More Information about Credit for CLEP Exams

This evaluation of the credits awarded for College-Level Examination Program examinations is subject to change and may be reviewed and revised periodically by Penn State faculty.

Please note that test availability from CLEP is subject to change, and students should confirm availability of an exam before preparing to take the exam.

Undergraduate students interested in receiving credit for CLEP exams should arrange to have their official grade reports sent to Undergraduate Admissions directly from CLEP.

If credit is awarded, a student’s University record will carry notation of credit, but no grade will be recorded. Credit awarded will not affect a student’s grade-point average at Penn State.

Limitations on credit earned through the CLEP exams are as follows:

The credit must be useful in a student's program of study.

Duplicate credit in the same subject is not awarded in any case.

General credits may be awarded for a CLEP exam that covers material that is not the substantial equivalent of material covered in a specific University course. General credits may be used to fulfill degree requirements in any area; such use is not necessarily limited to General Education or elective requirements. General credits are applied to a student’s program of study in accordance with the procedures established by the college of enrollment. Information on the use of general credits or specific course credits earned by CLEP exams in individual programs of study may be obtained from a student’s academic adviser or from the office of the dean of a student’s college.

Tuition Advisory

Please be advised that a student’s tuition will increase when the Penn State transcript reflects 59.1 cumulative credits. Credits earned from tests, like AP or IB exams, are considered transfer credits and are included in the cumulative credit total. If the credits you are transferring or have transferred to Penn State place you above 59.1 cumulative credits after the start of the semester, your tuition will increase immediately. You will receive a bill for the additional tuition on the first day of the following month. For more information, visit the Office of the Bursar's website