Verified · Credit Policy

University of Wisconsin-Madison CLEP® Credit Policy

UW-Madison accepts 13 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® · 13 ExamsNCCRS MemberACE Accepted
How It Works

3 steps to earn
UW-Madison 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 UW-Madison's CLEP® code 1846 at registration — scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their UW-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison accepts.

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

Composition and Literature

4 exams · up to 12 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Literature653Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature653Start prep →
English Literature653Start prep →
Humanities653Start prep →

History and Social Sciences

6 exams · up to 18 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
American Government653Start prep →
Introductory Psychology653Start prep →
Introductory Sociology653Start prep →
Principles of Macroeconomics653Start prep →
Principles of Microeconomics653Start prep →
Social Sciences and History653Start prep →

Science and Mathematics

3 exams · up to 9 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
Biology653Start prep →
Calculus653Start prep →
Natural Sciences653Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with University of Wisconsin-Madison's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
Beyond CLEP®

UW-Madison is both an ACE-aligned
and NCCRS member institution.

UW-Madison is listed as an NCCRS member on nationalccrs.org and recognized on acenet.edu. Beyond CLEP®, it may accept both ACE-recommended and NCCRS-recommended coursework — three complementary pathways to your degree. Acceptance of specific courses is determined by the UW-Madison 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 · UW-Madison is a Member
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. UW-Madison is a listed NCCRS member, meaning 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 UW-Madison.

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 UW-Madison.

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 & NCCRS courses UW-Madison 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.

UW-Madison is both an ACE-aligned institution (per acenet.edu) and an NCCRS member (per nationalccrs.org). Acceptance of specific courses is determined at the Registrar's discretion under prior-learning policy — confirm with your registrar 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
UW-Madison's bar.

UW-Madison's minimum CLEP® scores run 65. 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

A
Adrian M.
NCCRS · Project Management
★★★★★
PMP certified, still needed academic credit for the degree. NCCRS course was a paperwork exercise more than learning. Finished in 7 days.
T
Tyler B.
CLEP® Introductory Sociology
★★★★★
Two weeks of solid study, one evening of cramming, passed with room to spare. The practice questions mirror the real exam format closely.
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.
J
Jasmine R.
CLEP® Psychology · Austin, TX
★★★★★
Passed on my first try. The readiness quizzes were scary accurate — when it said I was ready, I actually was.
F
Freya O.
CLEP® Social Sciences & History
★★★★★
6 credits for one exam is absurdly efficient. Covered ancient world, European, American, and social theory. Passed at 58. Done.
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
Naomi F.
NCCRS · Foundations of Leadership
★★★★★
Management trainee program requires bachelor's. This fast-tracked my gen-eds. NCCRS course was thorough and transferred without issue.
P
Penelope T.
ACE · Financial Accounting
★★★★★
Accounting associate. Took ACE because I wanted the course experience, not just an exam. Learned GAAP more thoroughly than at my actual job.
A
Adrian M.
NCCRS · Project Management
★★★★★
PMP certified, still needed academic credit for the degree. NCCRS course was a paperwork exercise more than learning. Finished in 7 days.
T
Tyler B.
CLEP® Introductory Sociology
★★★★★
Two weeks of solid study, one evening of cramming, passed with room to spare. The practice questions mirror the real exam format closely.
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.
J
Jasmine R.
CLEP® Psychology · Austin, TX
★★★★★
Passed on my first try. The readiness quizzes were scary accurate — when it said I was ready, I actually was.
F
Freya O.
CLEP® Social Sciences & History
★★★★★
6 credits for one exam is absurdly efficient. Covered ancient world, European, American, and social theory. Passed at 58. Done.
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
Naomi F.
NCCRS · Foundations of Leadership
★★★★★
Management trainee program requires bachelor's. This fast-tracked my gen-eds. NCCRS course was thorough and transferred without issue.
P
Penelope T.
ACE · Financial Accounting
★★★★★
Accounting associate. Took ACE because I wanted the course experience, not just an exam. Learned GAAP more thoroughly than at my actual job.
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 UW-Madison'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 UW-Madison

  • CLEP® path: Enter UW-Madison's code 1846 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 UW-Madison 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
UW-Madison acceptsYes · 13 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
UW-Madison 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
UW-Madison acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
About University of Wisconsin-Madison

UW-Madison
in brief.

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public research university in Madison, Wisconsin, and the flagship campus of the University of Wisconsin System. It is located on a large urban campus near Lake Mendota and the Wisconsin State Capitol. The university serves a broad undergraduate and graduate population and is known for its strong research mission.

UW-Madison offers a wide range of academic programs across the arts and sciences, engineering, business, education, agriculture, and health-related fields. It is especially well known for research, public service, and strong graduate and professional study. The university is also recognized for its extensive library system and major research activity.

For CLEP and transfer credit, UW-Madison evaluates prior college-level work through its official transfer and credit policies rather than assuming automatic acceptance of every exam or course. Students should consult the university's transfer credit resources and the relevant academic department or advising office before relying on credit-by-exam plans. Credit decisions can depend on the subject area, score, and how the credit fits the student's degree program.

Credit and registration matters at UW-Madison are handled through the university's registrar and student records systems. Incoming students and transfer students should review official policies on transcript evaluation, residency requirements, and degree applicability. Because credit rules can vary by college and major, students are best served by confirming details directly with the registrar and academic advisors.

13
CLEP® Exams Accepted
200+
Degree Programs
2
Credit Pathways
39
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Flagship public university of the University of Wisconsin System
  • Strong research profile with broad graduate and professional offerings
  • Wide academic breadth across many colleges and disciplines
  • Transfer credit review is handled through official university policies and advising
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does University of Wisconsin-Madison accept?
University of Wisconsin-Madison accepts 13 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 UW-Madison require?
UW-Madison requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 65 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Enter UW-Madison's institution code 1846 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my UW-Madison degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does UW-Madison accept DSST exams?
DSST acceptance at UW-Madison is not confirmed in our dataset. Contact the Registrar for current policy.
Is UW-Madison an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. UW-Madison is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at UW-Madison?
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 — Composition and Literature (4 exams)
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (6 exams)
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
CLEP® exam details — Science and Mathematics (3 exams)
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does UW-Madison accept CLEP® Natural Sciences?
Yes. UW-Madison accepts the CLEP® Natural Sciences exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Start Today

Your UW-Madison 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 Wisconsin-Madison. 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.