Credit for Nationally Recognized Exams: Undergraduate Students
Effective: November 22, 2011
Version History: This policy was previously included in the former Exams for Credit or Proficiency policy originally approved by EPC October 12, 2011 and approved by Campus Assembly November 22, 2011; the policy was revised by EPC 10-31-12 and approved by Campus Assembly May 14, 2013. The current policy’s review was confirmed by UCC April 23, 2024, approved by EVCAA June 26, 2024
Policy Owner: Academic Affairs
Policy Contacts: Jennifer Mencl, Undergraduate Education; Tracey Bolen, Registrar
The University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) awards credits for nationally recognized exams, including the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Dantes Subject Standardized Test (DSST) Credit-by-Exam program [formerly known as Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)], the Advanced Placement (AP) program, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Any credits awarded for these exams are applicable to a UMD degree program or credit-bearing certificate program only after the student has been admitted and enrolled as a degree-seeking student, or admitted to and enrolled in a certificate program. These exams cannot be used to repeat classes previously graded.
UMD academic departments have discretion to establish the minimum standards for awarding credits for nationally recognized exams. In determining those standards, the academic departments evaluate the material in the nationally recognized exam. If the material is judged to be substantially similar to that of an existing course, credit(s) will be awarded for the specific course. If the material is judged to be of college level but not substantially similar to an existing course, the academic unit may assign general departmental credits (also known as elective credits), or Academic Affairs may assign undesignated non-equivalent elective course credits (TRAN). For any elective course credits, Academic Affairs may assign Liberal Education categories. (Reference: Transfer of Undergraduate Credit Policy)
The process for the review of nationally recognized exams is managed by the Office of the Registrar (OTR).
Students are responsible for having their official exam scores sent to UMD Admissions Processing ([email protected]).
1. Any Students: College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Dantes Subject Standardized Test (DSST) Exams
Students of any age may take exams on a variety of college-level topics through the College Board’s CLEP and through Prometric’s DSST.
A. Students who score 50 or higher on CLEP exams may be awarded credits at UMD depending upon the academic exam transfer evaluation. UMD’s list of approved CLEP exams with related academic credits is maintained by OTR.
B. Students who score 400 or higher on DSST exams may be awarded credits at UMD based upon the academic exam transfer evaluation. OTR maintains UMD’s list of approved DSST exams with related academic credits.
2. High School Students: Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams
High school students may earn college credits by receiving satisfactory exam scores on College Board AP exams and on IB exams.
A. AP: Many domestic and international high schools offer college-level classes through the AP program, and students can prepare for AP exams through individual study. AP exams are graded on a 5-point scale. Students who score a 3, 4, or 5 may be awarded credits at UMD depending upon the academic exam transfer evaluation. OTR maintains the list of approved AP exams with related academic credits.
B. IB: Some domestic and international high schools offer courses through the IB program. IB exams are graded on a 7-point scale. Students who score a 4, 5, 6, or 7 on Higher Level (HL) may be awarded credits at UMD depending upon the academic exam transfer evaluation. No credit is given for Standard Level (SL) exams. OTR maintains the list of approved IB exams with related academic credits.