Credit By Exam

Credit By Examination

The University of Delaware provides to all currently matriculated students or registered Continuing Education non-degree students opportunities to obtain college credit by examination. The intent of the University's credit by examination policy is to provide students who have acquired competence through special learning situations, such as professional experience or independent study, with the opportunity to demonstrate their competence. Credit by examination cannot be used when a student has previously enrolled in the University of Delaware course. It is not intended to allow students to take an examination on the chance that they might pass it and thus earn credits toward graduation. A student may register only once for a particular examination under this program. Questions regarding specific courses that allow credit by examination should be directed to the appropriate department chairperson, dean, or director.

Procedure

The procedure for credit by examination is as follows:

1. The student completes the Student Section of the Credit by Examination form and takes it to the academic department where the credit is to be earned. At this time, the appropriate course title, alpha code and number, and the amount of credit hours should be completed on the form, along with the chairperson's signature indicating authorization to take the examination in question.
2. The student then takes the form to the Student Services Building and pays a fee per credit hour. Payment, which is not refundable, must be made in the semester in which the examination is authorized. No student is allowed to sit for an examination without submitting to the department the form indicating (through the Cashier's stamp) that the fee has been paid.
3. After the examination is taken, the Faculty Examiner enters the grade and the source of the evaluation on the form, which is then sent to the Registrar's Office for the appropriate course number, credit hours, and grade to be posted for the student.
4. The Registrar's Office enters credit by examination data in the student's record within 5-7 business days after receiving the grade.

Availability

Not all courses are eligible for credit by examination. Credit by examination for undergraduate or graduate courses can vary by academic department. Unless listed otherwise, credit by examination is not available for any seminar, experimental or independent study courses. A student interested in earning credit by examination for a specific course should contact the appropriate academic department.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The University awards credit for selected CLEP Examinations. Please visit the Test Credit page for specific course equivalencies, credits awarded, minimum scores needed, and official documentation required.

Credit By Examination Form

Credit by Examination form 

Please direct general questions to the Registrar's Office at registrar@udel.edu or call (302) 831-2131, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.