Earn Credit for What You Already Know
You may be closer to your degree than you realize. At Indiana State University, you can earn college credit for learning you've already completed. Whether you took AP, IB, Cambridge International, or other accepted exams, completed dual credit courses, served in the military, or built competencies through work and career training, we recognize your previous experience so you can complete your degree more quickly.
Credit is awarded based on official scores, transcripts, and documentation. If you completed an exam in a previous year, it will be evaluated using the score requirements and course equivalencies in place at the time you took it.
Eligible Types of Credit
The Advanced Placement (AP) Program, administered by the College Board, provides high school students with the opportunity to complete college-level coursework and demonstrate their knowledge through AP examinations. AP examinations are generally administered each May, and student performance is evaluated on a 5-point scale.
Advanced Placement (AP) Credit is college credit awarded by Indiana State University to students who earn qualifying scores on eligible AP examinations. AP credit is awarded based on the examination subject and the student’s official, verified AP examination score.
Students are responsible for designating Indiana State University to receive their official AP examination scores through the College Board. Indiana State does not award AP credit based on projected or unofficial examination scores. Credit will be evaluated using the AP score and course equivalency criteria in effect at the time the examination was completed.
Students should consult their high school counselor for information about registering for and taking AP examinations. AP examinations may be available through participating high schools and other College Board-approved testing locations.
The Cambridge International Program, administered by Cambridge Assessment International Education, provides high school students with the opportunity to complete college-level coursework and demonstrate their knowledge through Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level and Advanced (A) Level examinations. AS Level examinations are graded A–E, while A Level examinations are graded A*–E.
Cambridge International Credit is college credit awarded by Indiana State University to students who earn qualifying grades on eligible Cambridge International AS Level or A Level examinations. Credit is awarded based on the examination subject and the student’s official, verified grade, and is granted according to Indiana State University’s established examination grade requirements and course equivalencies. Depending on the examination and academic program, specific grades may be required for credit to apply toward certain degree requirements.
Students are responsible for having their official Cambridge International examination results sent to Indiana State University for evaluation. Indiana State University does not award Cambridge International credit based on projected or unofficial grades or examination results. Credit will be evaluated using the examination grade and course equivalency criteria applicable at the time the examination was completed.
Additional Information
- Cambridge International examination fees vary by examination.
- The grade required for credit and the corresponding Indiana State University course equivalency vary by examination subject. Students should review the Cambridge Exam Equivalencies for current grade requirements and course credit awarded.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), administered by the College Board, provides students with the opportunity to earn college credit by demonstrating knowledge of introductory college-level subjects through standardized examinations. Most CLEP examinations are designed to correspond to a one-semester college course, although some examinations may correspond to a full-year or two-year sequence.
CLEP Credit is college credit awarded by Indiana State University to students who earn qualifying scores on eligible CLEP examinations. Credit is awarded based on the examination subject and the student’s official score and is granted according to Indiana State University’s established CLEP score requirements and course equivalencies. Students should review the CLEP Equivalencies for current score requirements and corresponding Indiana State University course credit.
Students are responsible for registering for CLEP examinations through the College Board and arranging for their official scores to be sent to Indiana State University. Scores may be designated for reporting to Indiana State University at the time of registration, or an official CLEP transcript may be requested after the examination.
Indiana State University will not award CLEP credit for an examination if a student has previously been or is currently enrolled for credit or audit in an accredited college or university course that covers the subject of the CLEP examination. A student may not repeat the same CLEP examination within three months of the previous attempt.
CLEP examinations are generally administered online and typically consist of multiple-choice questions, although some examinations may include other question formats. Examination times generally range from 90 to 120 minutes, depending on the examination. CLEP scores are generally available at the testing site immediately following the examination, with official score reports typically available shortly thereafter. Examinations that include an essay component may require additional time for scoring.
Additional Information
- Students may send their scores to colleges/universities free of charge at the time of registration. After testing, students can order an official transcript for $20.
- Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL.
The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program at Indiana State University is dedicated to recognizing and valuing the learning gained from students’ diverse experiences outside the classroom. Through the University’s commitment to excellence, we empower students, including those from professional and military backgrounds, to earn college-level academic credit toward their degree goals as they embrace lifelong learning.
Students can earn up to 63 credit hours towards a baccalaureate degree and up to one third of an undergraduate certificate. Students should discuss CPL with their advisor.
Students cannot receive additional credit, beyond transferred credits, for CPL previously awarded by another University.
Learn about Credit for Prior Learning.
The DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are standardized, college credit-granting exams maintained by Prometric. A form of prior learning assessment, DSSTs offer students a cost-effective, time-saving way to use their knowledge acquired outside of the classroom (perhaps from reading, on-the-job training, or independent study) to accomplish their educational goals.
Additional Information:
Register for a DSST at getcollegecredit.com
- DSST time limits are 120 minutes per test.
- Most tests are online multiple choice with some numeric answers.
- Students may send their scores to colleges/universities by ordering an official transcript for $30
Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL.
The College Challenge program is a dual credit opportunity that allows high school students at partner schools to earn transferable college credit on an Indiana State University transcript.
College Challenge courses are taught at high school by university-approved high school teachers. Teachers must meet University and Higher Learning Commission credentialing standards, and courses are evaluated and approved for dual credit partnership based on nationally recognized standards for pedagogy, content, and rigor.
All College Challenge dual credit courses are tuition free!
Dual credit is an excellent and affordable way for high school students to earn college credit that will count towards a degree and to experience college-level coursework.
Students who have earned dual credit from high school or another college or university must send a copy of their transcript to admissions@indstate.edu in order to receive credit.
The International Baccalaureate Program, or IB, is offered as a secondary program of study in high school throughout the United States and around the world in 150 countries. Upon completion of IB courses, students take written exams in each of the 6 major subject areas offered twice a year in November and May. Scores range from 1-7 in each subject area.
Indiana State University accepts credit by exam from International Baccalaureate.
Cost will vary by school. Students cannot receive residency credit for this type of CPL.
Students who have satisfied the Foundational Studies non-native language requirement and who wish to take further course work in a language MUST take the Language Placement Examination in order to determine the level of language course work most appropriate for them.
Depending upon the level of placement, students may receive credit for their knowledge of the language, some of which may count toward Foundational Studies Requirements. The test is administered by the University Testing Office.
Students MUST take a Placement Exam in order to be eligible for the following credits.
- Students placed in 102 will be granted credit for 101 upon successful completion of 102, with C+ or better.
- Students placed into 201 who complete 201 with a C or better will earn 9 credits for 101, 102 and 201.
- Students placed into 202 who complete 202 with a C or better will earn 12 credits for 101, 102, 201 and 202.
Given the uniqueness of military training and occupations, credit can be awarded based upon what a student has learned within the military.
- Students must submit their Joint Services Transcript (JST) to the Office of Admissions.
- Once the transcript is received and the student is admitted, the military coursework is processed.
- The American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide is used to help determine equivalencies for each course
- The course evaluation will be conducted by each department involved.
- If the student had any occupations in the military, the CPL Council will utilize the ACE Military Guide for assistance to determine if any CPL will be assessed beyond the military courses listed on the JST.
- If a determination is made that the student will receive credit for their occupation, it will be added to the student’s record and documented in a Crosswalk Chart for future students.