In some courses, department examinations (challenge examinations) may serve as the basis for getting credits.  A student must receive permission from the department chairperson in order to qualify for credit; students who pass the examination will be awarded full credit.  A grade of "C" or better must be achieved in order to pass a departmental examination for course credit.  The student's transcript will list the course and semester hours, but in lieu of a grade, there will be a notation "credit by examination".  Should the student fail the examination, a copy of the notice indicating failure will be filed with his/her personal file.   A student may attempt to challenge only the maximum number of transfer credits allowed by the College minus the number of transfer credits he/she has already received.

Challenge examinations may be used to validate successful knowledge about a course that was taken more than ten years ago.  On the other hand, no student who has taken and failed a course shall be permitted to retake the course via the challenge examination.

A student who wishes to obtain advanced standing through an approved department examination must obtain a form/application from the appropriate department chairperson.  If, after a discussion with the appropriate chairperson, the student is deemed eligible, he/she completes the Request for Advanced Standing by Challenge Examination form to initiate the process.

After payment of the required fee, the completed form and payment receipt are then brought to the Department Chairperson so that the time and date of the examination can be determined.  Examinations should be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for the student and faculty member.

The required fees for challenge examinations will be based upon 50 percent of the current course tuition. Students will be furnished orally or in writing general statements about what course materials will be covered in the challenge examination.