Getting a degree is a significant time commitment and financial investment. Whether you’re changing careers, returning to school, or just looking to save time and money, earning college credit with credit by exam can help you “test out” of courses by using the knowledge and skills you already have.
Learn more about credit by exam for college credits, how it works, and what alternatives you have to accelerate your degree.
What Is Credit by Exam?
Credit by examination (CBE), also known as credit by exam, allows you to receive college credit for prior learning by demonstrating mastery of course outcomes with a course exam. Some exams are written tests, while others are tasks to display skill sets.
Basically, credit by exam lets you earn credit for what you already know and can prove through a test. You have the choice of college-level subject exams from several different providers, as long as the school accepts credit by exam for credit.
Each provider has their own testing schedule and testing centers, and schools have their own policies regarding CBE credits. Some tests are available online, but it depends on the subject and provider. If you don’t pass the exam on the first try, you may be able to retake it after a set waiting period.
Who Does CBE Benefit?
CBE can benefit any student who wants to save time and money by demonstrating the knowledge and skills they’ve gained outside of a traditional classroom environment. These students may include:
- High school students: High school students who want to get a head start on their college education can take exams for college credits to potentially save time and money on their undergraduate degree.
- Non-traditional learners: Adult learners who have been out of school for a while and have gained relevant experience in a field may choose credit by examination to demonstrate their proficiency and earn credit without taking a full course.
- Transfer students: Transfer students may use credit by examination to ensure that their previous courses are recognized and applied toward their new degree program if they don’t otherwise transfer.
- International students: International students who have completed their education in a different educational system may use credit by examination to demonstrate their proficiency in certain subjects and receive credit at their new institution.
- Military and veterans: Military service members and veterans with relevant military training and experience may receive college credit through credit by examination programs to transition into civilian life.
There are many advantages to CBE, including:
- Accelerated graduation: Students who have mastered certain subjects through work experience, self-study, or other non-traditional learning may use credit by examination to “test out” of courses and accelerate their degree program.
- Tailored learning paths: Credit by examination allows students to tailor their educational experience based on their interests and strengths.
- Career advancement: Professionals looking to change careers or advance in their careers may use credit by examination to demonstrate mastery of certain subjects without completing an entire degree program.
CBE Providers
The most common CBE providers include:
College-Level Examination Program
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is provided by the College Board. This provider offers 34 tests across five subject areas for around $90 per exam. The exams are conducted in CLEP testing centers across the country or online with remote proctoring, but it varies by subject. If you fail a CLEP exam, you have to wait three months before you can retest.
CLEP is generally eligible for credit at many colleges and universities, but each institution may have its own policies for CLEP exam scores and transfer credits. Be sure to check with your advisor before testing.
Defense Subject Standardized Test
The Defense Subject Standardized Test (DSST) is offered by Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Despite its military connection, DSST is available to all students. This program offers in-person tests at designated testing centers and credit by exam online testing with remote proctoring. DSST covers 37 exams in six subjects at $100 per exam. If you fail a DSST exam, you have to wait 30 days to retest.
College credit through DSST is made through the American Council on Education (ACE), but individual colleges and universities have their own policies for exam scores and transfer credits. Check with your advisor for information about transfer credits for DSST.
Advanced Placement
Advanced Placement® (AP) classes are offered in high school for students excelling in a subject area. These college-level courses are an alternative to traditional high school classes in specific subjects. Students can take the class to prepare for the AP exam, which is $97 per course, to get college credit. If you fail the AP test, you can retest after a year.
AP classes are accepted by most colleges and universities with a score above 3 – which is the equivalent to a C letter grade – to transfer, but individual schools may have their own policies for AP credits. Check with your advisor about the school’s AP exam policies.
Alternatives to Credit by Exam
Credit by exam is just one way for prospective students to earn academic credit for knowledge and skills they already have, but there are several alternatives:
- Prior learning assessment (PLA): PLA offers methods like standardized exams, portfolio assessment, or evaluations of workplace or military training to assess and award credit for prior learning experience.
- Dual enrollment programs: Dual enrollment allows high school students to enroll in college courses while still in high school to earn credits simultaneously and get a jump start on their future degree.
- Work-based learning programs: Internships, apprenticeships, and co-op programs offer hands-on learning in professional settings in exchange for academic credit through evaluations.
- Credit for military training: Like CBE, credit for military training offers academic credit for training and experience gained in service using evaluation programs.
- Credit for licenses and certifications: Some institutions may award academic credit for professional certifications or licenses obtained outside of traditional academic settings.
- Online learning platforms: Online learning platforms like Sophia offer courses in a wide range of gen ed subjects for college-level credit. Students can take equivalent self-paced courses – often at a lower cost – to accelerate their degree program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Credit by Exam
How Do I Know What CBE Exam to Take?
CBE providers offer detailed descriptions of their available exams. Consult with your academic advisor to determine which exams are appropriate for you and may offer transfer credit.
I Failed My Exam. Can I Retake It?
Many CBE providers allow you to retake your exam if you fail, but they all have different waiting periods between tests.
Does Credit by Exam Transfer?
Colleges and universities have their own policies for which exams are accepted and how many credits will be awarded. Contact your advisor to learn more about your school’s CBE policy.
What Score Do I Need on Exams for Credit?
CBE providers have different scoring methods and minimum scores for a passing grade. In addition, your school may have its own policies for minimum accepted scores for credit.
Accelerate Your Degree with College-level Transfer Credit
CBE is a viable option for students who are looking to save time and money on their degree, but it’s not the only option. Sophia offers convenient online courses in a variety of gen ed subjects that you can complete at your own pace, as well as 60+ partner schools that have agreed to accept Sophia courses for transfer. Start your free trial today!
