CLEP Exam Credits Accepted at ASU Online 2026

Every school handles CLEP credit a little differently, and knowing the specifics ahead of time can help you plan your degree with confidence. If Arizona State University is on your list, that's good news: it's one of the colleges that accepts CLEP credits, giving you a real chance to put your existing knowledge toward your degree instead of starting from scratch.

Below, we'll break down how CLEP credit works at ASU, which exams line up with specific courses, and what steps you'll need to take to get that credit applied. By the end, you'll have a solid sense of whether this path makes sense for your degree plan.

Does ASU Accept CLEP Credits? 

Arizona State University accepts CLEP credit, and for most exams, you'll need a score of 50 on the computer-based testing scale to qualify. A handful of subjects, like French, German, History, and Spanish, use different score thresholds, so it's worth checking the specific requirement for your exam before you test.

There are limits to keep in mind, too. If you're pursuing a bachelor's degree, you can earn up to 60 credit hours through credit-by-exam options, including CLEP, comprehensive, and proficiency exams combined. For an associate degree, that cap drops to 30 hours. It's also worth noting that a few specific exams, like Principles of Marketing and College Mathematics, don't earn any credit at ASU at all, so double-checking the catalog before you register can save you time and money.

CLEP Exam Credits Accepted at ASU

ASU's course catalog lays out exactly how each CLEP exam applies, and the credit you receive depends on the subject. Some exams transfer as direct equivalents to a specific ASU course, while others are awarded as "DEC," or department elective credit. DEC credit isn't tied to one particular course, but it can still count toward your degree requirements with your advisor's input.

Examples of those that transfer directly to specific courses include:

• American Government: Transfers as POS 110 for 3 credits
• Calculus: Transfers as MAT 265 for 3 credits or MAT 270 for 4 credits
• College Algebra: Transfers as MAT 117 for 3 credits
• Human Growth and Development: Transfers as CDE 232 for 3 credits
• Introductory Psychology: Transfers as PSY 101 for 3 credits
• Introductory Sociology: Transfers as SOC 101 for 3 credits
• Principles of Macroeconomics: Transfers as ECN 211 for 3 credits
• Principles of Microeconomics: Transfers as ECN 212 for 3 credits

It’s important to note that a few exams, like College Composition Modular and Principles of Management, don't earn any credit at all, so it's worth reviewing the full catalog table before deciding which exams to take. 

How to Transfer CLEP Exams to ASU

Here's what the process looks like if you're planning to bring CLEP credit into your ASU degree:

1. Check the Catalog for Your Exam's Equivalency

Before you register, look up your exam in ASU's Credit by Examination catalog page to see exactly how it will apply, including any specific score requirements.

2. Register and Pay Through the College Board

Sign up for your exam at clep.collegeboard.org and pay the $97 exam fee directly to the College Board.

3. Pay ASU's Administrative Fee and Schedule Your Test

Pay a separate $30 non-refundable administrative fee to ASU to schedule your testing appointment. Altogether, testing at ASU runs about $127.

4. Test at the ASU-Tempe Testing Center

CLEP exams at ASU are only offered at the Tempe campus Testing Center, so plan your visit accordingly if you're not local.

5. Wait for Your Score and Official Transcript

Your score typically shows up in your My ASU account within 5 to 7 business days (up to three weeks for College Composition with Essay). Official results are sent directly from the College Board to ASU.

If you're an eligible military test-taker, you may qualify for DANTES funding, which can waive both the exam fee and the administrative fee entirely.

Benefits of Transferring CLEP Exams to ASU

If you've got knowledge worth putting toward your ASU degree, CLEP credit comes with some solid advantages:

• Save money on tuition: At $127 or less per exam, CLEP is a fraction of the cost of taking an equivalent college course.
• Save time toward graduation: Testing out of courses you've already mastered helps you move through your degree plan faster.
• A generous credit cap: Bachelor's students can earn up to 60 credit hours through credit-by-exam options, giving you plenty of room to apply CLEP scores toward your degree.
• Free testing for eligible military members: Qualifying military test-takers can have both the exam fee and administrative fee waived through DANTES funding.
• A good fit for adult and working learners: If you've built up knowledge through your job, independent study, or life experience, CLEP gives you a way to turn that into real academic credit.

FAQs About CLEP Exam Credits at ASU

Still have questions about how CLEP credit works at ASU? Here are some common ones:

What Score Do I Need to Pass a CLEP Exam for ASU Credit?

Most exams require a score of 50 on the computer-based testing scale, though subjects like French, German, History, and Spanish use different score thresholds.

How Many CLEP Credits Can I Earn Toward My ASU Degree?

Bachelor's students can earn up to 60 credit hours through credit-by-exam options, including CLEP, comprehensive, and proficiency exams combined. Associate degree students are capped at 30 hours.

Do All CLEP Exams Award Direct Course Credit at ASU?

Some exams transfer as a direct equivalent to a specific ASU course, while others are awarded as DEC (department elective) credit. A few exams, like Principles of Marketing and College Mathematics, don't earn any credit at all.

How Much Does It Cost to Take a CLEP Exam at ASU?

Testing at ASU runs about $127 total: a $97 exam fee paid to the College Board, plus a $30 non-refundable administrative fee paid to ASU.

Can Military Members Test for Free at ASU?

Eligible military test-takers can qualify for DANTES funding, which waives both the College Board exam fee and ASU's administrative fee.

How Long Does It Take for My CLEP Score to Show Up?

Scores typically appear in your My ASU account within 5 to 7 business days, though the College Composition with Essay exam can take up to three weeks. Official results are sent directly from the College Board to ASU.

Find Transfer-Friendly Online Programs

CLEP credit gives you a practical, affordable way to move through parts of your ASU degree faster, especially if you've already built up knowledge through work, independent study, or life experience. If you're ready to explore your options further, Learn.org has plenty of resources to help you find the fastest, most affordable path to your degree.