Credits through Standardized Exams

Standardized exams offer a convenient and cost-effective avenue for students to acquire academic credits in various courses within their degree programs. Achievement of a minimum passing score on these exams can lead to the conferment of academic credit. This pathway allows students to potentially earn credits in subjects such as English, mathematics, business, and more.

Exams Eligible for Credit

Wilmington University acknowledges the secondary and post-secondary examination programs listed below. Each specific test undergoes scrutiny from academic departments to ascertain eligibility for credit, requisite scores, and equivalencies at WilmU. Upon approval for test credit, students may be granted credits for general education required courses, elective credits, or a combination of both. The allocation of credits and the stipulated scores are determined at the discretion of the respective department.

Equivalencies are for students who were admitted in and completed exams in the specified academic year. If you were admitted in or completed exams prior to the 2023-2024 academic year, please contact an academic advisor for historical equivalencies.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Scores & Credit: No credit is awarded for a score lower than 3.

Official Documentation: Official score reports must be sent from College Board to WilmU. To order AP score reports, contact College Board at (866) 444-5460 or via the website The College Board website. The Wilmington University’s 4-digit College Board college code is 5925.

College Level Exam Program (CLEP)

Grades & Credit: No credit is awarded for a score lower than 50. If you are a current student planning to take a CLEP exam while already earning your WilmU degree, you would receive credits based on the academic year for the date of your test.

Official Documentation: Official score reports must be sent from College Board to WilmU. To order CLEP score reports, contact CLEP/College Board at (800) 257-9558 or via the website The College Board website. Wilmington University's 4-digit College Board college code is 5925.

Dantes Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

Grades & Credit: No credit is awarded for a score lower than 400. If you are a current student planning to take a DSST exam while already earning your WilmU degree, you would receive credits based on the academic year for the date of your test.

Official Documentation: Official score reports must be sent from DSST via Parchment to WilmU. To order DSST score reports, call (877) 471-9860 or visit the DSST website. Wilmington University's 4-digit DSST college code is 7121.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Grades & Credit: Credit is awarded for Higher Level exams only. No credit is given for a grade lower than 4, but individual subjects may require a higher minimum grade.

Official Documentation: Official IB transcripts are sent directly to the University in late July or early August, and credits will post in the following 3-4 weeks.

FAQs

How much do standardized exams cost?

Please visit the provider's website for cost information.

How do I earn credit for passing an exam?

Contact an academic advisor to verify that the exam is applicable to your degree. 

Do exams affect my GPA?

No. Whether you pass or fail an exam, the exam will not positively or negatively impact your GPA.

Can I transfer my standardized exam credit to another college or university?

Students who have received credit at Wilmington University for a standardized exam should be aware that credit may not be accepted by other institutions. Students are encouraged to check with the receiving institution prior to transfer.