Credit by Examination
Non-Institutional Credit
What counts as credit for ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302 or literature courses?
- Some students may take a test to place out of English courses. This is called Credit by Examination.
- Students can earn up to 30 credits through non-institutional credit-by-exam programs such as AP, CLEP, and up to 24 credits for IB. They can also take a course challenge exam, which the Department administers.
Programs, Exam Scores, & Credit Awarded
Credit by Exam Restrictions
- Grade designation: AP and CLEP credit is designated as “CR” (credit) on the ACC transcript. A letter grade (A, B, C, D, or F) is not assigned.
- Transfer not guaranteed: Non-Institutional credit might not transfer from ACC to other institutions.
- IB credit limit: ACC will allow up to 24 credits of IB credit.
How to Receive Non-institutional Credit
To receive credit, you must provide the Admissions and Records Office with official test scores sent directly from the testing service and complete at least one credit class at Austin Community College (ACC).
- AP: To order official test scores, student should log onto:
https://apstudent.collegeboard.org/home - CLEP: To order official test score, students should go to:
https://clep.collegeboard.org/ and select My CLEP Account or call 800-257-9558 - IB: To order a transcript, students should log onto:
https://internationalbaccalaureate.force.com/ibportal/IBPortalLogin?lang=en_US
ACC Testing Services
ACC’s Highland Campus is an approved testing site for many exams including CLEP and Advanced Placement.
Institutional Credit by Examination Restrictions
Not every course or student is eligible for course challenge exams. Check with your instructional program or area for available classes and eligibility requirements.
- International students may not apply course challenges toward their 12-credit enrollment requirement.
- You must meet the course prerequisites and institutional enrollment requirements in order to receive credit.
- You may challenge a course only once. Additional challenges are not permitted.
- You may not challenge a course in which you currently are enrolled or previously earned a grade of A, B, C, D, F, I, W, or AU.
- Grades earned through course challenges are not calculated in your GPA and do not count toward scholastic achievement awards.
Study Guides
CLS Course Challenge Exams
Course Challenge Exam
Request Form
*Click here or visit the following URL to request permission to take an ENGL Course Challenge Exam.
https://forms.gle/PS5xnbzEBEJ4MWKD6
Credit by Examination
(ACC Student Handbook)
Departmental Course Challenge Exam
- Review the steps and requirements listed on the “Credit by Examination: Institutional” ACC Student Handbook page:
https://catalog.austincc.edu/college-entry/determine-your-eligibility-to-attend/credit-by-examination-institutional/ - Complete the ENGL Challenge Exam Request to gain permission to take an ENGL 1301 or ENGL 1302 challenge exam.
- Brief study guides are available the ENGL 1301 & ENGL 1302 exams.
- Direct additional questions to Jenifer Hamilton <[email protected]> or Dr. Rebekah Starnes <[email protected]>.
* Please note that exams may take several weeks to administer and grade. Plan your schedule accordingly!
Course Challenge Policies
- ACC sets eligibility rules for Challenge Exams. Our department must verify your eligibility with the Registrar’s Office before you can take a Challenge Exam.
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Challenge Exams have a fee of $30 that must be paid through the ACC Marketplace before your test.
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Challenge Exams must be taken at an ACC Testing Center.
How to Receive Credit
To receive credit, you must earn at least a B on the course challenge exam, enroll at ACC and complete at least one college course, and have the instructor submit your course challenge results to an ACC campus Admissions and Enrollment Office.