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 NumberCourse NameCredits
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
PHY-101 Technical Physics 4
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.