• Lauren / Purdue Global '20
  • Lauren / Purdue Global '20

Credit By Exam and Course

Standard exams and open provider courses can offer a path to college credit
at Purdue Global. Learn what credit you might be eligible for.

Purdue Global recognizes standard exams and courses that offer students a straightforward pathway to credit for learning they already possess or are interested in obtaining on their own outside of a Purdue Global classroom. Through the recommendations made by the American Council on Education (ACE) and similar organizations, standard exams and courses can help you earn credit toward a degree you can trust from Purdue Global. 

Open Provider
Courses

You can earn college credit for American Council on Education (ACE) recommended courses offered by partners like Sophia, Saylor, and StraighterLine.

These providers offer online, self-paced, open-access courses that can help you satisfy requirements for your Purdue Global degree. 

Open Courses
External Exams

Accelerate your progress toward a Purdue Global degree by using external learning and assessment opportunities to earn college credit and help you graduate sooner.

With credit from learning sources like Advanced Placement® (AP) and College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP), you may already be eligible for college credit at Purdue Global.

Exams
Assessments of Skills and Knowledge

Use the knowledge and skills that you already have to pass assessments and earn college credit.

You can complete an Assessment of Skills and Knowledge (ASK) directly through Purdue Global to test out of eligible requirements on your degree plan. 

Assessments

Open Provider Course Partners

Learn new college course material from the course providers below. Open provider courses are eligible to transfer if they have been recommended for college credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). Contact an Advisor today to learn more about which Purdue Global requirements can be fulfilled by open provider course options. To view more information about partner courses, click on the links below. 

  • Sophia

    Review the chart below for information about the most popular Sophia courses accepted for credit at Purdue Global. Credit may vary based on the version of the course completed.

    Course Code Course Name Purdue Global Code Purdue Global Name
    PHIL1002 Introduction to Ethics HU245 Ethics
    CA1001 College Algebra MM212 College Algebra
    ENVS1001 Environmental Science SC225 Environmental Science
    FIN1001 Principles of Finance MT217 Finance
    ECON1002 Microeconomics BU224 Microeconomics
    BUSI1010 Financial Accounting AC114 Accounting I
    STAT1001 Introduction to Statistics MM207 Statistics
    ENG1001 English Composition I CM107 OR CM220 College Composition I OR College Composition II
    HUMBIO1001 Human Biology SC235 Human Biology
    ECON1001 Macroeconomics BU204 Macroeconomics

  • StraighterLine

    Review the chart below for information about the most popular StraighterLine courses accepted for credit at Purdue Global. Credit may vary based on the version of the course completed.

    Course Code Course Name Purdue Global Code Purdue Global Name
    MEDTERM101 Medical Terminology HS111 Medical Terminology
    MAT101 College Algebra MM212 College Algebra
    PHARM103 Pharmacology HS140 Pharmacology
    ENG102 English Composition II CM107 OR CM220 College Composition I OR College Composition II
    ENG101 English Composition I CM107 OR CM220 College Composition I OR College Composition II
    POLS101 American Government SS236 American Government
    COM101 Introduction to Communications CM206 Interpersonal Communications
    PSY101 Introduction to Psychology PS124 Introduction to Psychology
    NUTRI101 Introduction to Nutrition SC115 Principles of Nutrition

  • Saylor

    Review the chart below for information about the most popular Saylor courses accepted for credit at Purdue Global. Credit may vary based on the version of the course completed.

    Course Code Course Name Purdue Global Code Purdue Global Name
    PSYCH101 Introduction to Psychology PS124 Introduction to Psychology
    BIO101 Introduction to Molecular and Cellular Biology SC235 Human Biology
    BUS206 Management Information Systems IT4.5L Information Technology Elective - Lower Level
    SOC101 Introduction to Sociology SS144 Sociology

Purdue Global does not guarantee credit from any of these sources. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

Standard External Exams

Exams completed outside of Purdue Global offer an opportunity to earn credit for subjects you have mastered. External exams test skills and knowledge acquired from many sources, including on the job, from life experience, and from military training. As a student, you may qualify for credit from the following:


Credit may be awarded for each eligible exam in which you meet the recommended minimum score (or higher) as long as it meets your program’s guidelines and course outcomes. Official results of standardized exams must be received by the University Office of the Registrar prior to your final term in order to receive credit. For more information about these and other exam opportunities, please contact an Advisor.

  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

    CLEP exams are liberal arts and business subject tests offered by the College Board and proctored at sites across the nation. Visit the College Board website or call 800-257-9558 (Toll Free) for testing information. The Purdue Global CLEP code is 8633.

    Review the chart below for information about the CLEP exams generally accepted for credit at Purdue Global when completed with a sufficient score (typically a 50 or higher). Credit may vary based on the version of the exam completed and the score earned.

    CLEP Exam Purdue Global Course Match Quarter Credits
    American Government SS236 American Government 5
    American Literature 100/200 Humanities Elective 5*
    Analyzing and Interpreting Literature 100/200 Humanities Elective 5*
    Biology SC235 Human Biology and100/200 Life Science Elective 9
    Calculus 100/200 Mathematics Elective 5*
    Calculus With Elementary Functions 100/200 Mathematics Elective 9
    Chemistry SC156 Principles of Chemistry and 100/200 Chemistry Elective 9
    College Algebra - Trigonometry 100/200 Mathematics Elective 5
    College Algebra MM212 College Algebra 5
    College Composition CM107 College Composition I and CM220 College Composition II 10
    College Composition Modular CM107 College Composition I 5
    College Mathematics MM150 Survey of Mathematics and 100/200 Mathematics Elective 9
    English Composition CM107 College Composition I and 100/200 Communications Elective 9
    English Literature 100/200 Humanities Elective 5*
    Financial Accounting AC114 Accounting I and (Waiver) AC116 Accounting II 5
    French Language 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    Freshman College Composition CM107 College Composition I and CM220 College Composition II 10
    German Language 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Human Growth and Development 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Humanities 100/200 Humanities Elective 5*
    Information Systems 100/200 Information Technology Elective 5*
    Introduction to Educational Psychology 100/200 Psychology Elective 5
    Introductory Business Law 100/200 Legal Studies Elective or 100/200 Business Elective 5
    Introductory Psychology PS124 Introduction to Psychology 5*
    Introductory Sociology SS144 Sociology 5
    Natural Sciences 100/200 Science Elective 9
    Precalculus 100/200 Mathematics Elective 5
    Principles of Accounting AC114 Accounting I and AC116 Accounting II 10
    Principles of Macroeconomics BU204 Macroeconomics 5
    Principles of Management MT140 Introduction to Management 5
    Principles of Marketing MT219 Marketing 5
    Principles of Microeconomics BU224 Microeconomics 5
    Social Science and History 100/200 Social Science Elective 9
    Spanish Language 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    Spanish With Writing 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    Trigonometry 100/200 Mathematics Elective 5
    Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present 100/200 Social Science Elective 5

    *Additional credit may be available based on the version of the exam completed and the score earned.Review the CLEP Scores and Transcripts page to learn more about CLEP exams and obtain transcripts of your scores.

  • Advanced Placement (AP) Program

    The AP program is a series of college-level examinations administered to high school juniors and seniors.For more information about AP exams, visit the College Board website or call 800-257-9558 (Toll Free). The Purdue Global AP code is 5848.

    Review the chart below for information about AP exams generally accepted for credit at Purdue Global when completed with a sufficient score (typically a 3 or higher). Credit may vary based on the version of the exam completed and the score earned.

    Exam Purdue Global Course Match Quarter Credits
    Art History 100/200 Humanities Elective 9
    Art: Studio 100/200 Humanities Elective 9
    Biology SC235 Human Biology and 100/200 Life Science Elective 12
    Calculus AB 100/200 Mathematics Elective 6
    Calculus BC 100/200 Mathematics Elective 12
    Chemistry SC156 Principles of Chemistry and 100/200 Chemistry Elective 12
    Chinese Language and Culture 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    Computer Science A 100/200 Information Technology Elective 5
    Computer Science AB 100/200 Information Technology Elective 12
    English Language and Composition CM107 College Composition I and CM220 College Composition II 10
    English Literature and Composition 100/200 Humanities Elective 9
    Environmental Science SC225 Environmental Science - Ecosystems, Resources, and Carbon Footprints 5
    European History 100/200 Social Science Elective 9
    French Language 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    French Literature 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    German Language 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    Government and Politics: Comparative 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Government and Politics: United States SS236 American Government 5
    Human Geography 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Italian Language and Culture 100/200 Humanities Elective 12*
    Japanese Language and Culture 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    Latin 100/200 Humanities Elective 12*
    Latin: Vergil 100/200 Humanities Elective 12
    Macroeconomics BU204 Macroeconomics 5
    Microeconomics BU224 Microeconomics 5
    Music Theory 100/200 Humanities Elective 5*
    Physics 1 100/200 Science Elective 6
    Physics 2: Algebra Based 100/200 Science Elective 6
    Physics B 100/200 Science Elective 12
    Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism 100/200 Science Elective 6
    Physics C: Mechanics 100/200 Science Elective 6
    Precalculus 100/200 Mathematics Elective 6
    Psychology PS124 Introduction to Psychology 5
    Research CM107 College Composition I 5*
    Seminar CM107 College Composition I 5*
    Spanish Language and Culture 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    Spanish Literature and Culture 100/200 Humanities Elective 9*
    Statistics MM207 Statistics 5
    United States History 100/200 Social Science Elective 9
    World History 100/200 Social Science Elective 9

    Read the Grade Reporting Services page to find out how to send your AP score report to Purdue Global.

    *Additional credit may be available based on the version of the exam completed and the score earned.

  • DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

    The DSST program is a nationally recognized credit by examination program developed by the Chauncey Group International, a subsidiary of the Educational Testing Service. Over 35 DSST exams are available to military and nonmilitary students in the areas of business, physical sciences, humanities, social sciences, and applied technology.

    Review the chart below for information about the DSST exams generally accepted for credit at Purdue Global when completed with a sufficient score (typically a 400 or higher). Contact your Advisor for more information about these and other DSST exams.

    Exam Purdue Global Course Match Quarter Credits
    A History of the Vietnam War 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Art of the Western World 100/200 Humanities Elective 5
    Astronomy 100/200 Science Elective 5
    Business Ethics and Society 100/200 Legal Studies Elective 5*
    Business Law II LS311 Business Law 6
    Business Mathematics MM255 Business Math and Statistical Measures 5
    Computing and Information Technology IT190 Information Technology Concepts 5*
    Criminal Justice CJ101 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System 5*
    Environmental Science SC225 Environmental Science - Ecosystems, Resources, and Carbon Footprints 5
    Ethics in America HU245 Ethics 5
    Ethics in Technology 100/200 Humanities Elective 5
    Foundations of Education 100/200 Early Childhood Elective 5
    Fundamentals of College Algebra MM212 College Algebra 5
    Fundamentals of Counseling 100/200 Human Services Elective 5
    Fundamentals of Cybersecurity IT104 Introduction to Cybersecurity 5
    General Anthropology 100/200 Social Science Elective or 100/200 Humanities Elective 5
    Health and Human Development 100/200 Health Science Elective 5*
    History of the Soviet Union 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Human Resource Management MT203 Human Resource Management 5
    Human/Cultural Geography 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Introduction to Business 100/200 Business Elective 5
    Introduction to Geography 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Introduction to Geology 100/200 Science Elective 5
    Introduction to Law Enforcement CJ101 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System 5
    Introduction to Modern Middle East 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Introduction to World Religions 100/200 Humanities Elective 5*
    Introductory College Algebra MM212 College Algebra 5
    Lifespan Developmental Psychology 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    Management Information Systems IT190 Information Technology Concepts 5
    Math for Liberal Arts 100/200 Mathematics Elective 5
    Money and Banking 300/400 Business Elective 5
    Organizational Behavior 100/200 Business Elective 5
    Personal Finance MT104 Personal Financial Management 5
    Principles of Advanced English Composition CM220 College Composition II 5
    Principles of Finance MT217 Finance 5
    Principles of Financial Accounting AC114 Accounting I 5
    Principles of Physical Science I 100/200 Science Elective 5
    Principles of Public Speaking CM214 Public Speaking for the Professional 5
    Principles of Statistics MM207 Statistics 5
    Principles of Supervision MT140 Introduction to Management 5
    Substance Abuse 100/200 Psychology Elective 5*
    Technical Writing CM240 Technical Communication 5
    The Civil War and Reconstruction 100/200 Social Science Elective 5

    *Additional credit may be available based on the version of the exam completed and the score earned. Learn more about DSST requirements and testing procedures at the DSST website. You also may call DSST at 877-471-9860 (Toll Free).

  • Cambridge International

    Cambridge International exams prepare learners for university study. These exams are used by students and institutions around the world to measure subject mastery.

    Review the chart below for information about Cambridge International exams generally accepted for credit at Purdue Global when passed with a grade of A*–E. Credit may vary based on the version of the exam completed.

    Exam Purdue Global Course Match Quarter Credits
    Biology (AS) SC235 Human Biology 5
    Biology (A) SC235 Human Biology and 100/200 Life Science Elective 10
    Chemistry (AS) SC156 Principles of Chemistry 5
    Chemistry (A) SC156 Principles of Chemistry and 100/200 Chemistry Elective 10
    English General Paper (AS) CM107 College Composition I 5
    English General Paper (A) CM107 College Composition I and 100/200 Communication Elective 10
    English Language (AS) CM107 College Composition I or CM220 College Composition II 5
    English Language (A) CM107 College Composition I and CM220 College Composition II 10
    History (AS) 100/200 Social Science Elective 5
    History (A) 100/200 Social Science Elective 10
    Literature in English (AS) 100/200 Humanities Elective 5
    Literature in English (A) 100/200 Humanities Elective 10
    Marine Science (AS) 100/200 Life Science Elective 5
    Marine Science (A) 100/200 Life Science Elective 10
    Psychology (AS) PS124 Introduction to Psychology 5
    Psychology (A) PS124 Introduction to Psychology and 100/200 Psychology Elective 10
    Sociology (AS) SS144 Sociology 5
    Sociology (A) SS144 Sociology and 100/200 Social Science Elective 10
    Spanish (AS) 100/200 Humanities Elective 5
    Spanish (A) 100/200 Humanities Elective 10
    Spanish Language (AS) 100/200 Humanities Elective 5
    Spanish Language (A) 100/200 Humanities Elective 10
    Spanish Literature (AS) 100/200 Humanities Elective 5
    Spanish Literature (A) 100/200 Humanities Elective 10

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

    The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme includes a series of assessments typically administered to high school students. For more information about IB exams visit the IB website.

    Review the chart below for information about International Baccalaureate exams generally accepted for credit at Purdue Global when passed with a score of five or higher. Credit may vary based on the version of the exam completed.

    Exam Purdue Global Course Match Quarter Credits
    Biology SL SC235 Human Biology 5
    Biology HL SC235 Human Biology and 100/200 Level Life Science Elective 10
    Business Management SL 100/200 Level Management Elective 5
    Business Management HL 100/200 Level Management Elective 10
    Chemistry SL SC156 Principles of Chemistry 5
    Chemistry HL SC156 Principles of Chemistry and 100/200 Level Chemistry Elective 10
    Chinese B: Cantonese SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    Chinese B: Cantonese HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Chinese B: Mandarin SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    Chinese B: Mandarin HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Computer Science SL 100/200 Level Information Technology Elective 5
    Computer Science HL 100/200 Level Information Technology Elective 10
    Design Technology SL 100/200 Level Information Technology Elective 5
    Design Technology HL 100/200 Level Information Technology Elective 10
    Digital Society SL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 5
    Digital Society HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    Economics SL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 5
    Economics HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    English A: Language and Literature SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    English A: Language and Literature HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    English A: Literature SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    English A: Literature HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Environmental Systems and Societies SL 100/200 Level Science Elective 5
    French AB SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    French AB HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    French B HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Geography SL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 5
    Geography HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    German AB SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    German B SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    German B HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Global Politics SL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 5
    Global Politics HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    History Africa and Middle East HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    History Americas HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    History Asia and Oceania HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    History of Europe HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    Japanese AB SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    Japanese B HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Korean A HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL 100/200 Level Mathematics Elective 5
    Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches HL 100/200 Level Mathematics Elective 10
    Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation SL 100/200 Level Mathematics Elective 5
    Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation HL 100/200 Level Mathematics Elective 10
    Philosophy SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    Philosophy HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Physics SL 100/200 Level Science Elective 5
    Physics HL 100/200 Level Science Elective 10
    Psychology SL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 5
    Psychology HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    Social and Cultural Anthropology SL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 5
    Social and Cultural Anthropology HL 100/200 Level Social Science Elective 10
    Spanish AB SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    Spanish B SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5
    Spanish B HL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 10
    Sports, Exercise and Health Science SL 100/200 Level Health and Wellness Elective 5
    Sports, Exercise and Health Science HL 100/200 Level Health and Wellness Elective 10
    Theatre SL 100/200 Level Arts Elective 5
    Theatre HL 100/200 Level Arts Elective 10
    Visual Arts SL 100/200 Level Arts Elective 5
    Visual Arts HL 100/200 Level Arts Elective 10
    World Religions SL 100/200 Level Humanities Elective 5

Purdue Global Assessments of Skills and Knowledge (ASKs)

Earn Credit for What You Already Know: Just ASK

You can demonstrate proficiency in the learning outcomes of specific Purdue Global courses by passing a comprehensive assessment, which is similar to a college equivalency exam. Purdue Global Assessments of Skills and Knowledge, also known as "ASKs" can be used to waive prerequisites, determine class placement, and earn college credit.

Undergraduate students can test out of a Purdue Global course by completing an exam or project-based assessment and earning a sufficient score. In addition, students enrolled in the following graduate programs may apply ASK credit toward select courses:

Not all courses provide an ASK option. Enrolled students have one attempt to take an ASK and they pay a nonrefundable fee of $100.00 per ASK. Official results of an ASK, as reviewed for credit by faculty, must be received by the Office of the Registrar prior to your final term.

Available Assessments of Skills and Knowledge

  • Business

    Accounting (AC)

    AC114X: Accounting

    Graduate Business (GB)

    GB512X: Business Communications

    GB513X: Business Analytics

    Management (MT)

    MT140X: Introduction to Management

    MT302X: Organizational Behavior

    MT340X: Conflict Management and Team Dynamics

    MT361X: Foundations of Real Estate Practice

    MT431X: Real Estate Finance and Ethics

  • Childhood Education

    Childhood Education (CE)

    CE100X: Preparing for a Career in Early Childhood Development

    CE101X: Introduction to Early Childhood Education

    CE114X: Early Childhood Development

  • Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

    Criminal Justice (CJ)

    CJ100X: Preparing for a Career in Public Safety

    CJ307X: Crisis Management in Terrorist Attacks and Disasters

    Legal Studies (LS)

    LS100X: Introduction to Law and the Legal Profession

    LS305X: Constitutional Law

    LS311X: Business Law

  • Communication and Professional Studies

    Communication and Composition (CM)

    CM107X: College Composition I

    CM206X: Interpersonal Communications

    CM214X: Public Speaking for the Professional

    CM220X: College Composition II

    CM305X: Communicating in a Diverse Society

    CM310X: Communication and Conflict

    CM313X: Digital Tools and Society

    CM315X: Group Dynamics and Team Building

    CM460X: Strategic Communication

    Professional Studies (PS)

    CS113X: Academic Strategies for the Business Professional

    CS126X: Academic Strategies for the Military Professional

    CS212X: Communicating Professionalism

    PR150X: You and Professional Studies — Creating Pathways to Success

  • Health Sciences

    Health Sciences (HS)

    HS101X: Medical Law and Bioethics

    HS111X: Medical Terminology

    HS140X: Pharmacology

    HS200X: Diseases of the Human Body

    HS230X: Health Care Administration

    HS315X: Practicing Public Health

    HS340X: Epidemiology

    HS410X: Organization and Management for Health Care

  • Information Technology

    Information Technology (IN/IT)

    IN203X: Networking With Microsoft Technologies

    IN205X: Routing and Switching I

    IT117X: Website Development

    IT133X: Microsoft Office Applications on Demand

    IT153X: Spreadsheet Applications

    IT163X: Database Concepts Using Microsoft Access

    IT190X: Information Technology Concepts

    IT273X: Networking Concepts

    IT275X: Linux System Administration

    IT286X: Network Security Concepts

    IT301X: Project Management I

    IT302X: Human-Computer Interaction

    IT303X: Virtualization and Cloud Security

    IT391X: Advanced Software Development Including Web and Mobility

    IT460X: Systems Analysis and Design

    IT484X: Cybersecurity Policies

    IT504X: Managing Information Technology in a Business Environment

    IT530X: Computer Networks

    IT537X: Introduction to Cybersecurity

  • Math and Science

    Mathematics (MM)

    MM150X: Survey of Mathematics

    MM207X: Statistics

    MM212X: College Algebra

    MM250X: Discrete Mathematics

    MM305X: Business Statistics and Quantitative Analysis

    Science (SC)

    SC121X: Anatomy and Physiology I

    SC131X: Anatomy and Physiology II

    SC225X: Environmental Science

    SC235X: General Biology I: Human Perspectives

    SC246X: Microbiology

    SC250X: Fundamentals of Science

    SC320X: Microbiology for Health Professionals

    SC415X: Environmental Health

  • Humanities, Liberal Studies, Social Science

    Humanities (HU)

    HU200X: Arts and Humanities—Modern Creative Expressions

    HU245X: Ethics

    HU320X: Culture—Religion and Identity

    HU345X: Critical Thinking

    Liberal Studies (LI)

    LI410X: Leadership in Practice

    Social Science (SS)

    SS236X: American Government

    SS260X: Gender and Society

    SS360X: American Women

    SS368X: Social Perspectives on Death and Dying

More Ways to Earn Credit

Purdue Global offers several pathways by which you may earn experiential learning credit, allowing you to finish your degree faster.

College ExperienceWork and Life ExperienceMilitary ExperienceTraining and Certifications