirements vary, students should confirm details directly with the registrar or the relevant college before enrolling.

16
CLEP® Exams Accepted
200+
Degree Programs
2
Credit Pathways
57
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system
  • Public research university with a wide range of academic offerings
  • Strong STEM and professional programs across engineering, business, and health fields
  • Transfer and exam credit are evaluated through university policy and academic review
  • Accredited by SACSCOC as a degree-granting institution
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does University of Tennessee, Knoxville accept?
University of Tennessee, Knoxville accepts 16 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 UT Knoxville require?
UT Knoxville requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 47 – 63 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to University of Tennessee, Knoxville?
Enter UT Knoxville's institution code 1843 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my UT Knoxville degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does UT Knoxville accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at UT Knoxville is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is UT Knoxville an NCCRS member institution?
UT Knoxville 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 UT Knoxville?
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 (1 exams)
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (5 exams)
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 47.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 48.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 47.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (4 exams)
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 52.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 60.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does UT Knoxville accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. UT Knoxville accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 6 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

Your UT Knoxville 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 Tennessee, Knoxville. 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.