Credit by Examination (Challenge Exams or Test-Outs)

Students may receive credit for a Rasmussen University course by taking an examination in place of the actual faculty-led course. Some exams may be taken by enrolled students prior to beginning their coursework at Rasmussen University.

• Enrolled students may request credit by examination for courses if an exam has been developed.
• An examination score of 73% or higher is required to earn credit by examination.
• The examination grade will be posted as Test-Out (TO) on the student transcript.
• Credits earned count in the transfer maximum.
• Credit by examination will not count as credits for financial aid eligibility.
• A credit by examination may be attempted only once for each course.
• If a student has already attempted the faculty-led course, as indicated by any posted grade, including W/WD/WP/WX or F/FA/FD and excluding CL, PD, and WL grades, the student will not be allowed to attempt the equivalent credit by examination. If the course is subject to time limits and is expired, the equivalent credit by examination may be attempted.
• If a student does not pass a Credit by Examination attempt, the option to attempt the faculty-led course remains.
• Academic Appeals are not considered for credit by examination, self-directed assessment, or any other form of prior learning assessment. Technical issues should be resolved by calling Classroom IT Support at 833-606-1909 at the time an issue is discovered.
• Prepayment of a non-refundable and non-transferable credit by examination fee is required prior to being granted access to any credit by examination. Refer to Tuition Rates & Fees for current rates.
• Payment of the fee does not guarantee the award of credits; any credits awarded will be based on meeting all of the criteria above.
• Credit by examination will not satisfy credit load requirements for the purposes of veterans benefit program funding or any other student financial assistance program.
• Contact your Advisor for a list of available credit by examination opportunities as well as instructions to enroll and pay the credit by examination fee.
• Credits awarded through credit by examination (TO) may not be transferable to another institution. The decision to accept transfer credits is always at the discretion of the receiving institution.