Use this document to learn about alternative ways of earning college credit.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement (AP) program, created by the College Board, is a college-level curriculum offering courses, exams and placement to high school students. After completion of coursework, a comprehensive examination is administered by high school instructors at the local high school. Based on completion of the exam and qualifying scores, you can earn college credit while enrolled in high school.

Save money, time, and challenge yourself during high school with the Advanced Placement opportunity. AP courses are available in numerous areas, such as arts, sciences, foreign languages, history, mathematics, and others. You can contact your high school guidance counselor or faculty members for more information.

Check college websites for details and scores that meet specific requirements at each institution.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP), created by the College Board, are standardized tests (no coursework required) offered to students of diverse age groups, career fields, and backgrounds. Completion of the exam with qualifying scores allows you to earn college credit while saving time and money.

CLEP examinations are available in numerous areas, such as English and literature, mathematics and sciences, foreign languages, history and social studies, and business administration. You can contact your high school guidance counselor, college advisor or faculty members for more information.

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

The DANTES Subject Standardized Test, owned by Prometric, are examinations that allow students to earn college credit by examination. These examinations are available to both military and civilian individuals and are available in humanities, sciences, mathematics, history, business, and others. You can contact your high school guidance counselor or faculty members for more information about these exams.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is an internationally recognized curriculum offering courses, exams, and placement to high school students through authorized IB World Schools.

IB courses are available in numerous areas, such as arts, sciences, foreign languages, history, business, and others. You can contact your high school guidance counselor or faculty members for more information.

Check college websites for details and scores that meet specific requirements at each institution.

In addition to these programs, some institutions offer college credit for other studies or examinations, based on scores earned: 

1. The Advanced International Certificate of Education (AICE) through the University of Cambridge in England; and

2. The Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Examinations (CAPE) through the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), from 16 participating countries. 

Next Steps: Consult with your advisor to discuss ways you can earn college credit through examinations or scores. You can expect to have fees assessed for these options.