Credit by Examination, Certification, or Correspondence Policies

University of the Incarnate Word recognizes credits earned by examination, certification, or correspondence based on the concept that learning may be acquired from different sources of knowledge. Students must complete the "Request for Credit by Examination" form before they attempt the test. The policies follow:

• A maximum of 30 semester credit hours may be earned through examination, professional certification, or in combination with correspondence work (which is limited to 12 semester hours).
• Credit granted through examinations may not be used to fulfill residency requirements for baccalaureate degrees.
• Credit may not be granted when the examination duplicates University credits previously earned or when the student has credit for courses at a more advanced level than that of the examination.
• Credit earned by examination will be posted to the student's academic record after the student enrolls for credit at the University of the Incarnate Word. If an unsatisfactory score is achieved, the examination is not reflected on the student's academic record.
• An examination may be attempted no more than twice. No test may be repeated until a minimum of six months has elapsed between each attempt.
• The type of examination, course title, and credit hours awarded and a grade of S will be recorded. No other grades will be recorded.
• Credits earned through examination are counted as "transfer" work and do not satisfy residency requirements, either for the major or institutional.
• The Computer Literacy competency examination may be attempted for credit or to demonstrate computer competence. Students who seek course credit for the examination must pay 40% of the tuition in advance of taking the examination. The examination may be attempted only once and must be completed with a minimum grade of C (a grade of S will be recorded if the minimum is achieved). Students who seek to demonstrate computer competence may take the examination once only and do not receive college credit should they pass. Students must complete the computer literacy requirement by the end of their second semester at the University of the Incarnate Word. Computer Literacy examinations may not be taken during the semester during which the student intends to graduate. If the Computer Literacy course option is selected or required, it will satisfy general electives on the degree plan but will not satisfy the 9–10 hours of Core Electives required.
• Credit by examination may not be earned during the semester in which the student intends to graduate.

A. Challenge Examinations

Only students enrolled in a degree program at the University of the Incarnate Word are eligible to apply for challenge examinations. These examinations may be taken only if approved by the faculty member who will administer the test and the Dean of the school or college over the discipline involved. The examination may be taken only once and must be completed with a minimum grade of C (a grade of S will be recorded if the minimum is achieved). Challenge Examination application forms are available in the Registrar's Office. The fee, 40% of the tuition for the course being challenged, is payable in advance.

B. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides two types of examinations: 1) General Examinations and 2) Subject Examinations that are available in a variety of disciplines. The University of the Incarnate Word does not award credit for General Examinations. Subject examinations recognized for credit are listed below. Students interested in these examinations should contact personnel in the Testing Center for information regarding costs, testing dates, and procedures for having test scores submitted for consideration for credit. The University faculty in each discipline area sets standards for satisfactory credit. In some instances, the required score will be slightly above the ACE recommendations.

Credit by examination policies:

• A maximum of 30 semester credit hours may be earned through examination, professional certification, or in combination with correspondence work (which is limited to 12 semester hours).
• Credit granted through examinations may not be used to fulfill residency requirements for baccalaureate degrees.
• Credit may not be granted when the examination duplicates University credits previously earned or when the student has credit for courses at a more advanced level than that of the examination.
• Credit earned by examination will be posted to the student's academic record after the student enrolls for credit at the University of the Incarnate Word. If an unsatisfactory score is achieved, the examination is not reflected on the student's academic record.
• An examination may be attempted no more than twice. No test may be repeated until a minimum of six months has elapsed between each attempt.
• The type of examination, course title, and credit hours awarded and a grade of P will be recorded. No other grades will be recorded.
• Credits earned through examination are counted as "transfer" work and do not satisfy residency requirements, either for the major or institutional.
• Credit by examination may be be earned during the semester in which the student intends to graduate.

(NOTE: ENGL 1312 is a required course that cannot be completed through a standardized exam)

NOTE: Exams are subject to review and modification without notice.

C. Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)

These are an extensive series of examinations in university subjects that are comparable to the final or end-of-course examination in particular undergraduate courses. Students should contact personnel in the Testing Center for more information about these examinations.

** Does not satisfy advanced level requirement

Note: Exams are subject to review and modification without notice.

D. Professional Certification Credits

Credit may be awarded for completion of educational programs conducted for business and industry. After matriculation, credit will be determined on an individual basis, dependent upon UIW equivalence and upon current American Council on Education credit recommendations. The student must petition for credit through the Registrar who confers with the appropriate discipline faculty and Dean. A maximum of 30 semester hours may be earned by professional certification or in combination with correspondence or credit by examination. A fee of $50.00 will be charged per course. After matriculation, students must obtain their Advisor and Dean's approval to transfer such credits to UIW.

E. University Board Advanced Placement Program

The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is sponsored by the University Board and offers secondary school students the opportunity to participate in challenging university-level course work with the potential of receiving university credit. The University of the Incarnate Word requires a minimum score of "3" for award of credit. Official score reports should be sent to the Registrar, who will evaluate the report and determine the amount of credit, based upon the recommendation by the discipline faculty, and grade to be awarded. In most cases, the ACE recommendation will be used. Students must complete the AP examination to receive credit. Credit will not be awarded for participation in an AP program without completion of the AP examination.

Note: Exams are subject to review and modification without notice.