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100224

Undergraduate Transfer Credit and Credit by Exam

Type: Definitions
Effective Date: 4/16/2025

Undergraduate Transfer Credit

Credit By Exam

  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • Cambridge International Exam (CIE)
  • Challenge Exams
  • College Level Exam Program (CLEP)
  • DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
  • International Baccalaureate Diploma and Certificate Credit (IB)

Undergraduate Transfer Credit 

To meet the requirements of a particular degree plan, students may use transfer credit from other institutions. Transcripts are required in the transfer credit review process to determine the number of units to be accepted and in what manner they will apply toward satisfying NAU liberal studies, diversity, major, minor, and/or certificate requirements. Course equivalencies are established based on the alignment of the most recent review of the course's learning outcomes. While NAU accepts transfer credit units, course grades are not accepted or calculated into the GPA from these courses i.e., GPA does not transfer. Students may request the review of transfer credit in the event the course changed equivalency between the time the student originally took the course and the time they requested transfer credit from NAU.

Credits submitted by students may be considered for acceptance if the institution was accredited and the accrediting body was recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) at the time of the student’s enrollment (See CHEA’s Directory of Recognized Organizations). Undergraduate credit, from accredited four-year institutions, will be accepted on a credit-unit-for-credit-unit basis (adjusted for semester/quarter terms, if applicable) for college-level courses with grades of "P" (credit awarded), "C," 2.0, or better. The credit accepted for transfer cannot duplicate any previously awarded credit.

Additionally, Northern Arizona University will accept up to 64 transfer credit units from a combination of accredited two-year institutions, prior learning assessment credit, and the American Council on Education (ACE) Alternative Credit Project™. These credits must be college-level with grades of "P" (credit awarded), "C," 2.0, or better. NAU has ABOR approval to accept up to 90 transfer credit hours from a combination of accredited two-year institutions, prior learning assessment credit, and the American Council on Education (ACE) Alternative Credit Project™ for specific degree programs. Program requirements and transfer policies, noted in the academic catalog, for these specific degree programs, should be reviewed carefully.

Students who transfer from Arizona higher education public institutions will follow the degree requirements in effect at the time the coursework began provided that attendance was continuous. See NAU Policy 100304: Catalog to Use for Degree Requirements for further explanations.

The Arizona Course Equivalency Guide (CEG), which is part of the AZTransfer.com System, indicates how the universities accept transfer coursework (numbered 100 or above) from Arizona higher education public institutions.

Students pursuing a baccalaureate degree at Northern Arizona University who have completed the Arizona General Education curriculum (AGEC) from an Arizona public or tribal community college, the Intersegmental General Education Transfer curriculum (IGETC), or California State University General Education (CSUGE) from a California public community college are considered to have satisfied NAU’s Liberal Studies Distribution Blocks and Foundation requirements as well as the U.S. Ethnic and Global Diversity requirements. However, completion of the AGEC, IGETC, or the CSUGE does not satisfy the Junior Writing and Senior Capstone requirements. Students will still need to complete these requirements as part of their undergraduate degree.

Prior Learning Assessment

Prior Learning is a term that refers to learning and experiences an individual acquires outside of the traditional academic environment. This learning is typically not indicated on a college or university transcript and can be acquired through work experience, workshop participation, in-service training, or involvement in professional organizations.

Credit may be awarded for verifiable college-level learning gained through workforce or other training experience when credit-by-exam or challenge exam options are not available or applicable. Departments will determine the application of prior learning toward major requirements.

Additionally, Northern Arizona University also evaluates and may accept transfer credit for Prior Learning that has previously been evaluated and accepted by a CHEA recognized institution using one of the following methods: workforce training documentation, portfolio of relevant professional work, or official certification. Departments will determine the application of these credits toward major requirements.

Furthermore, Northern Arizona University also utilizes the credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE). An ACE credit recommendation represents college-level equivalencies based on a review of workforce training, military training or occupations, and other sources of learning outside the college classroom, such as national exams and certifications. Departments will determine the application of the ACE credit toward major requirements.

Credit For U.S. Military Service 

A student can be awarded an additional 4 units of credit for 18 consecutive months of active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces if terminated under honorable conditions, as documented on the DD214.

Furthermore, a student who has earned a commission in the U.S. Armed Forces may petition the Office of Undergraduate Admission and Orientation for another additional 12 general elective units.

See Military and Veteran Admission for more information. 

Credit By Exam 

Students can use the credit-by-exam option to demonstrate discipline-specific proficiency and gain credit for college courses. Students can only use credit-by-exam for courses that the college or department has approved for this option. Some colleges and departments do not permit credit-by-exam, and those that do may limit the availability of course(s) to be challenged by exam.

Where exams for credit are allowed, they are governed by the general requirements that follow and by the policies of the college or department.

The following requirements apply to all exams for credit.

  • Students may earn up to 60 units by exam either at NAU or transferred to NAU from another accredited institution. Credit-by-exam earned at another institution may be re-evaluated using NAU standards.
  • Credit-by-exam equivalencies are based on the most recent iteration of the exam.
  • The same exam may not be repeated within a year of the first attempt.
  • Under no circumstances will students be permitted to take an exam for the same course more than twice.
  • Credit earned by an exam must not duplicate credit already earned for the same course.
  • Credit will not be given for a course that is equivalent to, more elementary than, or substantially overlaps with another course where credit has already been received.
    • Courses in Progress: Students who are currently in a language course, other than English, and want credit for a more introductory course(s), must take the exam for that course before the midterm of the course currently.
    • Credit earned by exam becomes part of a student’s academic record.

NAU will not accept Retrocredit, Challenge, or CLEP exam credit within the 100-200 levels in the primary language of instruction of the student’s secondary school [high school] where they graduated.

 

Credit By Exam 

Advanced Placement (AP)

Northern Arizona University offers credit to students who have taken a qualifying College Board Advanced Placement Exam. Credit is awarded according to the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam.

*Covid-19 Update: NAU recognizes the effort that students have already made in these challenging courses and will continue to award credit for 2020 AP exams completed.

AP Exam Scores

Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited

Units of Credit Granted

Liberal Studies/Diversity (prior to fall 2025)

General Studies (fall 2025 and beyond)

2-D Art and Design (formerly Studio Art 2-D)

4-5 ART 150 3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

3-D Art and Design (formerly Studio Art 3-D)

4-5 ART 151 3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

African American Studies

3-5

ES 150

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry and U.S. Ethnic

Arts and Humanities and U.S. Ethnic

Art History

3

ARH 141 OR ARH 142

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

4-5

ARH 141 and 142

6

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

Biology

3

BIO 100 and BIO 100L

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

4-5

BIO 181, 181L, 182, and 182L

8

Science/Applied Science (6), LAB (2)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Calculus AB

3-5

MAT 136

4

Science/Applied Science

Mathematics Foundations or Natural Sciences

Calculus BC*

1-2 with AB subscore of 3-5

MAT 136

4

Foundation requirement or Science/Applied Science

Mathematics Foundations or Natural Sciences

3

MAT 136

4

Foundation requirement or Science/Applied Science

Mathematics Foundations or Natural Sciences

4-5

MAT 136 and MAT 137

8

Foundation requirement (4), Science/Applied Science (4)

Mathematics Foundations (4) and Natural Sciences (4)

*Students who take the Calculus BC exam also receive an AB subscore. The subscore is noted on the AP Score Report.

Chemistry

4

CHM 151(4) and CHM 151L (1)

5

Science/Applied Science (4), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

5

CHM 151, 151L, 152, and 152L
(Chemistry majors are recommended to still take CHM 152 and 152L)

9

Science/Applied Science (7), LAB (2)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Chinese Language and Culture

4 (if taken before fall 2020) CHI 101, 102, 201, and 202 16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

3

CHI 101 and CHI 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities
4 CHI 101, 102, and 201 12 Cultural Understanding Arts and Humanities

5

CHI 101, 102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Comparative Government and Politics

4-5 

POS 260

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Computer Science A

4-5

CS 126 and CS 126L

4

   

Computer Science Principles

3

CS 110

3

Science/Applied Science

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

Drawing (formerly Studio Art - Drawing)

4-5 ART 135 3

 

 

English Language and Composition

5 (if taken before January 1, 2019) ENG 105 4 English Foundations requirement English Foundations

4-5

ENG Departmental Elective 

Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.

 

3

Partially satisfies the English Foundations requirement.

Partially satisfies English Foundations

English Literature and Composition

5 (if taken before January 1, 2019) ENG 105 4 English Foundations requirement English Foundations

4-5

ENG Departmental Elective

Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and be placed into ENG 205.

3

Partially satisfies the English Foundations requirement

Partially satisfies English Foundations

*If you take both the AP English Language and Composition and the AP English Literature and Composition exams, and score a 4 or higher, you will be granted a total of 3 units of ENG Departmental Elective credit, which partially satisfies the English Foundations requirement.

Students who took both the English-Language and Composition and the English-Literature and Composition exams prior to January 1, 2019, who scored a 5, will receive a total of 4 units for ENG 105, satisfying the English Foundations requirement.

Environmental Science

4-5

ENV 101 and ENV 101L

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

European History

4-5

HIS 240 and HIS 241

6

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

French Language and Culture

3

FRE 201 and FRE 202

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

4

FRE 201, 202, and 303

11

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5

FRE 201, 202, 303, and 304W

14

Cultural Understanding (11), Junior-Level Writing (3)

Arts and Humanities (11) and Junior-Level Writing (3)

German Language and Culture

3

GER 201 and GER 202

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

4

GER 201, 202, and 303

11

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5

GER 201, 202, 303, and 304W

14

Cultural Understanding, Junior-Level Writing (3)

Arts and Humanities (11) and Junior-Level Writing (3)

Human Geography

4-5

GSP 170 

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Italian Language and Culture

3

ITA 101 and ITA 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities
4 ITA 101, 102, and 201  12  Cultural Understanding Arts and Humanities

5

ITA 101, 102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Japanese Language and Culture

3

JPN 101 and JPN 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

4

JPN 101, 102, and 201

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5

JPN 101, 102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Latin

3

LAT 101 and LAT 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

4

LAT 101, 102, and 201

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5

LAT 101, 102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Macroeconomics

4-5- Macro

ECO 285

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Microeconomics

4-5 - Micro

ECO 284

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Music Theory

4 (Non-Aural)

MUS 121

2

   

4 (Aural)

MUS 131

2

   

5 (Non-Aural)

MUS 121

2

   

5 (Aural)

MUS 131

2

   

Physics I: Algebra-Based

5 (if taken before summer 2019) PHY 111 and PHY 112 8 LAB Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

4

PHY 111

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

5

PHY 111 

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Physics II: Algebra-Based

5 (if taken before summer 2019) PHY 111 and PHY 112 8 LAB Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

4

PHY 112

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

5

PHY 112

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism

3-4

PHY 112

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

5

PHY 262 and PHY 262L

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1) Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Physics C: Mechanics

3-4

PHY 111

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

5

PHY 161

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Precalculus

3-5

MAT 125

4 Foundation requirement Mathematics Foundations or Natural Sciences

Psychology

4-5

PSY 101

3

Social and Political Worlds

Scientific Literacy: Social Sciences

Research

3

Elective Credit

3

   

Seminar

3

Elective Credit 

3

   

Spanish Language and Culture

3

SPA 201 and SPA 202

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

4

SPA 201, 202, and 303

11

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5

SPA 201, 202, 303, and 304W

14

Cultural Understanding, Junior-Level Writing (3)

Arts and Humanities (11) and Junior-Level Writing (3)

Spanish Literature and Culture

3

SPA 201 and SPA 202

8

Cultural Understanding Arts and Humanities

4

SPA 201, 202, and 304W

11

Cultural Understanding (8) and Junior-Level Writing (3)

Arts and Humanities (8) and Junior-Level Writing (3)

5

SPA 201, 202, 304W, and 321 14 Cultural Understanding (8), Junior-Level Writing (3)

Arts and Humanities (8) and Junior-Level Writing (3)

Statistics

3-5

STA 270

3

Foundation requirement or Science/Applied Science

Mathematics Foundations or Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

United States Government and Politics

4-5

POS 110

3

Social and Political Worlds

American Institutions

United States History

4-5

HIS 191 and HIS 192

6

Social and Political Worlds

American Institutions and U.S. Ethnic

World History

4-5 (if taken before fall 2021) HIS 101 and HIS 102 6 Social and Political Worlds (3) and Cultural Understanding and Global (3) Social and Political Worlds and Global

4-5

HIS 102

3

Cultural Understanding, Global

Social and Political Worlds and Global

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cambridge International Exam (CIE)

Students who have completed advanced Cambridge coursework and who have taken a Cambridge International AS-Level or A-Level exam, may receive university credit. Credit will be awarded according to the Cambridge International Exam table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam.

Cambridge International Exam

Cambridge International Exam

Scores

Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited

Units of Credit Granted

Liberal Studies/Diversity (prior to fall 2025)

General Studies (fall 2025 and beyond)

Accounting

AS-Level

E or better

Elective Credit

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better

Elective Credit

6

 

 

Applied Information and Communication Technology

AS-Level

E or better

CTE Departmental Elective 

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better

CTE Departmental Elective

6

 

 

Arabic

AS-Level

C or better

ARB 101

4

Cultural Understanding

 

A-Level

C or better

ARB 101 and ARB 102

8

Cultural Understanding

 

Art and Design

AS-Level

E or better

ART 135 

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better 

ART 135 and ART 150

6

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry (3)

Arts and Humanities

Biology

AS-Level

E or better

BIO 100 (3) and BIO 100L (1) or Departmental Elective (4)

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

A-Level

E or better

BIO 181 (3) and BIO 181L (1)

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

A-level 

D or better 

BIO 181, 181L, 182 and 182L

8

Science/Applied Science (6), LAB (2)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Business

AS-Level

E or better

Elective Credit

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better

Elective Credit

6

 

 

Chemistry

AS-Level 

D or better

CHM 130 and CHM 130L

5

Science/Applied Science (4), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

A-Level

D or E

CHM 130 and CHM 130L

5

Science/Applied Science (4), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

A-Level 

B or C

CHM 151 and CHM 151L

5

Science/Applied Science (4), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

A-Level 

A

CHM 151, 151L, 152 and 152L 

9

Science/Applied Science (7), LAB (2)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Chinese

AS-Level C or better (if taken before fall 2020) CHI 101, 102, and 201 12 Cultural Understanding Arts and Humanities

C or better

CHI 101 (4)

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

A-Level C or better (if taken before fall 2020) CHI 101, 102, 201, and 202 16 Cultural Understanding Arts and Humanities

C or better

CHI 101 (4) and CHI 102 (4)

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Computer Science

AS-Level 

E or better

CS 126 and CS 126L

4

 

 

A-Level

E or better

CS 126 and CS 126L

4

 

 

Computing

AS-Level

E or better

CS 126 and CS 126L

4

 

 

A-Level 

E or better 

CS 126 and CS 126L

4

 

 

Design and Textiles

AS-Level

E or better

MER 232

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better

MER 232 (3) and MER Departmental Elective (3)

6

 

 

Design Technology

AS-Level

E or better

CTE Departmental Elective 

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better

CTE Departmental Elective 

6

 

 

Digital Media and Design

AS-Level

C or better

VC Departmental Elective 

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better

VC Departmental Elective

3

 

 

Drama

AS-Level

C or better

TH 101

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

A-Level

C or better

TH 101 (3) and TH Departmental Elective (3)

6

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry (3)

Arts and Humanities (3)

Economics

AS-Level

D or better (if taken before fall 2022) Elective Credit 3    

E or better

Not Accepted 

0

 

 

A-level

D or better

ECO 284 and ECO 285

6

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

English Language

AS-level 

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

A-Level

E or better

ENG Departmental Elective

Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.

 

3

Partially satisfies the English Foundations requirement.

 

Partially satisfies English Foundations

English Language and Literature (Language and Literature in English)

AS-Level

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

English Literature (Literature in English)

AS-level

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

A-level

E or better

ENG Departmental Elective

Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.

 

3

Partially satisfies the English Foundations requirement.

 

Partially satisfies English Foundations

Environmental Management

AS-Level 

D or better

ENV 101 (3) and ENV 101L (1)

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Food Studies

AS-Level

E or better (if taken before fall 2020)

NTS 135

3 Science/Applied Science Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

E or better

Not Accepted

0

 

 

A-Level (discontinued)

E or better 

NTS 135 (3) and NTS Departmental Elective (3)

6

Science/Applied Science (3)

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences (3)

French

AS-Level 

C or better

FRE 101

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

A-Level 

C or better 

FRE 101 and FRE 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Geography

AS-Level

E or better (if taken before fall 2021)

GSP Departmental Elective

3

   
C or better

GSP Departmental Elective

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better (if taken before fall 2021)

GSP Departmental Elective

3

   
C or better

GSP Departmental Elective

6

 

 

German

AS-Level 

C or better

GER 101

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

A-Level 

C or better

GER 101 and GER 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Global Perspectives and Research

AS-Level 

E or better

Elective Credit

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better 

Elective Credit

6

 

 

History

AS-Level

C or better

Elective Credit

3

 

 

A-Level

C or better 

Elective Credit

6

 

 

Information Technology

AS-Level

E or better

Elective Credit

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better 

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Japanese, AS-Level

AS-Level

C or better (if taken before fall 2020)

JPN 101, 102, and 201

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

C or better

JPN 101 (4)

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Languages - not offered by NAU

AS-Level

C or better

LAN 101

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

A-Level

C or better

LAN 101 and LAN 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Marine Science

AS-Level

D or better

BIO 100 and BIO 100L

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

A-Level

D or better

BIO 100 (3), 100L (1), and Departmental Elective (4)

8

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences (4)

Mathematics

AS-Level

E or better

MAT 110

3

Foundation requirement

Mathematics Foundations

A-Level

E or better

MAT 125 and MAT 131

7

Foundation requirement (4), Science/Applied Science (3)

Mathematics Foundations (4) and Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences (3)

Mathematics Further

A-Level 

E or better

MAT 136 (4), 137 (4), and STA 270 (3)

11

Foundation requirement (4), Science/Applied Science (7)

Mathematics Foundations (4) and Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences (7)

Media Studies

AS-Level 

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

A-Level 

E or better

CMF 122

3

 

 

Music

AS-Level

E or better

MUS 293

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

A-Level 

E or better 

MUS 293 (3) and MUS Departmental Elective (200-Level) (3)

6

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry (3)

Arts and Humanities

Physics

AS-Level 

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

A-Level

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

Physical Science

AS-Level

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

Psychology

AS-Level

E or better

PSY 101

3

Social and Political Worlds

Scientific Literacy: Social Sciences

A-Level 

E or better 

PSY 101 and PSY 299

6

Social and Political Worlds (3)

Scientific Literacy: Social Sciences (3)

Sociology

AS-Level 

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

A-Level 

E or better

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

Spanish

AS-Level 

C or better

SPA 101

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

A-Level 

C or better

SPA 101 and SPA 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Thinking Skills

AS-Level

E or better

Elective Credit

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better

Elective Credit 

6

 

 

Travel and Tourism

AS-Level

E or better

HA 284

3

 

 

A-Level

E or better 

HA 284 (3) and HA Departmental Elective (3)

6

 

 

 

Challenge Exams

Individual departments offer challenge exams for some courses described in the catalog. Students who believe they have knowledge about a particular subject area may take an exam rather than enroll in that course. Credit may be received in this way if the exam is available, based on the most recent iteration of the exam, and permitted by the department. Contact the department for information about eligibility, course syllabi, fees, and application forms. Departments and colleges may set limits on the number of units that may be earned through Challenge Exams.

College Level Exam Program (CLEP)

Credit may be earned by successfully completing a CLEP exam according to the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam. Students must request CLEP scores be sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Orientation. Northern Arizona University does not transcribe CLEP scores based on transcripts from other institutions.

CLEP Exam and Scores

Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited

Units of Credit Granted

Liberal Studies/Diversity (prior to fall 2025)

General Studies (fall 2025 and beyond)

Algebra, College

50 or higher

MAT 110

3

Foundation requirement

Mathematics Foundations

American Government

50 or higher

POS 110

3

Social and Political Worlds

American Institutions

American Literature

55 or higher

ENG Departmental Elective 

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

50 or higher

ENG Departmental Elective 

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

Biology

50 or higher

BIO 100

3

Science/Applied Science

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

Calculus Understanding

50 or higher

MAT 136

4

Foundation requirement or Science/Applied Science

Mathematics Foundations or Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

Chemistry

50 or higher

CHM 151 and CHM 151L

5

Science/Applied Science (4), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

College Composition

The College Composition Modular exam is not accepted

60 or higher (if taken before January 1, 2019) ENG 105 4 English Foundations English Foundations

50 or higher

ENG Departmental Elective 

Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.

3

Partially satisfies the English Foundations requirement.

 

Partially satisfies English Foundations

English Literature

55 or higher

ENG Departmental Elective 

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

Financial Accounting

50 or higher

ACC Departmental Elective 

3

 

 

French Language

50-54

FRE 101

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

55-61

FRE 101 and FRE 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

62-65

FRE 101, 102, and 201

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

66-80

FRE 101, 102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

German Language

39-45

GER 101

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

46-50

GER 101 and GER 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

51-59

GER 101, 102, and 201

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

60-80

GER 101,102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877

56 or higher

HIS 191

3

Social and Political Worlds

American Institutions and U.S. Ethnic

History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present

 

 

56 or higher

HIS 192

3

Social and Political Worlds

American Institutions and U.S. Ethnic

Human Growth and Development

 

 

50 or higher

PSY 240

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Humanities

49 or higher (if taken before fall 2021) HUM Departmental Electives 3    

50 or higher

Elective Credit

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

Information Systems

50

ISM Departmental Elective

3

 

 

Introductory Business Law

50 or higher

ACC 205

3

 

American Institutions

Macroeconomics, Principles

50 or higher

ECO 285

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Microeconomics, Principles

50 or higher

ECO 284

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Natural Science

53-55 

Elective Credit

3

Science/Applied Science

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

56 or higher 

Elective Credit

6

Science/Applied Science (3)

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences (3)

Precalculus

50 or higher

MAT 125

4

Foundation requirement

Mathematics Foundations or Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

Psychology, Introduction

50 or higher

PSY 101

3

Social and Political Worlds

Scientific Literacy: Social Sciences

Social Sciences and History

56 or higher

Elective Credit

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Sociology, Introduction

50 or higher

SOC 101

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Spanish Language

50-54

SPA 101

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

55-65

SPA 101 and SPA 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

66-67

SPA 101, 102, and 201

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

68-80

SPA 101, 102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Spanish with Writing 

50-59

SPA 101 and SPA 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

60 or higher

SPA 101, 102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648

56 or higher

HIS 240

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present

56 or higher

HIS 241

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

DSST (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)

Credit for the DSST exam is based on the same criteria as the CLEP exam. At this time, Northern Arizona University accepts only those DSST Exams and Scores listed in the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam.

DSST - Liberal Studies/ Diversity Designation Key

DSST Exam and Scores

Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited

Units of Credit Granted

Liberal Studies/Diversity (prior to fall 2025)

General Studies (fall 2025 and beyond)

Art of the Western World

400

ARH 141 or ARH 142

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

Civil War and Reconstruction

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Criminal Justice

400

CCJ 101

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Environmental Science

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Ethics in Technology

400

CTE Departmental Elective

3

 

 

Foundations of Education

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Fundamentals of Counseling

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Fundamentals of Cybersecurity

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Health and Human Development

400

HS 200

3

 

Social and Political Worlds

History of the Soviet Union

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

History of the Vietnam War

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Introduction to Business

400

MGT 101

3

 

 

Introduction to Geography

400

GSP 170 

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Introduction to Geology - Students who took this exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 400, will receive credit for GLG 100 (3 units).

400

GLG 101

3

Science/Applied Science

 

Introduction to Law Enforcement

400

CCJ 220

3

 

 

Lifespan Development Psychology

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Organizational Behavior

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Principles of Finance

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Principles of Public Speaking

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Technical Writing

400

Elective Credit

3

 

 

International Baccalaureate Diploma and Certificate Credit

Students who present an International Baccalaureate Diploma and Certificate may qualify for transfer credit, depending on the level of the exam and the grade received. Credit will be awarded according to the table below based on the most recent iteration of the exam. (Please note that credit is not awarded for the English-as-a-Second-Language exam.)

SL = Standard Level

HL = Higher Level

Level of Exam

Scores

Northern Arizona University Course(s) Credited

Units of Credit Granted

Liberal Studies/Diversity (prior to fall 2025)

General Studies (fall 2025 and beyond)

Biology

SL

4

BIO Departmental Elective

3

 

 

5-7

BIO 100 and BIO 100L

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

HL

4-5 

BIO 100 and BIO 100L

4

Science/Applied Science (3), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

6-7 

BIO 181, 181L, 182, and 182L

8

Science/Applied Science (6), LAB (2)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Business Management

SL

5-7

Elective Credit

3

 

 

HL

5-7

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Chemistry

HL

4

CHM 151 and CHM 151L

5

Science/Applied Science (4), LAB (1)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

5-7

CHM 151, 151L, 152, and 152L

9

Science/Applied Science (7), LAB (2)

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Classical Languages

SL

5-7

(if taken before fall 2020)

GRK 101 4 Cultural Understanding Arts and Humanities

5-7

Not Accepted

0

 

 

HL

4 (if taken before fall 2020) GRK 101 and 102 or LAT 101 and 102 8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

4

GRK 101 or LAT 101

 4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5 (if taken before fall 2020)

GRK 201 and 202 or LAT 201 and 202

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5

GRK 101 and 102 or 

LAT 101 and 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

6

GRK 101, 102, and 201 or LAT 101, 102, and 201

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

7

GRK 101, 102, 201, and 202 or LAT 101, 102, 201, and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Computer Science

SL

4

CS 110

3

Science/Applied Science

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

5-7

CS 126 and CS 126L

4

 

 

HL

5-7

CS 126 and CS 126L

4

 

 

Dance

SL

4-7

FIT Departmental Elective

3 (max)

 

 

HL

4-7

FIT Departmental Elective

3 (max)

   

Design Technology

SL

4

EGR 186

3

Science/Applied Science

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

HL

4

EGR 186

3

Science/Applied Science

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

Economics

SL

5-7 (if taken before fall 2021) ECO 285 3 Social and Political Worlds Social and Political Worlds

0-4

Not Accepted

0

 

 

HL

5-7

ECO 284 and ECO 285

6

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Environmental Systems and Societies

SL 

5-7

ENV 101

3

Science/Applied Science

Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences

Film

SL

4 (if taken before fall 2021) CMF 122 3    
5 (if taken before fall 2021) CMF 121 and CMF 122 6    

4-7

CMF 121 

3

 

 

HL 5 (if taken before fall 2021) CMF 121 and CMF 122 6    

4-7

CMF 122

3

   

Geography

SL

4-7

GSP 170

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

HL

4-7

GSP 170

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Global Politics

SL

4-7 (if taken before fall 2020)

POS 120

3

Cultural Understanding

 

4-7

Not Accepted

0

 

 

HL

4-7 (if taken before fall 2020)

POS 120 (3) and POS Departmental Elective (3)

6

Cultural Understanding (3)

 

4-7 

POS 120 

3

Cultural Understanding 

Social and Political Worlds

History of Africa and the Middle East

SL

5-7

Elective Credit

3

 

 

 

HL

4

Elective Credit

3

 

 

5-7

Elective Credit

6

 

 

History of the Americas

SL

5-7

HIS 191

3

Social and Political Worlds

American Institutions and U.S. Ethnic

HL

4

HIS 191

3

Social and Political Worlds

American Institutions and U.S. Ethnic

5-7

HIS 191 and HIS 192

6

Social and Political Worlds

American Institutions and U.S. Ethnic

History of Asia and Oceania

HL

4

HIS Departmental Elective 

3

 

 

5-7

HIS Departmental Elective

6

 

 

History of Europe

HL

4

HIS 240

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

5-7

HIS 240 and HIS 241

6

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

History, Islamic

HL

5-7

HIS 230 and HIS 231

6

Cultural Understanding, G

Arts and Humanities and Global

Information Technology in a Global Society

 

SL

5-7

Elective Credit

3

 

 

HL

4-7

Elective Credit

3

 

 

Note: Language (English) A Exams

Students who took a Higher Level (HL) Language (English) A exam prior to Fall 2021, and scored a 4 or higher, will receive ENG departmental elective credit (3 units)

Language (English) A: Language and Literature

SL

0-7

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

 

HL

 

5-7

ENG Departmental Elective

Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.

 

3

Partially satisfies the English Foundations requirement.

Partially satisfies English Foundations

Language (English) A: Literature

 

SL

 

0-7

 

Non-Transferable

 

0

 

 

 

HL

 

5-7

ENG Departmental Elective

Students will receive partial credit toward ENG 105 and will be placed into ENG 205.

 

3

Partially satisfies the English Foundations requirement

Partially satisfies English Foundations

Language ab initio

SL

0-7

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

Language B

SL

5-7

Not Accepted

0

 

 

HL

4

ARB, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, or SPA 

101 

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5

ARB, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, or SPA

 101 and 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

6

ARB, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, or SPA

 101, 102 and 201

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

7

ARB, CHI, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, or SPA

 101, 102, 201 and 202

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Language B (not offered at Northern Arizona University)

SL

5-7

Not Accepted

0

 

 

HL

4

LAN 101

4

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

5

LAN 101 and LAN 102

8

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

6

LAN 101, 102, and LAN Departmental Elective (4)

12

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

7

LAN 101, 102, and LAN Departmental Elective (8)

16

Cultural Understanding

Arts and Humanities

Mathematical Studies

SL

0-7

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

Mathematics

SL

5-7

MAT 114

3

Math Foundation requirement

Mathematics Foundations

HL

5-7

MAT 125 (4) and MAT 136 (4)

8

Foundation requirement (4), Science/Applied Science (4)

Mathematics Foundations (4) and Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences (4)

Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations

SL

0-7

Non-Transferable

0

 

 

HL

5-7

MAT 114

3

Satisfies the Mathematics Foundation requirement (Foundation Requirement)

Mathematics Foundations

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches

SL

5-7

MAT 114

3

Satisfies the Mathematics Foundation requirement (Foundation Requirement)

Mathematics Foundations

HL

5-7

MAT 125 and MAT 136

8

Satisfies the Mathematics Foundation requirement (Foundation Requirement) (4 units) and Science/Applied Science (4 units).

Mathematics Foundations (4) and Scientific Literacy: Natural Sciences (4)

Music

SL

5-7

MUS 293

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

HL

5-7

MUS 293

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

Physics

SL

6-7

PHY 111

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

HL

5

PHY 111

4

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

6-7

PHY 111 and PHY 112

8

LAB

Scientific Methods: Natural Sciences

Psychology

SL

4-7

PSY Departmental Elective

3

 

 

HL

5-7

PSY 101

3

Social and Political Worlds

Scientific Literacy: Social Sciences

Social and Cultural Anthropology

SL

5-7

ANT Departmental Elective 

3

 

 

HL

4-7

ANT 102

3

Cultural Understanding, Global

Scientific Literacy: Social Sciences and Global

Sports, Exercise, and Health Science

SL

4 (if taken before fall 2021) HS 200 3 Social and Political Worlds Social and Political Worlds

4

Not Accepted 

0

 

 

5-7

HS 200 

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

HL

4

HS 200

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

5-7

HS 200

3

Social and Political Worlds

Social and Political Worlds

Theatre

SL

4-7

TH 101

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

HL

4-7

TH 101

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

Visual Arts

SL

4

ART 150

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

5-7

ART 135 and ART 150

6

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry (3)

Arts and Humanities (3)

HL

4

ART 150

3

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry

Arts and Humanities

5-7

ART 135 and ART 150

6

Aesthetic and Humanistic Inquiry (3)

Arts and Humanities (3)

World Religions

SL

5-7

REL Departmental Elective

3

 

 

 

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