Southwestern College awards credit toward its associate degrees for successfully passing external examinations including Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Such exams may also be used to certify areas of The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC). In order to receive credit, students must submit a Credit for Prior Learning petition and must have official scores (transcripts) submitted directly to the Admissions Office. If AP, IB, CLEP or DANTES exam credit is needed for graduation, the official test score must be on file before petitioning for graduation.

Select the exam type above tab to review which exams are accepted at SWC and how your exam score may be used.

The external exam charts show the exam titles, the equivalent course(s), if any, at Southwestern College, and the specific area of Southwestern College and Cal-GETC requirements that may be cleared.  The CSU equivalencies are listed as reference, and at the bottom of each page, students may find historical exam equivalencies.

Colleges and universities set their own criteria for awarding external exam credit.  Since the way students can use an external exam credit can vary at each institution, students are encouraged to speak with an academic counselor and/or review the four-year transfer university catalog to confirm how these credits will be received toward meeting their program requirements.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Please consult with a counselor for questions and up to date information regarding exams.  Units vary depending on the university.   

Students will be granted college credit for one or more Southwestern College courses provided they have a satisfactory score on an appropriate Advanced Placement Examination conducted by the College Board. It is not necessary for a student to have taken or successfully completed the Advanced Placement class in high school to receive credit for a class based on the examination score. Credit will be granted for Advanced Placement Exam scores of three and above for the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC)  or a general education requirement for a Southwestern College degree, as appropriate for a student’s needs.

Under no circumstances will students be granted credit for a course with a score less than a three on an Advanced Placement Examination.

Students planning to transfer without a Cal-GETC certification should consult with a counselor and check the catalog of the four-year institution to see how AP credits are awarded, since awards can vary. Additional units may count for elective units toward eligibility for admission to a CSU or UC.

Students with continuous enrollment and catalog rights using the CSUGE or IGETC can follow previous External Exam Charts.  See links below.  

• 2025-2026 External Exams: Advanced Placement
• 2024-2025 External Exams: Advanced Placement
• 2023-2024 External Exams: Advanced Placement
• Historical Advanced Placement (AP) Exams (see the bottom of this page)

To obtain official AP transcripts, go to www.collegeboard.org or contact AP services toll free at (888) 225-5427.

Advanced Placement v2

Exam Title and Passing Score	SWC Units; Course; GE Area	Transfer Semester Units and GE Area	Transfer Semester Units for Admission
African American Studies Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units N/A	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units (UC: Effective May 2025) ^ CSU: 3 units
2D Art and Design Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart - Studio Arts	3 units ART 101	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 3 units
3D Art and Design Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units ART 103	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 3 units
Art History Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	6 units ARTH C1100 (formerly ART 150) and ARTH C1200 (formerly ART 151)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3A or 3B4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3A or 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Biology Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	4 units BIOL 100 and BIOL 101	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5B and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5B and 5C	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Business with Personal Finance Passing Score: TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
Calculus AB or BC/AB Subscore Passing Score: 3	4 units MATH 120	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 2 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 21	UC: ▸ 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units1
Calculus AB or BC/AB Subscore Passing Score: 4 or 5	5 units MATH C2210 (formerly MATH 250)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 2 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC:▸ 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units1
Calculus BC Passing Score: 3	5 units MATH C2210 (formerly MATH 250)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 2 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC:▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units1
Calculus BC Passing Score: 4 or 5	9 units MATH C2210 (formerly MATH 250) and MATH C2220 (formerly MATH 251	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 2 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC:▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units1
Chemistry Passing Score: 3 See Historical Chart	5 units CHEM 200	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C (CSU: Effective Fall 2009)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Chemistry Passing Score: 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	10 units CHEM 200 and CHEM 210	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C (CSU: Effective Fall 2009)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Chinese Language and Culture Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units CHIN 101	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Comparative Government and Politics Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units PS 103	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units
Computer Science A Passing Score: 3 See Historical Chart	3 units N/A	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ♦ 8 quarter or 5.3 units (UC: Effective Fall 2018)^ CSU: 3 units1
Computer Science A Passing Score: 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	3 units MATH 130	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ♦ 8 quarter or 5.3 units (UC: Effective Fall 2018)^ CSU: 3 units1
Computer Science AB Passing Score: 3	3 units MATH 130	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ♦ 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 6 units1
Computer Science AB Passing Score: 4 or 5	6 units MATH 130 and MATH 140	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ♦ 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 6 units1
Computer Science Principles Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	6 units N/A	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2 (CSU: Effective Fall 2019)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units1
Cybersecurity Passing Score: TBD	TBD	TBD	TBD
Drawing Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart- Studio Arts	3 units ART 100	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSUGE: 3 units
English Language and Composition Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	4 units ENGL C1000 (formerly ENGL 115) or ESL 115A	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 1A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 1A	UC: ▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
English Literature and Composition Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	7 units ENGL C1000 (formerly ENGL 115) and ENGL C1002 (formerly ENGL 220) or ENGL 270	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 1A or 3B4 CSUGE: 6 units, Area 1A and 3B	UC: ▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Environmental Science Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	4 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C (CSU: Effective Fall 2009)^	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 4 units2
European History Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	6 units HIST 104 and HIST 105	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B or 44 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B or 4	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
French Language and Culture Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	5 units FREN 201	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
German Language and Culture Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	5 units, Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSU: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Human Geography Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units GEOG 120	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units
Italian Language and Culture Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units ITAL 201	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Japanese Language and Culture Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units JPN 201	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Latin Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	5 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 6 units
Macroeconomics Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units ECON C2002 (formerly ECON 101)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units
Microeconomics Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units ECON C2001 (formerly ECON 102)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units
Music Theory Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	3 units MUS 131	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: N/A
Physics 1: Algebra-based Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart - Replaced Physics B - May 2015	4 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C	UC:▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 4 units3
Physics 2: Algebra-Based Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart - Replaced Physics B - May 2015	4 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C	UC:▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 4 units3
Physics C (Mechanics) Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units PHYS 270 and PHYS 271	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C	UC:▸♦ 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 4 units3
Physics C (Electricity and Magnetism) Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units PHYS 272 and PHYS 273	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C	UC:▸♦ 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 4 units3
PreCalculus Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	6 units MATH 244	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC: N/A CSU: 3 units
Psychology Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units PSYC C1000 (formerly PSYC 101)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units
Research Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units N/A	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: N/A CSU: N/A
Seminar Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units N/A	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: N/A CSU: 3 units
Spanish Language and Culture Passing Score: 3 See Historical Chart	5 units SPAN 201	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Effective Spring 2014)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Spanish Language and Culture Passing Score: 4 See Historical Chart	5 units SPAN 202	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Effective Spring 2014)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Spanish Language and Culture Passing Score: 5 See Historical Chart	5 units SPAN 215	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Effective Spring 2014)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Spanish Literature and Culture Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	3 units SPAN 225 or SPAN 226	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Effective Spring 2013)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Statistics Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	4 units STAT C1000 (formerly MATH 119)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 2 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units
U.S. Government and Politics + Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units POLS C1000 (formerly PS 102)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4 and US-2	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units
U.S. History + Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5 See Historical Chart	6 units HIST C1001 (formerly HIST 100) and HIST C1002 (formerly HIST 101)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B or 4 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B or 4 and US-1	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
World History Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units HIST 106	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B or 44 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B or 4	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 3 units
World History: Modern Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units HIST 107	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B or 44 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B or 4 (CSU: Effective Fall 2019)	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 3 units

Historical Advance Placement (AP) Exams

This chart provides a historical reference for Advance Placement (AP) Exams.

Advanced Placement v2

Exam Title and Passing Score	SWC Units; Course; GE Area	Transfer Semester Units and GE Area	Transfer Semester Units for Admission
Chemistry Passing Score: 3	5 units CHEM 200	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 6 units, Area 5A and 5C (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Chemistry Passing Score: 4 or 5	10 units CHEM 200 and CHEM 210	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 6 units, Area 5A and 5C (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Computer Science A Passing Score: 3	3 units N/A	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ♦ 2 quarter or 1.3 units (UC: Prior to Fall 2018)^ CSU: 3 units1
Computer Science A Passing Score: 4 or 5	3 units MATH 130	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: ♦ 2 quarter or 1.3 units (UC: Prior to Fall 2018)^ CSU: 3 units1
Computer Science Principles Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	6 units N/A	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A (CSU: Prior to Fall 2019)^	UC: N/A CSU: 6 units1
Environmental Science Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	4 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C or 5B and 5C (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 4 units2
French Language Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units FREN 201	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 6 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
French Language Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units FREN 201	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Effective Fall 2009 or prior to Fall 2011)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
French Literature Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units FREN 202	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
German Language Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 6 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
German Language Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Effective Fall 2009 or prior to Fall 2011)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Latin Literature Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 6 units
Latin: Vergil Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Fall 2012)^	UC: 4 quarter or 2.6 units CSU: 3 units
Music Theory Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	4 units MUS 101 and MUS 102	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3A (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Physics B Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 6 units, Area 5A and 5C (CSU: Prior to Fall 2009)^	UC: ▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units3
Physics B Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	3 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C CSUGE: 4 units, Area 5A and 5C (CSU: Effective Fall 2009 and prior to Fall 2015)^	UC: ▸ 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units3
Spanish Language Passing Score: 3	5 units SPAN 201	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 6 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Spring 2014)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Spanish Language Passing Score: 4	5 units SPAN 202	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 6 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Spring 2014)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Spanish Language Passing Score: 5	5 units SPAN 215	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 6 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Spring 2014)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Spanish Literature Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	5 units SPAN 225 or SPAN 226	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 6 units, Area 3B (CSU: Prior to Spring 2013)^	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Studio Arts Passing Score: 3 or 4 or 5	6 units ART 100 and ART 101	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A (CSU: Prior to Fall 2010)^	UC: N/A CSU: 3 units

N/A

Not Applicable

N/E

No Equivalency

 

Transfer Semester Units for Admission: These units count toward eligibility for admission.

^

Students seeking certification in General Education prior to transfer must have passed the test before this date.  Note "prior" and "effective" dates.  

►

English Language/Literature - UC - 5.3 semester units/8 quarter units maximum for both exams. 

Mathematics/Calculus AB & BC - UC - 5.3 semester units/8 quarter units  maximum for both exams.

Physics - UC - 5.3 semester units/8 quarter units maximum for all three exams. 

Studio Arts - UC - 5.3 semester units/8 quarter units maximum for all three exams. 

♦

Computer Science - UC - 4 quarter unit maximum for both tests. 

Physics – UC - 3 semester or 4 quarter unit maximum for are applied for Cal-GETC certification; students who complete these exams will be required to complete at least 4 semesters or 5 quarter units to satisfy the minimum required units for Cal-GETC, Area 5.

+

These exams only partially fulfill the CSU U.S. History, Constitution and American Ideals graduation requirements but can be used toward the American Institutions requirement.

US-1 = American History             

US-2 = The U.S. Constitution

¹

If a student passes more than one AP exam in Calculus or Computer Science, only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate.

²

Students who pass AP Environmental Science earn 4 units of credit.  Tests prior to Fall 2009 may apply to either 5A+BC or 5B+5C of GE.  Fall of 2009 or later, those credits may be only apply to 5A+5C.

³

If a student passes more than one AP exam in Physics, only 6 units of credit may be applied to the baccalaureate, and only 4 units of credit may be applied to a certification in CSUGE Area.

⁴

AP exams may be used in either area regardless of where the certifying community college’s discipline is located.  Example: U.S. History at a community college is approved for Area 3B. The U.S. History AP may be used in Areas 3B or Area 4.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Please consult with a counselor for questions and up to date information regarding exams.  Units vary depending on the university. 

Southwestern College, on recommendation of the faculty, may award up to six or more units of credit for each International Baccalaureate (IB) higher-level subject examination passed with a score of four or better. Although six (6) or more units may be awarded for a given IB test, only one course (3 semester units) may be used to complete a California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) requirement. To receive credit, students must request that their IB scores (transcripts) be sent to Southwestern College. Once the scores are on file with the College, the student must petition for the awarding of credit using the Credit for Prior Learning Petition available online. Credit will not be posted to the student’s permanent record.

Please be aware that each university sets its own criteria for the awarding of International Baccalaureate credit. For instance, the University of California (UC) system will only award credit for a score of five or higher on each higher-level exam.

Students with continuous enrollment and catalog rights using the CSUGE or IGETC can follow previous External Exam Charts.  See links below.  

• 2025-2026 External Exams: International Baccalaureate (IB)
• 2024-2025 External Exams: International Baccalaureate (IB)
• 2023-2024 External Exams: International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Historical International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams (see the bottom of this page)

International Baccalaureate (IB) v2

Exam Title and Passing Score	SWC Units; Course; GE Area	Transfer Semester Units and GE Area	Transfer Semester Units for Admission
Biology HL Passing Score: 4	4 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: N/A CSU: N/A
Biology HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	4 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 5B w/out lab CSUGE: 3 units, Area 5B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Chemistry HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	5 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 5A and 5C w/out lab CSUGE: 3 units, Area 5A	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Economics HL Passing Score: 4	3 units Area 4	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: N/A CSU: N/A
Economics HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	3 units Area 4	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Geography HL Passing Score: 4	6 units Area 4	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: N/A CSU: N/A
Geography HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 4	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
History (any region) HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3B or 4	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B or 42 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B or 4	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Language A: Literature (any language) HL Passing Score: 4	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: N/A CSU: 6 units
Language A: Literature (any language) HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Language A: Literature (any language, except English) HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Language A: Language and Literature (any language) HL Passing Score: 4	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: N/A CSU: 6 units
Language A: Language and Literature (any language) HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Language A: Language and Literature (any language, except English) HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Language B (any language) HL1 Passing Score: 4	5 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: N/A	UC: N/A CSU: 6 units
Language B (any language) HL1 Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	5 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, LOTE CSUGE: NA	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Mathematics HL: Analysis and Approaches Passing Score: 4	6 units MATH 244	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC: N/A CSU: 6 units
Mathematics HL: Analysis and Approaches Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	5 units MATH C2210 (formerly MATH 250)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 2 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Mathematics HL: Applications and Interpretation Passing Score: 4	4 units, MATH 120 or 6 units, MATH 244	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	Cal-GETC: N/A CSU: 6 units
Mathematics HL: Applications and Interpretation Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	4 units, MATH 120 or 6 units, MATH 244	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 2 (not all UCs) CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Physics HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	4 units Area 5	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 5A w/out lab CSUGE: 3 units, Area 5A	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Psychology HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	3 units Area 4	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 4 CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	Cal-GETC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 3 units
Theatre HL Passing Score: 4	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: N/A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3A	UC: N/A CSU: 6 units
Theatre HL Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3A CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3A	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units

Historical International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams

This chart provides a historical reference for International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams.

International Baccalaureate (IB) v2

Exam Title and Passing Score	SWC Units; Course; GE Area	Transfer Semester Units and GE Area	Transfer Semester Units for Admission
Language A1 (any language) HL 1 (Prior to Fall 2013) ^ Passing Score: 4	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: NA CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: NA CSU: 6 units
Language A1 (any language) HL 1 (Prior to Fall 2013)^ Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Language A1 (any language, except English) HL 1 (Prior to Fall 2013) ^ Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Language A1 (English) HL 1 (Prior to Fall 2013) ^ Passing Score: 4	6 units Areas 1A and 3	Cal-GETC: NA CSUGE: NA	UC: NA CSU: NA
Language A2 (any language) HL 1 (Prior to Fall 2013) ^ Passing Score: 4	NA NA	Cal-GETC: NA CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: NA CSU: 6 units
Language A2 (any language) HL 1 (Prior to Fall 2013) ^ Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	NA NA	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units
Language A2 (any language, except English) HL 1 (Prior to Fall 2013) ^ Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	NA NA	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 3B and LOTE CSUGE: NA	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: NA
Language A2 (Spanish) HL1 (Prior to Fall 2013) ^ Passing Score: 4 or 5 or 6 or 7	6 units Area 3	Cal-GETC: NA CSUGE: NA	UC: NA CSU: NA
Mathematics HL (Prior to Fall 2022)^ Passing Score: 4	4 units MATH 120	Cal-GETC: NA CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	UC: NA CSU: 6 units
Mathematics HL (Prior to Fall 2022)^ Passing Score: 5 or 6 or 7	5 units MATH C2210 (formerly MATH 250)	Cal-GETC: 3 units, Area 2 CSUGE: 3 units Area 2	UC: 8 quarter or 5.3 units CSU: 6 units

N/A

Not Applicable

HL

Higher Level

^

Students seeking certification in GE prior to transfer must have passed the test before this date. Note "prior" and "effective" dates.

¹

The IB curriculum offers language at various levels for native and non -native speakers. Language B course are offered at the intermediate level for non-natives. IB Language A1 and A2 are advanced courses in literature for native and non-native speakers, respectively.

²

IB exam may be used in either area regardless of where the certifying community college’s discipline is located.  Example: History at a community college is approved for Area 3B. The History IB may be used in Areas 3B or Area 4.

Note:

• Credit may not be awarded for exams which duplicate credit for the same content earned through other means.
• IB tests may be requested from your high school.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Please consult with a counselor for questions and up to date information regarding exams.  Units vary depending on the university. 

College credit may be granted for the General and Subject examinations offered through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) by the College Examination Board when satisfactory scores have been earned. Southwestern College will grant credit to students who have attained a score at or above the 50th percentile level on each of the General Examinations and Subject Examinations. A maximum of six (6) semester units of credits will be granted or three (3) units of credit granted for each Subject Examination passed. No credit will be granted for scores below the 50th percentile and no credit will be allowed in subject areas wherein previous college credit has been earned. Credit will not be posted to the student’s permanent record.

CLEP credit does not apply to Cal-GETC.

Students with continuous enrollment and catalog rights using the CSUGE or IGETC can follow previous External Exam Charts.  See links below.  

• 2025-2026 External Exams:  College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• 2024-2025 External Exams: College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• 2023-2024 External Exams: College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Historical CLEP Exams (see the bottom of this page)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) v2

Exam Title and Passing Score	SWC Units and GE Area	Transfer Semester Units and GE Area	Transfer Semester Units for Admission
American Government Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	CSU: 3 units
American Literature Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area3B	CSU: 3 units
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	CSU: 3 units
Biology Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 5	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 5B	CSU: 3 units
Calculus Passing Score: 50 See Historical Chart	5 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2 (Effective 2009)^	CSU: 3 units
Chemistry Passing Score: 50 See Historical Chart	3 units, Area 5	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 5A (Effective 2009)^	CSU: 3 units
College Algebra Passing Score: 50	5 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	CSU: 3 units
College Algebra – Trigonometry Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	CSU: 3 units
College Mathematics Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: N/A
College Composition Passing Score: 50	N/A	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: N/A
College Composition - Modular Passing Score: 50	N/A	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: N/A
English Composition (no essay) Passing Score: 50	N/A	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: N/A
English Composition (with essay) Passing Score: 50	N/A	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: N/A
Financial Accounting Passing Score: 50	4 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 3 units
French Level I1 Passing Score: 50	6 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 6 units
French Level II1 Passing Score: 59 See Historical Chart	9 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (Effective Fall 2015)	CSU: 9 units
Freshman College Composition Passing Score: 50	3 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: N/A
German Level I1 Passing Score: 50	6 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 6 units
German Level II1 Passing Score: 60	9 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (Effective Fall 2015)	CSU: 9 units
History, United States I Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4 and US-1	CSU: 3 units
History, United States II Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4 and US-1	CSU: 3 units
Human Growth and Development Passing Score: 50	3 units, Lifelong Learning & Wellness Graduation Requirement	CSU GE: 3 units, N/A	CSU: 3 units
Humanities Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	CSU: 3 units
Information Systems and Computer Applications Passing Score: 50	3 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 3 units
Introduction to Educational Psychology Passing Score: 50	3 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 3 units
Introductory Business Law Passing Score: 50	3 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 3 units
Introductory Psychology Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	CSU: 3 units
Introductory Sociology Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	CSU: 3 units
Natural Sciences Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 5	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 5A or 5B	CSU: 3 units
Pre-Calculus Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2	CSU: 3 units
Principles of Accounting Passing Score: 50	4 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 3 units
Principles of Macroeconomics Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	CSU: 3 units
Principles of Management Passing Score: 50	3 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 3 units
Principles of Marketing Passing Score: 50	3 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 3 units
Principles of Microeconomics Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	CSU: 3 units
Social Science and History Passing Score: 50	3 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: N/A
Spanish Level I1 Passing Score: 50	6 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 6 units
Spanish Level II1 Passing Score: 63	9 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (Effective Fall 2015)	CSU: 9 units
Spanish with Writing I1 Passing Score: 50	6 units, Elective	CSUGE: N/A	CSU: 6 units
Spanish with Writing II1 Passing Score: 63	9 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B	CSU: 9 units
Western Civilization I Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 3 or 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B or 4	CSU: 3 units
Western Civilization II Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 4	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 4	CSU: 3 units

Historical CLEP Exams

This chart provides a historical reference for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exam. 

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) v2

Exam Title and Passing Score	SWC Units and GE Area	Transfer Semester Units and GE Area	Transfer Semester Units for Admission
Calculus Passing Score: 51	5 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency	CSUGE: N/A (Prior to Fall 2009)^	CSU: 3 units
Chemistry Passing Score: 48	3 units, Area 5	CSUGE: N/A (Prior to Fall 2009)^	CSU: 3 units
English Literature Passing Score: 50	5 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (Prior to Fall 2011) ^	CSU: 3 units
French Level II Passing Score: 59	12 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (Prior to Fall 2015)^	CSU: 12 units 2
German Level II Passing Score: 60	12 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (Prior to Fall 2015)^	CSU: 12 units 2
Spanish Level II Passing Score: 63	12 units, Area 3	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 3B (Prior to Fall 2015)^	CSU: 12 units 2
Trigonometry Passing Score: 50	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency	CSUGE: 3 units, Area 2 (Prior to Fall 2006)^	CSU: 3 units

N/A

Not Applicable

H/L

Higher Level

 

Transfer Semester Units for Admission:  These units count toward eligibility for admission. 

^

Students seeking certification in CSUGE prior to transfer must have passed the test before this date.

¹

If a student passes more than one CLEP test in the same language other than English (e.g., two exams in French), then only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate. For each test in a language other than English, a passing score of 50 is considered "Level I" and earns six units of baccalaureate credit; the higher score listed for each test is considered "Level II" and earns additional units of credit and placement in Area 3B of CSUGE, as noted.

²

French Level II, German Level II, or Spanish Level II prior to Fall 2015 earn 12 units toward CSU admission.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)

Please consult with a counselor for questions and up to date information regarding exams.  Units vary depending on the university. 

A student may also be awarded credit for Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) tests. All credit awarded from DANTES will be applied towards Southwestern College general elective credit or a general education course or area. Credit will not be posted to the student’s permanent record.

DANTES credit does not apply to CSUGE or Cal-GETC.

Historical DANTES Exams (see the bottom of this page)

To request an official CLEP/DANTES transcript, go to www.collegeboard.org.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) v2

Exam Title	Passing Score	SWC Units and GE Area
A History of the Vietnam War	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
An Introduction to the Modern Middle East	50 or higher	3 units, Area 4
Art of the Western World	50 or higher	3 units, Area 3
Astronomy	50 or higher	3 units, Area 5
Business Mathematics (on or after 9/1/2009) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Elective
Criminal Justice (on or after 1/1/2008) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Elective
Environment and Humanity: The Race to Save the Planet	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Ethics in America (on or after 1/1/2008) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Elective
Foundations of Education	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Fundamentals of College Algebra (on or after 1/1/2008) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency
Fundamentals of Counseling	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
General Anthropology	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Here's to Your Health	50 or higher	3 units, Health Education
Human Resource Management	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Human/Cultural Geography	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Introduction to Business (on or after 9/1/2009) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Area 4
Introduction to Computing (on or after 1/1/2008) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Elective
Introduction to Law Enforcement	50 or higher	3 units, Area 4
Introduction to World Religions (on or after 1/1/2008) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Area 3
Lifespan Developmental Psychology	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Organizational Behavior	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Personal Finance (on or after 1/1/2008) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Elective
Principles of Geology	50 or higher	3 units, Area 5
Principles of Physical Science I	50 or higher	3 units, Area 5
Principles of Statistics (on or after 1/1/2008) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency
Principles of Public Speaking	50 or higher	3 units, Area 1B
Principles of Supervision (on or after 9/1/2009) See Historical Chart	400 or higher	3 units, Elective
Technical Writing	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Western Europe Since 1945	50 or higher	3 units, Area 3

Historical DANTES Exams 

This chart provides a historical reference for Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) Exams.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) v2

Exam Title	Passing Score	SWC Units and GE Area
Business Mathematics (prior to 9/1/2009	50 or higher	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency
Criminal Justice (prior to 1/1/2008)	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Ethics in America (prior to 1/1/2008)	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Fundamental College Algebra (prior to 1/1/2008)	50 or higher	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency
Introduction to Business (prior to 9/1/2009)	50 or higher	3 units, Area 4
Introduction to Computing (prior to 1/1/2008)	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Introduction to World Religions (prior to 1/1/2008)	50 or higher	3 units, Area 3
Personal Finance (prior to 1/1/2008)	50 or higher	3 units, Elective
Principles of Finance (prior to 9/1/2009)	400 or higher	4 units, Elective
Principles of Statistics (prior to 1/1/2008)	50 or higher	3 units, Area 2 and Mathematics Competency
Principles of Supervision (prior to 9/1/2009)	50 or higher	3 units, Elective

•

Credit may not be awarded for exams which duplicate credit for the same content earned through other means.

•

To request an official DANTES transcript, go to: https://getcollegecredit.com/