Students may demonstrate evidence of college-level achievement through the use of nationally standardized tests. Competency to write these examinations may have been gained through intensive preparation in high school, extensive reading in a particular field, or other types of formal or informal preparation. A student may not repeat by proficiency testing a course that has been previously taken or failed at NDSU or another accredited institution. Score reports must be sent directly to NDSU from the awarding agency/board. School reports and student-issued grade reports are not considered official for purposes of awarding credit by examination.

---

International Baccalaureate (IB)

NDSU recognizes the International Baccalaureate program, offered at many high schools in the United States and abroad, which allows students to take examinations for credit. The examinations are offered at the standard (SL) and higher (HL) levels. In accordance with North Dakota University System policy, students must receive a predetermined minimum score on higher-level (HL) examinations to qualify for possible awarding of credit and advanced placement, which is determined by the appropriate academic department on campus. Credit earned through IB may not be used to satisfy residence-credit requirements for graduation. A current listing of IB examinations that have been evaluated for credit and their NDSU equivalent courses is available at www.ndsu.edu/prospective_students/about/credit_by_exam.shtm.

---

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP is a national testing program sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). NDSU accepts official score reports for the Subject Examinations only. According to North Dakota University System policy, a minimum score of 50 is required to receive credit for CLEP subject examinations. If NDSU does not have an equivalent course, free elective credit may be awarded. A complete and current listing of CLEP subject examinations and their NDSU equivalent courses is available at www.ndsu.edu/prospective_students/about/credit_by_exam.shtm.

The following CLEP policies apply at NDSU:

1. The Subject Examination should be taken prior to enrollment in the equivalent or more advanced college-level course.
2. Scores from a Subject Examination may not be used to establish credit for a course previously taken and failed or for a course in which the student is currently enrolled.
3. Six months must elapse before a Subject Examination may be repeated.
4. Credit earned through CLEP is not residence credit and may not be used to satisfy residence-credit requirements for graduation.

CLEP Registration and Fees:

NDSU is a national testing center for students wishing to take CLEP examinations. CLEP Examinations are computerized and administered as needed. To register for a CLEP Examination, contact the NDSU Counseling Center, 212 Ceres, 231-7671. The current fee for each of the Subject Examinations is $90.

---

Advanced Placement Examination

Students from high schools that participate in the Advanced Placement Program may earn credit through examinations provided by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). The examinations are administered at the conclusion of a college-level course taught in participating high schools. The scores are forwarded, upon student request, to the college of choice.

In accordance with North Dakota University System policy, a minimum score of three is required to receive credit for the following Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. If NDSU does not have an equivalent course, free elective credit may be awarded. Credit earned through AP is not residence credit and may not be used to satisfy residence-credit requirements for graduation. A complete and current listing of AP examinations and their NDSU equivalent courses is available at www.ndsu.edu/prospective_students/about/credit_by_exam.shtm.

---

DSST Examinations

NDSU recognizes the DSST (Dantes) examination, which was originally designed for the military as a way to provide individuals an opportunity to obtain college level credit for what they have learned in nontraditional ways. Now available for civilian use, the DSST Test Control Officer (TCO) administers the exams on more than 560 military installations and official DSST test centers. The main users of the exams include adult education programs, U.S. Department of Defense, and two- and four-year colleges and universities. In accordance with North Dakota University System policy, students must receive a minimum score on the examinations to qualify for possible awarding of credit and advanced placement, which is determined by the appropriate academic department on campus. If NDSU does not have an equivalent course, free elective credit may be awarded. Credit earned through DSST may not be used to satisfy residence-credit requirements for graduation. A current listing of DSST examinations that have been evaluated for credit and their NDSU equivalent courses is available at www.ndsu.edu/prospective_students/about/credit_by_exam.shtm.

---

Course Challenge

A student who is currently registered may seek credit by challenging a course. A course challenge usually consists of a special comprehensive examination; however, additional types of performance may be required for some courses. A course challenge is only permitted for courses in which the student has no previous record (prior registrations allowable if course was dropped prior to the No Record Drop deadline in a given term). Further, credits earned by course challenge will not satisfy requirements toward a graduate degree.

Procedures for pursuing a course challenge include the following:

1. Obtain a Petition for Course Challenge form, available online.
2. Obtain approval from the academic advisor, the instructor of the course, AND the chair of the department offering the course. Clarify expectations of the challenge, e.g., examination only or examination plus other performance. Based on the nature of the course and content area, some courses may not be approved for challenge by the department.
3. Pay the course challenge fee at the Bison Connection after receiving approval for the challenge (50% of the regular credit tuition charge; not subject to tuition cap).
4. Arrange a mutually convenient date and time for the challenge with the instructor or department.
5. Upon receipt of the signed Petition for Course Challenge form from the department, courses and credits successfully challenged are listed on the student's academic transcript, but are not graded. Unsuccessful challenges are not recorded.

---

< Back to Academic Information & Policies

The information provided on this page originated from the NDSU course catalog bulletin and is subject to Reservation of Rights and Disclaimer statements.