What happens if my college doesn’t accept CLEP credits?

by | May 23, 2025 | Uncategorized

So, you’ve worked hard, studied smart, and passed one or more CLEP exams and now you’re wondering: What happens if my college doesn’t accept CLEP credits?

First of all, take a deep breath. You’re not the only one asking this question, and the good news is you’ve got options.

We’re here to help you make the most out of your CLEP experience. Whether you’re planning ahead or running into unexpected roadblocks with your school, we’ll help you find the smartest path forward.

What Are CLEP Exams, Anyway?

CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) exams are college credit-by-exam tests offered by the College Board. They allow students to earn college credit by demonstrating knowledge in subjects like:

  • College Algebra

  • U.S. History

  • English Composition

  • Psychology

  • Biology

  • And many more…

CLEP exams are fast, affordable, and widely recognized but not every school treats them the same way. And that’s where things can get tricky.

So… What If My College Doesn’t Accept CLEP Credits?

1. It’s Not the End of the Road

While it may feel disappointing, don’t panic. Many students discover that their current college doesn’t accept CLEP, but other colleges do. If your institution says no, you still have multiple backup options.

Let’s explore them.

2. You Can Transfer to a CLEP-Friendly College

One of the biggest benefits of CLEP is flexibility. If your current school doesn’t recognize your credits, consider transferring to a CLEP-accepting college. Thousands of schools across the U.S. accept CLEP including online universities and community colleges.

Some well-known CLEP-friendly schools include:

  • Liberty University

  • Thomas Edison State University

  • Excelsior College

  • Purdue Global

  • University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC)

Pro tip: Ask us for a list of CLEP-friendly schools we’ll guide you for free.

3. Talk to Your Academic Advisor

Before jumping ship, have a conversation with your advisor or registrar. Sometimes, a school doesn’t advertise CLEP acceptance but still makes exceptions for certain majors, departments, or student categories (like military or adult learners).

Here’s how to ask:

“I’ve passed a CLEP exam in [subject], and I’d love to get credit for it. Is there a petition process or alternative pathway?”

We’ve seen students successfully advocate for their CLEP credits and we can help you write the perfect request.

4. Use CLEP as a Placement Tool (Even Without Credit)

Even if your school doesn’t award credit for CLEP, they may use your exam score to let you skip introductory courses or test into higher-level classes.

Example: Let’s say your school doesn’t grant credit for College Composition, but a passing CLEP score could allow you to place into English 102 saving you time, tuition, and energy.

5. Get Credit Elsewhere, Then Transfer

Here’s a little-known trick: You can take CLEP exams through a credit bank or alternative college (like TESU or StraighterLine), then transfer those credits to your school. Some colleges are more accepting of transferred transcripts than CLEP score reports.

We can help guide you through this strategy it’s totally legal and surprisingly common.

6. Know the Policies in Advance

If you haven’t chosen a college yet, it’s smart to check their CLEP policy before enrolling. Look for:

  • How many CLEP credits are allowed

  • Which exams are accepted

  • Whether they accept CLEP for your major

  • Minimum score requirements

Or, skip the search let us do the research for you.

How We Can Help

We’re more than just a test prep service we’re your partner in getting those CLEP credits to count. Here’s what we do:

Expert CLEP Support

From studying to scheduling, we help you succeed.

Exam Help When You’re Overwhelmed

Short on time? Feeling stuck? Our friendly experts can help you prepare for or navigate your CLEP exam — no judgment, just support.

College Match Guidance

We’ll show you which colleges accept CLEP, how to transfer, and how to advocate for yourself.

Real Talk: Is CLEP Still Worth It?

Absolutely.

Even if one school says no, your CLEP exam is never wasted. Here’s why:

  • It proves your knowledge

  • It can shorten your path to a degree elsewhere

  • It can still help with placement or prerequisites

  • It demonstrates initiative and academic strength

Thousands of students use CLEP every year to cut tuition costs, accelerate graduation, or knock out general ed requirements.

FAQs: What If My College Doesn’t Accept CLEP?

Why don’t all colleges accept CLEP?

Each school sets its own credit policies. Some traditional institutions prefer students to take all courses in-house, while others readily accept nontraditional credit like CLEP, AP, or DSST exams.

Can I transfer CLEP credits from one school to another?

Yes as long as the new school accepts CLEP and the credits meet their guidelines. Always request a copy of your official CLEP score report from the College Board to send to your transfer school.

Will CLEP credits expire?

Nope! CLEP scores do not expire, so even if you wait a few years to transfer, your credits can still count — as long as the receiving college accepts them.

Can military students use CLEP credits?

Absolutely. The DANTES program offers free CLEP exams for active-duty military, veterans, and eligible spouses. Many military-friendly schools are CLEP-friendly too.

What if I already took the CLEP exam but my college said no?

No worries you can:

  • Use the credit elsewhere

  • Transfer to a CLEP-friendly school

  • Use the score to skip lower-level classes

  • Appeal to your current school’s registrar or department head

We can help you choose the best next step based on your situation.

Don’t Let One School Limit Your Future

If your current college doesn’t accept CLEP credits, it’s not the end of your journey it’s just a detour. And we’re here to help you navigate it.

We’ve helped hundreds of students just like you find better pathways, smarter options, and faster ways to earn their degrees.

Got questions? Stuck on what to do next? Chat with us today and we’ll help you turn your CLEP success into real college credit one step at a time.

Your Knowledge Deserves Credit. Let’s Make It Count!

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📞 Or connect with our friendly team for a free consultation