Credit by Examination

Approved standardized and challenge examination programs may allow students to receive credit (in lieu of course work) toward the completion of a certificate, diploma, or degree. These examination programs are subject to the following conditions:

1. Credit will not be awarded when equivalent degree credit has been granted for regular course work.
2. Credit by examination may not be attempted if the student has acceptable college credit for more advanced courses or for courses that include material similar to a course for which college credit has already been received.
3. No more than 25 percent of coursework required for completion of a selected program may be earned by examinations.
4. Students successfully completing a standardized examination will have a grade of “CE” recorded on the official transcript. This designation does not earn grade points, but earns credit hours toward program completion.
5. The course(s) must be a curriculum course on record with the Registrar’s Office as a course approved for credit by examination.
6. Credit by Exam must be approved by the Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs and kept on file in the Registrar’s office.

Standardized Examinations

Sampson Community College participates in the advanced placement programs of the College Entrance Examination Board. An entering student who scores 3 or above on the Advanced Placement (AP) test will receive appropriate course credit. Students taking Advanced Placement tests should have the score reports sent to the Registrar’s Office for evaluation concerning placement and credit.

Students may also receive course credit by achieving a passing score on one of the College- Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. Students interested in receiving further information concerning these examinations, required minimum scores, course equivalents, and credits awarded should contact the Registrar.

Challenge Examinations

The College recognizes that some students, may already have achieved the objectives of certain courses in a selected curriculum by means of special studies or experiences. Students may petition to receive credit in selected courses by special examinations referred to as challenge examinations developed by College faculty. The College does not allow transferrable courses to be challenged.

Students interested in this opportunity must submit a request to their department chair and schedule the examination. A student may challenge a course only once. Unsuccessful attempts are not recorded on the transcript. Approved challenge examinations must be on record in the Registrar’s Office before credit will be awarded.