Advanced Placement (AP) & CLEP

The University of Sioux Falls awards advanced standing credit through several programs. In consultation with faculty advisors, all credits accepted are applied toward completion of major or elective requirements. Course equivalencies shown are used as guidelines in the process and are subject to change.  No grades will be indicated for AP or CLEP credit on the transcript other than “Pass.”

During registration, students are encouraged to register for classes according to the guidelines for advanced credit and the scores they expect to achieve. If actual scores are different from those anticipated, class schedules may be adjusted accordingly after arrival on campus.  Official test reports must be provided to the Registrar’s Office prior to the beginning of a student’s first semester at USF.

Credit will not be granted for any AP or CLEP exam for which college credit has already been earned.

No more than one-third of any student’s credit toward graduation can be earned through advanced credit options or prior learning opportunities.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The University of Sioux Falls recognizes the merits of the Advanced Placement Program and will grant credit for Advanced Placement exams taken in high school. Credit will be given when Advanced Placement exam grade is 4 or higher. The specific AP subject examinations allowed and the corresponding University of Sioux Falls course credits that can be earned are as follows:

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)^®

The College Level Examination Program provides students the option of earning credit without enrolling in college courses.  CLEP is a series of computer-based examinations developed by the College Board.

A student may earn up to 32 semester hours of credit toward a degree at the University of Sioux Falls through CLEP.  CLEP credit will be allowed only for the special subject examinations and only for scores that are equivalent to a grade of a “C” or better.  The University of Sioux Falls is an institutional –testing center which means USF provides CLEP testing for students and former students. For additional information on specific CLEP tests, contact the Academic Success Center at 605-331-6740. 

The cost to complete a CLEP exam is $80 to be paid by credit or debit card at the time of testing. If students pass a CLEP exam, they must pay a $15 transcription fee for each credit hour and then an additional $15 administration fee per course. For example, a three-credit course would cost $60 (i.e., $45 transcription fee + 15 administration fee).

The specific CLEP subject examinations allowed and the corresponding University of Sioux Falls course credits that can be earned are as follows:

Course Test-Out

Students may “test out” of certain courses after receiving faculty approval and passing a comprehensive examination. Student may earn up to 16 credit hours through course “test out.”