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Credit By Exam

Credit by examination provides students the opportunity to receive credit in courses by demonstrating that they have acquired sufficient knowledge of a subject without formal enrollment in a course or study in the classroom. 

This opportunity is offered only to students enrolled full- or part-time at WVU. The initiation of a credit-by-examination request does not entitle a student to special in-class instruction or tutoring by an instructor. A photo identification card is required at the time of the exam.

Credit only (not a grade) will be awarded for the successful completion of examination with a grade of "C" or higher, which is equivalent to 70% or better in scores of the exam. Each exam is a two-hour comprehensive exam on the material required for the course.

Courses Available for Credit by Exam

  • MATH 121: Introductory Concepts of Mathematics
  • MATH 126: College Algebra
  • MATH 128: Plane Trigonometry
  • MATH 129: Pre-Calculus Mathematics
  • MATH 150: Applied Calculus
  • MATH 155: Calculus 1
  • MATH 156: Calculus 2
  • MATH 251: Multivariable Calculus
  • MATH 261: Elementary Differential Equations
  • MATH 343: Introduction To Linear Algebra

Who can apply?

Students may apply to challenge a course for credit by examination if:
  1. The student's official record does not show credit for the course (i.e., any grade of S, P, A, B, C, D, or I).
  2. The student is not officially enrolled in the course at the time of the examination (A student who withdraws from the course after the end of official registration period is officially enrolled in that course until the end of the semester and not eligible to take that course during that semester.)
  3. A grade of "F" has not been recorded on the student's record within two calendar years of the date of the examination.

How to Apply

Visit the  Eberly College Office of Academic Affairs in Colson Hall Annex, or call 304-293-7476 to register for the exam and pay the $50 fee. According to the current college regulations, any student who wants to take credit by exam MUST register before taking the exam. There will be no exceptions.  Once the registration process is complete, student will receive confirmation and details regarding time and location of the exam. 

Exams will be given three times a year. Students must complete the registration process at least one week prior to the exam date .  

  • Thursday before classes begin in August  
  • Third Thursday in November  
  • Third Thursday in April  

Please note that it may take up to one week for the credit to appear on your academic record. Students must present a valid WVU photo ID before taking the exam and are required to adhere to the University's standards of academic integrity.  

Calculator Policy

  • No CAS capable calculators are permitted in any exam. 
  • MATH 121: Introductory Concepts of Mathematics – scientific calculators permitted 
  • MATH126: College Algebra – scientific calculators permitted 
  • MATH 128: Plane Trigonometry – scientific calculators permitted 
  • MATH 129: Pre-Calculus Mathematics – scientific calculators permitted 
  • MATH 150: Applied Calculus – graphing calculators permitted 
  • All exams for Math 155 or higher do not permit calculators 

Contact

For more information, contact Sarah Snyder, Program Coordinator, School of Mathematical and Data Sciences.