Test out of classes to get closer to your degree at UMGC.
Getting a head start at UMGC Europe could be as easy as passing approved examinations and earning college credit. You can earn credits toward your Associate of Arts degree or bachelor's degree via credit by exam. You can earn these credits as long as there is no duplication of academic credit and your scores meet UMGC standards.
Before registering for an exam, UMGC Europe students are encouraged to seek transfer credit pre-approval from their academic advisor.
Exam Information
See below for information on equivalencies and other information for obtaining credit by exam.
Our national test centers offer computer-based College Level Examination Program, or CLEP, exams. CLEP study guides are available online through the College Board. The UMGC code number is 5804. You must enter this number on your exam material if you want your score sent to UMGC.
CLEP information is subject to change without notice. All CLEP General Examinations are considered lower level. To see which exams fulfill your degree requirements, please check with a UMGC Europe academic advisor.
The nationally recognized DSST program, formerly known as DANTES Subject Standardized Tests, allows you to earn college credits for learning acquired outside the traditional classroom. The UMGC code number is 9357. You must enter this number on your exam material if you want your score sent to UMGC.
Please note: Active-duty military personnel may apply for and take DSST exams without charge at the education office of their respective military installations if taking an exam for the first time. Military funding is no longer available for retesting.
DSST information is subject to change without notice. To see which exams fulfill your degree requirements, please check with a UMGC Europe academic advisor.
Pearson VUE testing includes academic, government, health, IT certifications, professional certifications and licensure exams, such as ASMC, Cisco, CompTIA, DSS, Excelsior, GMAT, ISC2, NREMT, PTCB, and much more. We also offer Pearson VUE Computerized GED Exams.
If you are in need of a proctored exam and are not currently enrolled with UMGC, you can have your online internet-based exams officially proctored.
Eligibility Criteria for DANTES-Funded Exams
- Military personnel (active duty, reserve, National Guard): Army, Navy, Marine Corps, U.S. Coast Guard, Army Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Navy Reserve, Coast Guard Reserve, Army, and Air National Guard.
- Spouses and civilian employees of: Air Force* (civilian employees only), Air Force Reserve, Army Reserve, Coast Guard (active and reserve).
Other Exams
Advanced Placement Exams
Advanced placement College credit may be granted on the basis of scores on a College Board Advanced Placement (AP) examination. These examinations are normally administered to eligible high school seniors during the May preceding matriculation in college.
A student intending to transfer AP credit that was awarded at another college or similar institution must have a transcript of the original scores sent directly to UMGC from the College Board. When those scores have been received, an evaluator will determine whether they meet the standards established at UMGC for granting AP credit, and how much credit may be awarded.
Cambridge International Examinations
UMGC accepts credits for advanced-level exams taken through Cambridge International Examinations when scores meet UMGC standards. Official transcripts, with scores, must be sent directly to UMGC for review.
Excelsior College Exams
Students may earn credit for successfully completing subject tests offered by Excelsior College. Tests are available in various areas of the arts and sciences, as well as in business. Scores must meet UMGC standards.
International Baccalaureate Exams
If you completed your International Baccalaureate exam before graduating from high school, you could be able to transfer applicable credits to your UMGC degree.
Industry-Specific Certification
If you’ve taken one of several industry-standard certification exams (such as CompTIA, Microsoft, or Cisco) within the past five years, UMGC could accept your certification for college credit. You'll just need to submit documentation of your certification. See which certifications you can turn into credit.
Course Challenge Exams
After you are a student at UMGC, you can apply for a Course Challenge exam (offered through our Prior Learning program). In this program, you can earn credit by taking the equivalent of the final exam for a UMGC course.
Additional Information
UMGC also accepts credit for professional examinations listed in the American Council on Education Guide to Educational Credit by Examination. We may accept credits by examination awarded by other approved institutions for courses that appear on an official transcript with a grade of C or better. If you have questions about credit by examination, contact an academic advisor.
Limitations for Credit by Exam
Learn about the limitations on credit by exam.
- You can't attempt credit by examination if you are taking an exam for a course which already appears on your transcript.
- If you are pursuing a second bachelor's degree, you can't use standardized examination credit to satisfy the requirement for graduation that courses be taken at UMGC.
- No more than 3 semester hours of writing credit may be earned through credit-by-examination.
UMGC is not responsible for determining students' prior knowledge or preparation for these exams. Approval to take exams does not guarantee award of credit. Other conditions, such as the appropriate score, must be satisfied. All information on credit by exam is subject to change without notice.