PrintLooking to earn credit for prior knowledge of a subject? You have several options outlined below. Once you've evaluated your options, be sure to check with your adviser to confirm next steps!
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
You can earn credit for courses by taking a CLEP exam. CLEP exams provide you with an opportunity to demonstrate your existing knowledge and earn credit for prior learning. You may have learned about applicable topics by completing an independent study epxiernce, prior coursework (that didn't transfer in), on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships.
CLEP Costs
CLEP exams are now available online! These typically cost about $105 (one $20 nonrefundable administrative fee and one $85 CLEP exam fee.)
CLEP Exam Subjects Available
- business,
- composition and literature,
- foreign languages,
- history and social sciences, and
- science and mathematics.
For a complete list, visit the Penn State Credit from CLEP Exams page.
Typically CLEP exams take 90 minutes to complete.
Military and Veteran Students
CLEP exams are free for eligible military personnel and eligible civilian employees. You can learn more about that at the CLEP Military Benefits page on the CLEP site.
You can read more about how to get credit for your military schooling and DANTES/DSST testing on the Credits for Military Experience page.
DSST
DSST exams are another way to earn college credit.
DSST Exam Subjects Available
- business,
- humanities,
- math,
- physical science,
- social sciences, and
- technology.
For a complete list, visit the Credit from DSST Exams page.
Typically DSST exams take 2 hours.
Note
Both CLEP and DSST exams are multiple choice and administered on a computer.
Credit by Validation
If you completed coursework in a non-accredited institution and the course credits were rejected by Penn State, you may be able to complete the credit by validation process to earn credit for those courses. Read more about that at Undergraduate Admissions' Credit by Validation page.
Credit by Examination
World Campus students can earn additional credits to fulfill degree requirements through successful completion (C or better) of a comprehensive examination, which is a substitute for completing the usual requirements of a course. Please note that this option is only available to students who have already completed at least one Penn State course for 3 or more credits. Contact your adviser for the application form needed and further instructions.
Prior Learning Assessments
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is how Penn State determines whether knowledge gained outside of the traditional academic environment is at the college-level and worthy of college credit. For more information and to see if your experience qualifies for PLA, visit Penn State’s Prior Learning Assessment website. Your adviser can tell you if credits obtained through PLA will apply to your degree program.
AP Credits
In order to see if you have earned Penn State credit based on your AP test performance, please search the list found on the Credit from Advanced Placement Exams page.