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. 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.

The procedure for credit by examination is as follows: the student should obtain the appropriate form from the Registration Office (011 Hullihen Hall) and take it to the academic department where the credit is to be earned. At this time, the appropriate course title, symbol, number, and the amount of credit hours should be indicated on the form, along with the chairperson's signature indicating authorization to take the examination in question. The student then must take the form to the Bursar's Office and pay a fee of $10 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 Bursar's stamp) that the fee has been paid. After the examination is taken the grade and the source of the evaluation are recorded on the form, which is sent to the Recorder's Office, where the appropriate course number, credit hours, and grade are posted for the student. The Records Office distributes copies to the student, the student's dean, and department as confirmation. One copy of the form is retained by the Records Office.

The availability of credit by examination is indicated below.

GRADUATE COURSES: Credit by examination is available for graduate courses. For courses not specifically listed, students should consult with the appropriate department chairperson.
SEMINARS: Unless listed otherwise, credit by examination is not available for any seminar course.
STANDARDIZED TESTS: For some courses the University grants credit based upon scores obtained on nationally available, standardized tests.
DEPARTMENT TESTS: For some courses the University grants credit based upon examinations made and administered by the department or college.