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Credit by Examination Information

The University of the Incarnate Word awards credit based upon the concept that learning may be acquired from different sources of knowledge. For this reason, we recognize various examinations through which students may demonstrate their proficiency with the content tested.

The following regulations/policies apply toward the awarding of credits based upon examination:

Credit by Examination Policy

  • A maximum of 30 semester credit hours may be earned through examination, professional certification, prior learning experience, or in combination with correspondence work (which is limited to 12 semester hours).
  • Credit granted through examinations may not be used to fulfill residency requirements for associate or baccalaureate degrees.
  • Credit may not be granted when the examination duplicates University credits previously earned or when the student has credit for courses at a more advanced level than that of the examination.
  • Students may not attempt the examination if the student has a recorded grade (to include a W) for a course equivalent to the test
  • Students may not attempt the examination if the student has a failing grade, a grade of D, or a withdrawal in a prerequisite to the course equivalent to the test.
  • Credit earned by examination will be posted to the student's academic record after the student enrolls for credit at the University of the Incarnate Word. If an unsatisfactory score is achieved, the examination is not reflected on the student's academic record.
  • An examination may be attempted no more than twice. No test may be repeated until a minimum of three months has elapsed between each attempt.
  • The type of examination, course title, and credit hours awarded and a grade of S will be recorded. No other grades will be recorded.
  • Credits earned through examination are counted as “transfer” work and do not satisfy residency requirements, either for the major or institutional.
  • Credit by examination may not be earned during the semester in which the student intends to graduate.

Credit by Exam Request Form (pdf)

Required Scores and Equivalent Courses for Specific Examinations

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is sponsored by the College Board and offers secondary school students the opportunity to participate in challenging university-level course work with the potential of receiving university credit. UIW requires a minimum score of "3" for credit. Official score reports should be sent to the Registrar, who will evaluate the report and determine the amount of credit to be awarded. In most cases, the ACE recommendation will be used. However, AP tests are under constant evaluation and scores are subject to change according to the evaluation period.

Visit the undergraduate catalog for the list of accepted Advanced Placement (AP) Exams and scores.

Challenge Examinations

Only students enrolled in a degree program at the University are eligible to apply for challenge examinations. These examinations may be taken only if approved by the faculty member who will administer the test and the Dean with oversight of the discipline involved. The examination may be taken only once and must be complete with a minimum grade of C (a grade of P will be recorded if the minimum is achieved). Challenge Examination application forms are available at this link and in the Registrar's Office. The fee, 40% of the tuition for the course being challenged, is payable in advance.

Challenge Examinations (UIW Administration) (pdf)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides two types of examinations--General Examinations and Subject Examinations that are available in a variety of disciplines. Students interested in taking these examinations should contact personnel in the Testing Center for information regarding costs, testing dates, and procedures for having test scores submitted for consideration for credit. Standards for satisfactory credit are set by the University faculty in each discipline area and may be higher that the ACE recommendations. CLEP tests are under constant evaluation and scores are subject to change according to the evaluation period.

Visit the undergraduate catalog for the list of accepted College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams and scores.

Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)

The Subject Standardized Tests are provided by DANTES. These are an extensive series of examinations in university subjects that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examination in particular undergraduate courses. Students should contact personnel in the Testing Center for more information regarding these examinations and the test dates. Credits are not awarded for all test subjects. DANTES tests are under constant evaluation and scores are subject to change according to the evaluation period.

Visit the undergraduate catalog for the list of accepted Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) exams and scores.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The University of the Incarnate Word will grant up to 24 semester hours of credit to students who successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program and receive a score of 4 or higher. Non-IB diploma holders may receive credit based upon receiving a score of 4 or higher on the higher-level exams.

Visit the undergraduate catalog for the list of accepted International Baccalaureate (IB) exams and scores.