NSU awards credit for qualifying scores on Advanced Placement (AP) and CLEP exams. Once a student has earned twelve credits at Northeastern, the AP and CLEP credits will be placed on the students' transcript in the form of "auxiliary credits."

Departmental Proficiency Examinations are offered for a number of courses normally taken during the first two years of study. Examinations in English, communications, computer science, foreign language, health and music are available from the appropriate department. A satisfactory score on an examination results in students receiving credit for the course.

Students may also earn credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). CLEP scores must be sent directly from the College Board for credit to be awarded. To receive credit through CLEP or through departmental exams, one must be a student at Northeastern State University. No credit will be awarded to guest students or Extended Studies students.