CLEP and PEP Exams

In selected departments, course credit by challenge examination is available on a limited basis and at the discretion of the department chairperson.  The student must file the approved form with the Office of Registrar.  Only units of CREDIT will be awarded for these examinations (No record of failures will appear on a student's transcript).  All credit awarded in this manner will be so noted on the student's transcript.  A course may only be challenged by examination once. 

Students may take externally administered standard proficiency exams, such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) from the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in those areas approved by Mount St. Mary’s College (MSMC). An original transcript/score report of exam scores from CEEB must be received by MSMC.

All units from CLEP exams are brought in as lower division units.

Credit for CLEP or PEP exams taken prior to enrolling at Mount St. Mary's College and which appear on the transcript or record from another college or university will be accepted according to the transfer of credit procedure.  If there has been no official awarding of credit, an original transcript from ACT or CEEB must be presented. 

For the Baccalaureate Degree, a maximum of 12 units* may be earned through CLEP exams in areas approved by MSMC (See list below). All units earned in this manner are held in escrow until the student has successfully completed 30 units* of course work at MSMC.

For the Associate Degree, a maximum of 8 units* of credit may be earned through CLEP exams in areas approved by MSMC (See list below). All units earned in this manner are held in escrow until the student has successfully completed 24 units* of course work at MSMC.

Students who have taken courses sponsored by the armed forces or other non-collegiate agencies may apply for an evaluation of these learning experiences. 

In some cases; in addition to earned units, students may fulfill a College General Studies requirement.

Students must earn a minimum score of 50 on any examination to receive credit by a CLEP exam.

Accepted CLEP Exams by MSMC:

• French:  Levels I & II; GS IV - 8 Units
• German:  Levels I & II; GS IV - 8 Units
• Spanish:  Levels I & II; GS IV - 8 Units
• College Composition Exam - GS I A:  6 Units
• American Literature - GS III B:  3 Units
• English Literature - GS III B:  3 Units
• Analyzing and Interpreting Literature - GS III B:  3 Units
• History of the United States I - GS III C:  3 Units
• Western Civilization I - GS III C:  3 Units
• General Psychology - GS III F:  3 Units
• Introductory Accounting - BUS 15A:  3 Units
• Introductory Business Law - BUS 5:  3 Units
• Introductory Micro & Macro Economics - GS III F:  3 Units
• Information Systems and Computer Applications - CIS I:  3 Units
• Pre-Calculus - Substitute for Placement Exam (No Credit)
• Calculus with Elementary Functions - MTH 5A, GS III E, GS VIII B:  3 Units
• Chemistry - GS III D:  4 Units
• Human Growth & Development - GS III F:  3 Units