CLEP Exam Credit
Bachelor of Liberal Studies (BLS) students have the option of receiving credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) after matriculation. CLEP credit is considered transfer credit and is limited to the maximum of 30 alternative testing credits, as part of the overall 90 transfer credits that BLS students are able to use toward their degree.
Details about CLEP Credit
Students wishing to earn CLEP credit while attending UMW must fill out the Request to Study at Another US Institution form, which is available on the Registrar’s Forms page, prior to taking the exam. If you have any questions, please contact the Registrar’s Office at registrar@umw.edu or (540) 654-1063.
- CLEP credits are generally used to fill elective credit and do not substitute required upper division major courses; however, they can fill lower division courses and some general education requirements.
- Check UMW’s equivalency guide to view all subjects UMW accepts and their required scores. CLEP exam topics page lists all subjects offered with short descriptions.
- These tests are affordable, at just under $100 for anywhere from 3-12 credits. However, choose carefully; we always recommend double-checking with your advisor before signing up.
- You cannot receive duplicate credit. For example, if you already have credit for BLAW 201: Introduction to Business Law, you will not be awarded any credits for that test. If you already have credit for SPAN 101, you may earn additional credits for higher levels of Spanish, but you will not receive the 3 credits for SPAN 101 again.
- “NOTMJ” credit refers to elective credit. For example, the Literature CLEP exams award ENGL NOTMJ credit. Duplication of credit is not a concern with NOTMJ credit, only with credit that has a specific course number. Therefore, we highly recommend students take CLEP exams that award NOTMJ credit.
- Students who are already at the maximum of 90 transfer credits are cautioned against taking CLEP exams without making a plan with their advisor first. Remember that at least 15 credits in the major must be earned at UMW, and at least 30 credits in the overall degree must be earned at UMW.
- Use the online study guides and practice tests, available from the CLEP website. Check your local library or bookstore for CLEP study guides. The BLS Office has free practice tests that may be requested via an email to your BLS advisor.
- Study hard. You will have to wait several months to retake the same test if you don’t pass. You must obtain the minimum score for each exam, as noted on the CLEP website and the equivalency guide.
- Scores must be received before the transfer credit receipt deadline, so don’t put off sending your scores.
- Additionally, for students graduating in the same term that they take the exam, official scores must be received by UMW no later than mid-October for December graduates, mid-March for May graduates, and mid-June for August graduates. If scores are not received in time to certify the student for graduation, graduation will not take place until a future term.
For further information, including testing sites near you, see the College Board website.