Credit by Examination

Moravian University recognizes the concept of "course equivalency," which permits the University to certify the educational value of private study and other out-of-class experiences and, following appropriate evaluation by the University, enables the student to receive academic credit toward a degree. Some ways by which students may receive advanced placement and credit by examination are detailed in the following tables. A maximum of 8 course units for credit by examination, in any combination, may be applied to a Moravian University degree. 

Advanced Placement Examination

Moravian University awards credit to students who have passed at an acceptable level certain Advanced Placement Examinations taken prior to admission. Minimum scores are given below:

† The Department of Economics and Business will waive the requirement for Economics 152 upon the student's completion of both tests with a minimum score of 4.* Acceptance conditional upon departmental approval. Departments reserve the right to verify test results and to make supplemental assignments. 

International Baccalaureate

Moravian University awards credit to students who have passed any higher-level International Baccalaureate exams with a score of 5 or better (6 is the minimum required score for English language). Departments reserve the right to verify test results and to make supplemental assignments.

College Level Examination Program

Moravian University awards credit to students who have passed at an acceptable level various tests of the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), Excelsior College Examinations (formerly New York Regents College Examinations), ACT-PEP Examinations, and DSST (formerly DANTES—Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support) program. These may be taken prior to admission or after a student has enrolled at the University. Students with nontransferable coursework from other colleges may qualify for credit through CLEP and DSST examinations. Minimum scores in the various CLEP and DSST tests are given below. In some cases (indicated by ‡) a supplemental essay is required; students must attempt essays administered by Moravian University. Inquiries about credit for CLEP and DSST examinations listed below should be addressed to the associate dean for academic affairs. 

Minimum Scores for CLEP Subject Examinations

1 unit/4 credits per test

Minimum Scores for CLEP General Examinations

1 unit/4 credits per test

Note: CLEP general examinations may not be used to fulfill requirements within Learning in Common or in a student's major or minor.

* Departments reserve the right to verify test results and make supplemental assignments.

‡ essay required; students must attempt essays administered by Moravian University.

• Students who are majoring in biology, biochemistry, neuroscience, or environmental studies may not take the Natural Sciences CLEP exam.
• Students who have completed any 100-level course in biology may not take the Biology CLEP exam.
• Students who have completed any 100-level course in chemistry may not take the Chemistry CLEP exam.
• Students who are working towards a math major or minor may not take the College Mathematics CLEP exam.
• Students who have completed their F3 (foreign language) requirement may not take a CLEP in the same language in order to earn additional credit. Students who take a foreign language CLEP exam prior to completing their F3 requirement may be placed into level 105 of the same language at Moravian with a score of 50; students who earn a score of 62 or higher may be placed into level 110 of the same language. Students who subsequently earn a grade of C (not C–) or better will be awarded one unit of credit for the CLEP (without a grade) and complete their F3 requirement.

Minimum Scores for DSST Examinations

(4 credit hours awarded unless otherwise noted)

* 2 credits. 

† To receive credit at Moravian for Principles of Public Speaking, the student is required to submit on VHS-format videotape or DVD a 3-5 minute persuasive speech in addition to completing the examination at an acceptable level.

§ This test is not available to students who have completed Education 160 or its equivalent.

Proficiency Examinations

Moravian University awards credit to students who have passed at an acceptable level proficiency examinations administered by the University for certain of its courses. An "acceptable level" is normally defined as a C (or equivalent) or better. A simple passing grade (D–, for example) is not considered "acceptable" to receive credit on a proficiency examination. Individual departments reserve the right to define "acceptable" differently for the purpose of preparing a student to continue into other courses in their curriculum. Information about a proficiency examination for a specific course, an indication of the scope of the course, suggested readings, and preparation for the examination may be obtained from the appropriate department chair.

If a student decides to take one or more proficiency examinations, he or she should obtain a Proficiency Exam (Challenge Exam) Form in the Office of the Registrar and pay a fee of $85 for each examination to the Student Accounts Office. 

A student who passes a proficiency examination will be given credit for the course but no grade will be recorded. A student who fails a course may not take a proficiency examination for that course in the term immediately following the failure.

A student may not take a proficiency or challenge exam for a course the student previously has audited.