Standardized tests such as AP, IB, CLEP or DSST exams can be used to earn college credit. In addition, institutions like URI can also award credit based on comprehensive exams developed by campus faculty which students can request – called “proficiency exams”.
Review the list below to learn more about the credit by examination pathways and determine if you are eligible for college credit. Information on the exams, how to send URI your official transcript/scores, and who will evaluate and post your earned credit is included below.
For any questions, reach out to the Coordinator for Prior Learning at zakary_pereira@uri.edu.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: You may earn advanced placement credit for college if you’ve completed college-level courses in high school and earned the minimum score required by the URI academic department. Credit will only be awarded based on official AP exam scores sent to URI by the College Board.
Scores must be sent directly from The College Board. For AP credit equivalencies, please search ‘THE COLLEGE BOARD AP/CLEP’ in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES). Once scores are received and the student has enrolled at URI, Enrollment Services will post any earned AP credits.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams: You may earn international baccalaureate credit for college if you’ve completed and obtained a score of 5, 6, or 7 on the Higher Level IB exams.
Scores must be sent directly from the IB Website. Students may consult the IB credit equivalency chart to learn more about their potential credit awards. Once scores are received, the Coordinator for Prior Learning will post any earned IB credits.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams: You may earn CLEP testing credit if you achieve the minimum score required by the URI academic department on a CLEP exam.
CLEP scores must be sent directly from The College Board. For a listing of transferable CLEP scores and credit equivalencies, please search ‘THE COLLEGE BOARD AP/CLEP’ in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES). Once scores are received, your degree-granting college will post any earned CLEP credits.
*Please note: CCRI is the nearest available testing center in RI. For current URI students, permission of your Academic Dean and submission of the CLEP Prior Approval Form is required.*
Defense Subject Standardized Test (DSST)
Defense Subject Standardized Test (DSST): You may earn DSST testing credit if you achieve the minimum score required by the URI academic department on a DSST exam.
DSST scores must be submitted to URI directly from the testing website or included on your military transcript. For a listing of previously reviewed DSST credit equivalencies, please search ‘DSST Program Exams’ in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES). Once scores are received, your degree-granting college will post any earned DSST credits.
Project Lead the Way (PLTW)
Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Exams: You may earn credit if you have achieved the minimum score of 70% on the final exam for the specific PLTW courses that have been reviewed for college credit by the American Council on Education.
Scores must be sent directly to URI from Project Lead the Way. For a listing of PLTW credit equivalencies and minimum score requirements, search ‘American Council on Education’ in the Transfer Evaluation System (TES) and refer to the PLTW course equivalencies. Once official PLTW scores are received, your degree-granting college will post any earned PLTW credits.
Proficiency Exams
Proficiency Exam: Depending on the course, a faculty member may suggest a comprehensive exam is the best method to assess your knowledge. This method of exam is generally available only if a CLEP or DSST exam is not accepted by URI for the course you wish to earn credit. To request a proficiency exam, please complete the Proficiency Exam Form and return to Enrollment Services.