creditbyexamination

Credit by examination is a method by which students earn college or university credit by demonstrating their knowledge through standardized tests or other formal assessments rather than enrolling in a course. It is a form of prior learning assessment used by many higher education institutions to recognize learning that occurred outside the traditional classroom.

Common mechanisms include standardized exams such as CLEP (College Level Examination Program), DSST/DANTES, and Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Some institutions also award credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) programs or other state or institutional assessments. The specific exams accepted and the credit granted vary by institution and by subject area.

Process and outcomes: Students typically prepare independently, register for the exam, and, after achieving a qualifying score, request that official results be sent to the college registrar. The registrar or transfer credit office reviews the scores and posts credit toward degree requirements. Credits may count as general education, elective, or prerequisite credit, depending on the institution’s policies and the course equivalencies established.

Policy considerations: Not all programs accept credit by examination, and there may be limits on the number of credits earned this way, restrictions on which subjects are eligible, or conditions on transfer between institutions. Some programs or graduate schools may treat such credits differently. Credits earned by examination may appear as specific course equivalents or as elective credits on the transcript.

Context: Credit by examination is part of broader prior learning assessment efforts aimed at recognizing knowledge gained outside traditional coursework, offering potential cost and time savings for degree completion.