Verified · Credit Policy

CLEP Exams at Youngstown State University

YSU accepts 33 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® · 33 ExamsDSST AcceptedNCCRS Member
How It Works

3 steps to earn
YSU credit by exam.

Prep with TransferCredit
Pick your CLEP® subject (or prep for a DSST exam). 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® or DSST exam
90-minute exam at any test center. Enter YSU's CLEP® code 8706 — or DSST code 8650 — at registration so scores transmit to the Registrar automatically.
Credit posts to your transcript
Most students see credit on their YSU transcript within 2–4 weeks of exam transmission. No professor meetings, no final-paper panic — just credit.
The Exam List

Every CLEP® exam
Youngstown State University accepts.

33 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 Literature533Start prep →
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature593Start prep →
English Literature633Start prep →
Humanities553Start prep →

World Languages

6 exams · up to 60 credits
ExamMin ScoreCreditsPrep
French Language Level I558Start prep →
French Language Level II6514Start prep →
German Language Level I598Start prep →
German Language Level II6711Start prep →
Spanish Language Level I568Start prep →
Spanish Language Level II6311Start prep →
✉️
See something outdated? CLEP® policies, minimum scores, and credit awards can change. If you spot a discrepancy with Youngstown State University's current policy, email team@transfercredit.org and we'll update this page.
What this is worth

5 exams at Youngstown State, two ways

Youngstown State accepts 33 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 Youngstown State University'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 Youngstown State University — check the policy above before you test.

Beyond CLEP®

YSU is an
NCCRS member institution.

YSU is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org. CLEP® isn't the only way to earn credit here — as an NCCRS member, YSU may also award credit for NCCRS-recommended coursework, and its Registrar often considers ACE-recommended coursework under the same prior-learning framework. Acceptance of any specific course is determined by the Registrar; 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 · YSU 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. YSU 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 YSU.

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 YSU.

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.

NCCRS courses YSU 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.

YSU is an NCCRS member institution per nationalccrs.org. 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
YSU's bar.

YSU's minimum CLEP® scores run 50 – 67. 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

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.
K
Kevin O.
CLEP® Intro Psychology
★★★★★
One subscription, studied 5 subjects. Cost me less than a single community college course would have. Math doesn't lie.
M
Maria G.
ACE · Principles of Marketing
★★★★★
Chose ACE over CLEP® because I'm a terrible test-taker. The course-based option felt way more humane. Got my 3 credits without the panic.
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.
S
Samuel A.
NCCRS · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Needed a humanities elective fast. NCCRS course took 12 days. Transcripted through NCCRS official registry, university accepted immediately.
P
Priya K.
ACE · Managerial Accounting
★★★★★
Did the ACE course instead of CLEP® — took me 4 weeks, retake-able final was a huge stress reliever. Credit transferred cleanly.
R
Rodrigo V.
CLEP® Spanish Level II · Veteran
★★★★★
Native speaker but never took college Spanish. Got 6 credits for a 90-min exam. That's basically a full course.
R
Ruby J.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
First semester psych student testing out of intro. Readiness quizzes said I was ready after 2 weeks. Booked the test. Scored 68. Easy.
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.
K
Kevin O.
CLEP® Intro Psychology
★★★★★
One subscription, studied 5 subjects. Cost me less than a single community college course would have. Math doesn't lie.
M
Maria G.
ACE · Principles of Marketing
★★★★★
Chose ACE over CLEP® because I'm a terrible test-taker. The course-based option felt way more humane. Got my 3 credits without the panic.
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.
S
Samuel A.
NCCRS · Business Ethics
★★★★★
Needed a humanities elective fast. NCCRS course took 12 days. Transcripted through NCCRS official registry, university accepted immediately.
P
Priya K.
ACE · Managerial Accounting
★★★★★
Did the ACE course instead of CLEP® — took me 4 weeks, retake-able final was a huge stress reliever. Credit transferred cleanly.
R
Rodrigo V.
CLEP® Spanish Level II · Veteran
★★★★★
Native speaker but never took college Spanish. Got 6 credits for a 90-min exam. That's basically a full course.
R
Ruby J.
CLEP® Introductory Psychology
★★★★★
First semester psych student testing out of intro. Readiness quizzes said I was ready after 2 weeks. Booked the test. Scored 68. Easy.
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 YSU'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 YSU

  • CLEP® path: Enter YSU's code 8706 at test registration — College Board transmits scores directly to the Registrar
  • DSST path: Same mechanism using DSST code 8650
  • 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®, DSST, ACE/NCCRS,
or community college?

Four legitimate ways to earn YSU 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
YSU acceptsYes · 33 subjects
RiskSingle high-stakes exam
Best for: Confident test-takers who want fastest turnaround and lowest cost per credit.
🎖 Military-friendly
📝
DSST Exam
Format~2-hr exam
Time to credit4–8 weeks prep
Cost$100 exam + prep
YSU acceptsYes · code 8650
RiskSingle exam · free for military
Best for: Covers upper-level & technical subjects CLEP® doesn't. Free for active-duty military via DANTES.
📖
ACE/NCCRS Course
FormatSelf-paced + retake-able final
Time to credit2–6 weeks / course
CostIncluded in subscription
YSU 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
YSU acceptsUsually · articulation agreements
RiskLow · familiar format
Best for: Students who want a traditional classroom experience and are not time-constrained.
🎖
Second Exam Pathway
YSU accepts DSST exams too
Beyond CLEP®, YSU is a DSST credit-granting institution (DSST code 8650). DSST covers 30+ subjects — including upper-level and technical topics CLEP® doesn't offer, like Business Ethics, Cybersecurity, and Criminal Justice. Exams are free for active-duty military through DANTES. Confirm accepted DSST subjects and minimum scores with the Registrar before scheduling.
About Youngstown State University

YSU
in brief.

Youngstown State University is a public university in Youngstown, Ohio, in the Mahoning Valley region of northeastern Ohio. It serves students from the local area and beyond with a traditional campus setting in an urban environment. The university is known for its role as a major public higher-education institution in the region.

YSU offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs through multiple colleges and professional schools. It is especially known for career-oriented and applied programs, along with opportunities in business, engineering, education, health-related fields, and the arts and sciences. The university also supports research, internships, and community engagement.

For transfer and credit-by-exam students, Youngstown State University has policies that allow evaluation of prior college coursework and other approved forms of credit. CLEP credit may be accepted when it matches university policy and program requirements, but applicability can vary by subject and degree plan. Students should confirm current score requirements and course equivalencies with the university before relying on exam credit.

Credit handling at YSU is managed through the registrar and academic departments, which determine how transfer, exam, and other prior-learning credits apply to a student’s record. As with most universities, credit acceptance depends on factors such as course content, level, grade, and how the credit fits the chosen program. Students should consult the official transfer and registrar resources for the most current rules and procedures.

33
CLEP® Exams Accepted
100+
Degree Programs
3
Credit Pathways
145
Max CLEP® Credits
Quick Highlights
  • Public university serving students in Youngstown, Ohio
  • Broad academic offerings across undergraduate and graduate study
  • Career-focused programs with applied learning opportunities
  • Transfer and CLEP credit may be evaluated under university policy
  • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
FAQ

Questions, answered.

How many CLEP® exams does Youngstown State University accept?
Youngstown State University accepts 33 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 YSU require?
YSU requires minimum CLEP® scores in the range of 50 – 67 depending on the exam. The standard ACE-recommended passing score for CLEP® is 50.
How do I send my CLEP® score to Youngstown State University?
Enter YSU's institution code 8706 when registering for your CLEP® exam. Scores transmit automatically to the Registrar.
How many CLEP® credits can I apply toward my YSU degree?
Most undergraduate programs cap credit-by-exam at approximately 30 semester hours. Confirm program-specific caps with the Registrar.
Does YSU accept DSST exams?
Yes. YSU is a DSST credit-awarding institution with DSST code 8650.
Is YSU an NCCRS member institution?
Yes. YSU is listed as an NCCRS member institution on nationalccrs.org.
How long does it take to earn CLEP® credit at YSU?
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 (5 exams)
Does YSU accept CLEP® Financial Accounting?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Financial Accounting exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Information Systems?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Information Systems exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Introductory Business Law?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Business Law exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Principles of Management?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Management exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Principles of Marketing?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Marketing exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
CLEP® exam details — Composition and Literature (4 exams)
Does YSU accept CLEP® American Literature?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® American Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 53.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Analyzing and Interpreting Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does YSU accept CLEP® English Literature?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® English Literature exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Humanities?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Humanities exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
CLEP® exam details — History and Social Sciences (12 exams)
Does YSU accept CLEP® American Government?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® American Government exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does YSU accept CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 61.
Does YSU accept CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Human Growth and Development?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Human Growth and Development exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 58.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Introduction to Educational Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Introductory Psychology?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Psychology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Introductory Sociology?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Introductory Sociology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Macroeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Principles of Microeconomics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 57.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Social Sciences and History?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Social Sciences and History exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 62.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present?
Yes. YSU 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 (6 exams)
Does YSU accept CLEP® Biology?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Biology exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 50.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Calculus?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Calculus exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 64.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Chemistry?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Chemistry exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 66.
Does YSU accept CLEP® College Algebra?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® College Algebra exam for 4 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does YSU accept CLEP® College Mathematics?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® College Mathematics exam for 3 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Precalculus?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Precalculus exam for 5 college credits, with a minimum required score of 61.
CLEP® exam details — World Languages (6 exams)
Does YSU accept CLEP® French Language Level I?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 55.
Does YSU accept CLEP® French Language Level II?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® French Language Level II exam for 14 college credits, with a minimum required score of 65.
Does YSU accept CLEP® German Language Level I?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 59.
Does YSU accept CLEP® German Language Level II?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® German Language Level II exam for 11 college credits, with a minimum required score of 67.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level I?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level I exam for 8 college credits, with a minimum required score of 56.
Does YSU accept CLEP® Spanish Language Level II?
Yes. YSU accepts the CLEP® Spanish Language Level II exam for 11 college credits, with a minimum required score of 63.
Start Today

Your YSU 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 Youngstown State University. 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.