Credit by Examination
Students who believe that they already possess the knowledge and/or skills taught in any college-level course offered by Vernon College may challenge that course by examination. Credit earned by examination may be applied toward meeting the requirements of a certificate or an associate degree at Vernon College. Credit by examination awarded to students to meet Vernon College graduation requirements is no guarantee that such credit will transfer to other institutions. Credit earned by examination; other than Vernon College Departmental Challenge Exams, may not be used to meet the residence requirement. Successful performance on an examination is recorded on a student’s transcript as credit by that particular examination. No annotation of unsuccessful performance on a credit by examination testing instrument is made on the student’s permanent record. For more detailed information, students should contact the testing coordinator or a counselor and review the information in the Non-Traditional Education brochure. Listed below are the means by which a student may earn course credit by examination.
Departmental Challenge Examinations. For all Vernon College college-level courses which cannot be challenged through standardized examinations, departmental challenge examinations will be constructed by the appropriate faculty specialists as students apply to challenge such courses. These examinations are given during the fall and spring semesters. Departmental challenge exams will cost $35.00 per semester hour of credit to be awarded. Students may retest after a six-month waiting period.
Advanced Placement Program (AP). The Advanced Placement (AP) Program is a cooperative education endeavor of secondary schools, colleges, and the College Board of the Educational Testing Service. The examinations are given each year at selected high schools throughout the nation. Vernon College will accept AP credit toward selected courses with appropriate scores.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national testing program administered by the Educational Testing Service. VC is a test center for CLEP examinations, and the examinations are given to anyone who wishes to take them. However, not all CLEP examinations are accepted for credit at VC. CLEP is a computerized test and administered by appointment only. Examinees are responsible for contacting each college or university they plan to attend to ensure that CLEP credit is accepted. Additional score reports are available through the Educational Testing Service.
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The International Baccalaureate Organization is a college preparatory program recognized for its challenging curriculum. Vernon College values the organization’s efforts. In accordance with S.B. 111, students who have earned an IB diploma can expect to receive at least 24 hours of college credit. Non-traditional course credit is recorded to transcripts after the completion of six (6) hours of Vernon College coursework. Where applicable, IB Higher and Standard exam scores will earn selected Vernon College course credits. Within their first academic year, IB students are responsible for notifying Vernon College Admissions of their IB status and scores. Prior to enrollment, all IB students must meet TSI (Texas Success Initiative) guidelines for placement.
Excelsior College Examination Program (ECEP). Excelsior College sponsors the ECEP (formerly Regents College). The Educational Service Center on Sheppard Air Force Base provides these tests to military personnel. Vernon College is not a testing center for ECEP.
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Support (DANTES). DANTES subject standardized tests are available to members of the military and accepted for credit toward courses at Vernon College. The passing score is the American Council on Education (ACE) recommended score as shown on the transcript of the test results. The Educational Service Center on Sheppard Air Force Base provides these tests for military personnel. Vernon College is not a testing center for DANTES.