Credit By Examination

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), DSST and NKU’s own Credit for Prior Learning Examination (CPLE) at Northern Kentucky University gives students the opportunity to receive college credit by earning qualifying scores on any of the CLEP, DSST or CPLE examinations. Students can earn credit for knowledge they have acquired through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job- training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships.

Take a Credit-By-Exam and save TIME and MONEY on your college degree!

Earn Free College Credit with Modern States

Modern States Education Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to making college affordable and attainable, offers free online courses in all CLEP subjects. Modern States is paying the CLEP exam fee and scheduling fee for students who enroll in the courses and take the exams. Get started today!

CLEP
CLEP (The College-Level Examination Program) is a National program of credit-by-examination sponsored by the College Board. These examinations may be taken at Northern Kentucky University. Credit may be earned through general and/or subject examinations. The University is a recognized CLEP testing center; therefore testing can be applicable to other institutions that accept CLEP scores. NKU Testing Services welcomes NKU students AND non-NKU students.

DSST
NKU Testing Services is a registered Testing Site for DSST exams. Community members are welcome to take DSST exams at NKU and have their scores transferred to other institutions at no additional cost.

CPLE
NKU faculty members have provided a unique opportunity for students wishing to receive credit for what they already have learned. Credit for Prior Learning Examinations (CPLE) are available for currently enrolled NKU students. The exams listed below are available to take and a grade of pass (P) will be assigned for the successful passage of a CPLE examination. Awarded CPLE credit will not replace any prior earned class credit.

NKU General Education Requirements

All undergraduate students are required to complete the Foundation of Knowledge General Education Requirements. These courses help students become well-rounded and knowledgable in different academic areas. Help satisfy NKU's General Education categories by taking a Credit-by-Exam with Testing Services!

Credit-by-Exam Degree Checklist