Credit by Examination and Course Placement

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Policies and Responsibilities

This information has been prepared in an attempt to answer questions concerning Credit by Exam. If you have any questions or concerns not addressed please contact Office of the Registrar located in St. Hall room 105.

Undergraduate students may earn course credit by demonstrating superior achievement on tests offered through several examination programs. Original copies of scores are required for acceptance and recording credit.

Policies concerning credit by examination- The examinations available for placement with credit are:

1. Advanced Placement (AP)
2. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
3. Thomson Prometric dsst (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)
4. Departmental Examinations for Enrolled Students

• Credit earned by examination does not apply towards meeting St. Mary's University residence requirements.
• Credit earned by examination is recorded with the symbol CR (Credit only), without a grade, and is not included in the calculation of cumulative grade-point- average.
• Credit by examination will not subtract from the number of courses for which students may register on Pass / No Pass basis.
• Students may not receive credit by examination for courses for which they already have credit.
• Coursework always takes precedence over credit by examination. If a student receives credit by examination and then takes the corresponding course (or an equivalent one) in the classroom, the grade from the class replaces credit by examination.
• Credit is posted to a student's official record only after the student has enrolled and successfully completed one semester at St. Mary's University.
• Credit by examination posted on a transcript from another accredited institution will transfer to St. Mary's University as corresponding resident course credit from that institution.
• Credit by examination can be used to meet prerequisites for advanced level courses.
• Original copies of scores are required for acceptance and recording credit.

1. Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations

   AP Examinations are administered by the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB). These examinations are administered each May at high schools that offer Advanced Placement courses. Concerned students should consult a high school counselor for information on these centers and test registration procedure. Scores are reported to the student, their high schools, and to colleges or universities the student requests. Scores range from a low of 1 to a high of 5.

2. College Level Examinations Program (CLEP) - Computer-Based

   The CLEP is designed to evaluate non-traditional college-level education such as independent study or other experiences outside traditional classrooms. Credit is awarded for these Examinations. Original copy of scores is required for acceptance and recording credit. These examinations are administered at St. Mary's University Testing Center. Please address inquiries to Jim Willis, Coordinator of Testing Services, St. Mary's University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, Texas 78228, telephone (210) 436-3135. A fee is charged for the administration of these examinations.

   Effective July 2001, CLEP Program implemented computer-based testing for all of their examinations. Paper and pencil CLEP tests have been phased out as of September 2001. Please note that each school establishes its own requirements for minimum scores and credit awarded. St. Mary's University policy may not be consistent with those of other schools.

3. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional; Education Support (DANTES) Program

   The DANTES Program, designed and administered originally only for military personnel, is now available to all interested persons. St. Mary's University grants credit for college level courses. Courses for which credit is awarded must be relevant to the student's educational program. Original copy of scores must be submitted for acceptance and recording credit. Credit is based on the scores recommended by the American Council on Education. These tests are administered at St. Mary's University Testing Center. Please address your inquiries to: Jim Willis, Coordinator of Testing Services, St. Mary's University, One Camino Santa Maria, San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 436-3135.

4. Departmental Examinations for St. Mary's University Enrolled Students

   Enrolled St. Mary's University undergraduate students who believe they are proficient in the content of an undergraduate course for which no examination is regularly offered may be authorized to take a departmental examination.

   Credit for departmental examinations may not be earned for a course in which the student is currently enrolled to receive a passing, failing, withdrawal, WX, TF, or P/N grade.

   Authorization consists of approval by the Dean of the School for the course for which credit is requested, and approval by the Department Chairperson that teaches the course. The student and a faculty member that teachers the course schedule the testing arrangements. Test requirements and procedures vary with each department.

   The student obtains a Credit by Exam form from the Registrar's Office, St. Louis Hall, Room 105. The student takes the exam, obtains required signatures as indicated on the form, and pays the required fee to the Business Office, St. Louis Hall, Room 24. The 2008-2009 fee is $20.00 per semester hour. This fee is subject to change at any time. The student returns the completed form to the Registrar's Office and credit is posted to the transcript.

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