Credit by Standardized Exams

Credit by Standardized Exams

To encourage students with outstanding ability and enterprise, Alfred University places special emphasis on advanced placement and other exams that assess college-level learning that occurred outside of the traditional college classroom setting. 

Through these examination programs, students may earn appropriate credit for courses at any level where college-level learning can be demonstrated. AU recognizes these programs:

• The Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (AP). (For a list of scores accepted and corresponding transfer credit given at AU, see the AP Credit equivalencies chart.)
• The International Baccalaureate Program (IB). Alfred University will grant 30 semester hours of credit (sophomore standing) to students who have earned the International Baccalaureate diploma in high school. Students who have not completed the diploma will be awarded equivalent credit up to two introductory courses for each IB exam, depending on level of the exam and the score achieved.(For a list of scores accepted and corresponding credit awarded, see the IB Equivalencies chart.)
• The College Level Examination Program of the College Entrance Examination Board (CLEP). Only the CLEP subject exams taken prior to admission are considered for credit toward the degree. (See the CLEP Equivalencies chart.) Students who wish to take a CLEP Exam for credit after being admitted to a degree program at AU must receive permission in advance from the Dean of their college or school.

Credits awarded from AP, IB, CLEP or from any other standardized exam program are considered to be transfer credits. They count toward the 75 credit hour limit on total transfer credit, and they do not affect the AU GPA. 

Credits from standardized exams are evaluated separately by Alfred University from original score reports only, not from the transcript of another college or university. Students must ensure that their official exam scores are sent to the Office of the Registrar within one year of admission by requesting them through College Board. Scores received after this time cannot be counted as credit toward the degree.

Advanced Placement (AP) Examination Equivalencies

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Equivalencies

Only CLEP subject exams taken prior to admission to Alfred University are considered for credit toward the degree.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Equivalencies

Alfred University grants 30 semester hours of credit (sophomore standing) to students who have earned the IB diploma in high school. Scores of 4 or better on the higher-level (HL) exams and scores of 5 or better on the subsidiary level (SL) exams are considered for equivalent course credit. When necessary, liberal arts general elective credits are awarded to reach a total of 30 credits.

Students who have not completed the IB diploma are awarded equivalent course credit for up to two introductory courses for each higher level exam (HL) in which a grade of 5 or better was earned. Equivalent credit for one introductory course is awarded for each subsidiary level examination (SL) in which a grade of 6 or better was earned.  Check the university webpages for the most up to date exams.