Proficiency Exams

There are instances when a student, through previous school or work experience, will be proficient in the skills taught in a course. Proficiency Exams allow students to demonstrate knowledge and abilities comparable to taught in the course. Proficiency Exams are administered by the testing coordinator and taken in the testing center.

Policies and Procedures

1. Write a letter (or email) to your Dean requesting permission to take a proficiency exam. Please include in your letter your name, phone number, and reason(s) you feel you are proficient. Take the letter to the Student Central or send an email directly to your Dean. You will be contacted with the Dean's decision.
2. Proficiency exams must be taken before you sit in a class more than one week. Once you sit in a class for more than one week, you may not take a proficiency exam for it.
3. If your request is approved, make an appointment with the testing center as you would for a make-up test.
4. Each proficiency test is two hours and costs $5 per credit hour. The fee must be paid in Student Central before testing. Bring your receipt, your student ID, and a copy of your permission letter with you at time of testing.
5. You are allowed to test one time only per class.
6. The passing grade to receive proficiency credit is 80%. You will be notified with the results of your test. If you pass, you will receive "proficiency credit" for the class. Proficiency credi counts towards graduation but does not affect your grade point average.