We understand learning takes place in a variety of ways, both inside and outside the college classroom. The university allows students to apply that learning toward a La Verne degree in many ways.
Credit by Exam
Exam Duplication Policy
A student is not eligible to earn credit by exam if that exam covers 50% of the same subject material covered in previously completed college level coursework or by another exam. Furthermore, a student is not eligible to earn credit by exam if that exam covers material in the same general subject area as more advanced coursework he or she previously completed. For example, if a student completes Calculus 1, he or she is not eligible to earn credit for a Pre-Calculus exam.
Advanced Placement (AP) Exam
Up to a combined 44 semester hour maximum
Advanced Placement is a nationwide program in which students are granted credit for satisfactory performance on standardized tests offered in many subject areas. Transfer credit for AP exams is awarded based on the articulation of each exam. The Office of Registrar articulates up to 44 semester hours of credit in subject area examinations offered by the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program. Each exam is reviewed by university faculty to determine applicability toward major or general education requirements. If no major or degree requirement is specified as being met by a particular exam, general elective credit will be awarded. The minimum score to earn credit is a 3. Some exams require a score of 4 to earn general education or major credit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Up to a combined 32 semester hour maximum
International Baccalaureate exams are nationwide programs in which students are granted credit for satisfactory performance on standardized tests offered in many subject areas. Transfer credit for IB exams is awarded based on the articulation of each exam. Each exam is reviewed by university faculty to determine applicability toward major or general education requirements. If no major or degree requirement is specified as being met by a particular exam, general elective credit will be awarded. The minimum score to earn credit is a 4.
The Office of the Registrar will accept up to 32 semester hours of credit to students who earn at least 30 points as part of the IB piploma.
Students who completed IB coursework but were not awarded the diploma are eligible to receive up to 24 semester hours of credit. Based upon review of the IB Certificate, these students will be awarded 4 semester hours of credit for each subject completed with a score of 4 or greater.
Students who do not successfully achieve the IB diploma will have subjects individually evaluated as listed in their certificate. For a complete list of articulated IB exams accepted by the University of La Verne, please click here. Contact your academic advisor for more information.
General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE A-Level)
The Office of the Registrar awards credit for each A-Level exam with a grade of A*, A, B or C. A minimum of 4 semester hours of credit will be awarded for each successful A-level result. Credits will fulfill specific general education requirements at the department’s discretion or will earn elective credit.
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST (DANTES). Transfer credit for CLEP and DSST (DANTES) exams is awarded based upon the articulation of each individual exam. All CLEP and DSST exams are reviewed for major or general education requirements by university faculty. Credit for exams will be awarded based upon the articulation guidelines in effect at the time of a student’s admission, not the date the test was originally completed. Exam are normally articulated as lower division. Review the articulation charts for more information regarding exam limitations.
- CLEP – up to a combined 44 semester hour maximum. CLEP is a nationwide program in which students are granted credit for satisfactory performance on standardized tests offered in many subject areas. The Office of Registrar articulates up to 44 semester hours of credit for CLEP subject area. For a complete list of articulated CLEP exams accepted by the University of La Verne, please click here. Be sure to review the articulation charts for more information regarding exam limitations.Contact your academic advisor first to discuss which exams are most appropriate for you in terms of ensuring there is no duplication of previously completed coursework/exams. If further assistance is needed in determining there is no duplication, please submit the Transfer Credit Review Form prior to completing the exam.
- DSST (DANTES) – up to a combined 44 semester hour maximum. The University of La Verne honors the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) in regards to the awarding of college credit for DSST exams. ACE recommendation is the basis on which credit will be awarded at the University of La Verne. For a complete list of articulated DSST exams accepted by the University of La Verne, please click here. Be sure to review the articulation charts for more information regarding exam limitations. Contact your academic advisor first to discuss which exams are most appropriate for you in terms of ensuring there is no duplication of previously completed coursework/exams. If further assistance is needed in determining there is no duplication, please submit the Transfer Credit Review Form prior to completing the exam.
Other Ways to Earn Credit
Military Service
Additional credit may be awarded for many courses taken during military service as well as basic training following the guidelines established by the American Council on Education Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services and according to La Verne policy.
As of Fall 2013, courses not designated as baccalaureate level by the credit granting institution are not transferable.
Vocational/Technical Coursework
Up to a combined 44 semester hour maximum
A total of 44 semester hours of vocational/technical courses may be transferred and applied toward a bachelor’s degree, unless more were completed as part of a transferable associate’s degree. Applicability of these units toward specific degree requirements is finalized by the Office of Registrar.
As of Fall 2013, courses not designated as baccalaureate level by the credit granting institution are not transferable.
Course Challenge
Students with exceptional competence in the subject matter contained in a course may “challenge” the course by examination. Courses that cannot be challenged are marked NCh in the Courses section of the Course Catalog. If the student demonstrates the competencies required for successful completion of the course, the number and title of the course will be placed on the transcript with a CRD grade. If the student does not demonstrate the competencies, nothing is recorded on the transcript. A maximum of 8 semester hours of course challenge may be counted toward fulfilling the undergraduate residency requirement. A challenge fee will be assessed.