College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The CLEP examinations were designed for students who wish to utilize previous knowledge and experience in lieu of required coursework. CLEP is a national program of credit-by-examination, allowing students to obtain recognition for college-level achievement. This privilege is intended to measure information and training gained from practical experience that may be considered the equivalent of the experience and training received by students in an organized course given at the University.

Credits may be acquired through the CLEP examinations. These credits may be used to fill General Education Requirements and may also be accepted as equivalent to specific courses. Students interested in taking a CLEP exam should contact the University Testing Services Office, University Inn 115.

Individual departments and/or colleges may specify the exact courses required to fill their requirements and may require more than the minimum General Education requirements. Some departments and colleges require specific coursework for General Education, which the CLEP exams may not satisfy.

If, prior to (or after) taking a CLEP examination, a student receives credit (including AP credit) for any coursework equivalent to the subject matter of a CLEP examination, the credits earned for the course will be deducted from the credits awarded for the examination.

A student is not allowed to take and receive academic credit for a CLEP examination after he or she has completed an equivalent or more advanced course within that subject matter. Any exceptions must be approved by a student’s academic college.

USU will accept a maximum of 30 total credits from CLEP, DANTES Standardized Subject Tests (DSST), and cooperative education/internship credit combined.

Other institutions have policies differing from those of USU regarding CLEP scores and credits granted for those scores. For transfer students with less than an associate degree, CLEP credit posted to another institution’s transcript is reevaluated based on USU’s standard.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit Allocation