Departmental Exams for Proficiency or Credit: Undergraduate Students

Departmental Exams for Proficiency or Credit: Undergraduate Students

Effective: November 22, 2011

Version History: Original policy - Exams for Credit or Proficiency approved by EPC October 12, 2011, and approved by Campus Assembly November 22, 2011; revised by EPC 10-31-12, and approved by Campus Assembly May 14, 2013. Policy revised to include only department exam language from the 2013 policy and renamed Departmental Exams for Proficiency or Credit confirmed by UCC April 23, 2024, approved by EVCAA June 26, 2024. Policy review confirmed by UCC April 16, 2025; approved by EVCP June 20, 2025.

Policy Owner: Academic Affairs

Policy Contact: Jennifer Mencl, Undergraduate Education; Tracey Bolen, Registrar

 

Academic departments have the discretion to offer exams to either demonstrate proficiency or earn course credit. The format of these exams is at the department's discretion (e.g., final examination, oral tests, written papers or projects). Departments are not required to offer exams for proficiency or credit.

Eligibility for such exams is limited to currently enrolled, undergraduate, degree-seeking students. Departments may establish further eligibility criteria for an exam for proficiency or credit. A student may not take an exam for credit for a course that the student has already completed or in which the student is currently enrolled for any grade basis (i.e., A-F, S-N, or audit) at any of the University of Minnesota campuses. 

Exam to demonstrate proficiency

  1. A departmental exam for proficiency may be used to fulfill prerequisites for advanced courses or to satisfy other academic program or course requirements. An exam for proficiency does not yield any course credit or grade.

  2. The academic department giving the exam determines the minimum standards for successful completion of an exam for proficiency. 

  3. If proficiency is demonstrated, a notation is made on the student’s transcript that reads “Course X satisfied by proficiency exam.”

Exam to earn course credit

  1. A departmental exam for credit may be used to earn credit for a course. Credit(s) earned by departmental exam do not earn a grade and, consequently, do not affect the overall grade point average. Credits earned are reflected on the transcript only within the student’s cumulative credit totals, and are not included in the semester credits). Credit(s) earned through exams are not considered residence or transfer credits.

  2. The academic department giving the exam determines the minimum standards for successful completion of an exam for credit. 

  3. Students are required to complete the Credit by Examination Request form and pay the University’s Credit-by-Examination (per credit) fee for exams to earn course credit. 

  4. If the exam for credit is successfully completed, ‘T’ is posted on the transcript to indicate credit by exam.