Challenge Exams (Credit for Prior Learning)
The College's Challenge Examination Program provides an alternative to traditional classroom course work. It is designed for the individual who may already know the material covered in an introductory level course offered at STCC. All examinations have been developed by STCC faculty and, therefore, relate directly to the course being challenged. See below the list of Challenge exams currently available. (Subject to change without notice.)
To register for a Challenge Examination, please complete the Challenge Exam Application
Specific Course Challenge Information
Frequently Asked Questions
1. If I took this course last semester and I received a final grade on my transcript, can I challenge the same course?
No, if a course is on your transcript with a letter grade, you cannot challenge the course. (If you have a W because you withdrew from the course, you can take the challenge exam)
2. If I challenge this course, will these credits transfer to a 4- year college?
You will need to check with that 4-year college to see what their current policy is. We cannot guarantee that challenge credits will transfer.
3. If I am enrolled in the course, can I take the Challenge Exam?
No, you cannot Challenge a course in which you are currently enrolled.
(The only exception is during the DROP/ADD period at the beginning of the semester. If you challenge a course during the DROP/ADD period and pass the Challenge Exam, it is your responsibility to drop the course and pay the per credit fee to have the Challenge posted on your transcript.)
4. How long do I have to take the exam?
It is a final exam for the course so you are allowed 2 hours to complete the exam.
5. Does a challenge exam affect my GPA?
No. The credits count toward graduation, but the grade is P (for pass). It is not figured into your grade point average.
6. What happens after I take a challenge exam?
You will receive a letter telling you whether you passed or failed the challenge. If you passed the exam, the letter will have a tear-off portion that you need to take to the Cashier's Office within 2 weeks and pay $10 per credit fee for the course to be added to your transcript. Once the Testing and Assessment Center receives verification of your payment, the challenge/course will be posted on your transcript.
The Challenge Exam cannot be used to:
- Replace an "F" (a failed course) on a transcript.
- Remove a grade of "I" (Incomplete) or "W" (Withdrawal) from a transcript.
- Students cannot take a Challenge Exam for a course that is already listed on their transcript with a grade.
(This policy includes an Incomplete.)
Fees
A fee of $7.50 must be paid at the time of registration. Students must pay by Check or Money Order only, made out to STCC.
In order to have credits recorded on their transcript, students who pass the test, must bring the letter they received (with the results of their Challenge) to the cashier's office and pay a $10.00 per credit charge. This should be done within two weeks of notification. The course will then be added to the student's transcript.
ONCE A STUDENT REGISTERS FOR A TEST, IT BECOMES THE STUDENT'S RESPONSIBILITY TO CALL AND CANCEL OR RESCHEDULE AN EXAMINATION IF HE/SHE IS UNABLE TO KEEP THE APPOINTMENT. FAILURE TO DO SO WILL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THE $7.50 FEE.
STCC Challenge Exams
The following is a list of challenge exams offered for those students who have specific course knowledge and desire credit for a course without actually taking the course:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ACC-101 | Accounting I | 4 |
| ACC-102 | Accounting II | 4 |
| CET-125 | Cad for Construction | 3 |
| CIT-101 | CIT Foundations | 3 |
| CMP-106 | Computer Basics Concepts and Applications | 3 |
| CSC-100 | Introduction to Computer Science | 4 |
| CSC-101 | Computer Science I | 4 |
| CSC-111 | Computer Science II | 4 |
| CSC-210 | Introduction to Java Programing Language | 4 |
| CSC-220 | Data Structures and Algorithm | 4 |
| DRG-091 | Reading Level I | 3 |
| DRG-092 | Reading Level II | 3 |
| ECE-101 | Introduction to Early Childhood | 3 |
| ECE-110 | Child/ Growth and Development | 3 |
| ECE-140 | Young Children with Special Needs | 3 |
| ECE-170 | Infant and Toddler Care | 3 |
| ELE-110 | Electronic for Technician I | 3 |
| FRE-101 | Elementary French I | 3 |
| FRE-102 | Elementary French II | 3 |
| ITL-101 | Elementary Italian I | 3 |
| ITL-102 | Elementary Italian II | 3 |
| MED-100 | Medical Terminology | 3 |
| MAT-078 | Basic Arithmetic ( non-graduation credit) | 3 |
| MAT-087 | Elementary Algebra I (non-graduation credit) | 3 |
| MAT-097 | Elementary Algebra II ( non-graduation credit) | 3 |
| MAT-100 | Contemporary Mathematical Applications | 3 |
| MAT-122 | Applied Math I | 3 |
| MAT-101 | Math in a Modern Society I | 3 |
| MAT-115 | Statistics | 3 |
| MAT-124 | Technical Math I | 4 |
| MAT-130 | Pre-Calculus Math | 4 |
| MAT-131 | Calculus I | 4 |
| MAT-125 | Technical Math II | 4 |
| MAT-132 | Calculus II | 4 |
| MAT-233 | Calculus III | 4 |
| MAT-240 | Linear Algebra | 3 |
| MAT-255 | Differential Equations | 4 |
| OIT-100 | Basic Keyboarding Skills | 1 |
| RCH-100 | Basic Research | 1 |
| SOC-101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC-205 | Sociology of the Family | 3 |
| SPN-101 | Elementary Spanish I | 3 |
| SPN-102 | Elementary Spanish II | 3 |
A Picture ID is required to take a Challenge Exam.
Other Challenge Exams may be available on an individual basis with permission of Department Chairpersons only! If you think you might qualify, check with your advisor or Department Chairperson to see if any are available.
IMPORTANT NOTE: ONLY STUDENTS ENROLLED IN DEGREE OR CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS AT STCC CAN EARN CREDITS BY TAKING CHALLENGE EXAMS. THESE CREDITS MAY NOT TRANSFER.