Advanced-Standing Programs

Credit for Prior Learning

There are two ways undergraduate students enrolled at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, may establish undergraduate credit for prior learning in courses offered by the university: either through the University of Arkansas Credit for Prior Learning (see the next section), or through approved national testing programs, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Advanced Placement Program (AP), or the International Baccalaureate Program (IB).

Credit established by prior learning must be evaluated in terms of the specific program the student wishes to pursue. The decision regarding the appropriate application of such credit to a degree program will be made in each college or school. Credit established by prior learning will be applied to a degree program in the same manner as credit established in any other way. If credit is earned by examination, the mark of CR will be entered in the student’s record. Grades are not assigned.

In certain instances, however, instead of actually receiving credit in semester hours, a student may receive advanced standing and be authorized to enroll for advanced courses in the subject matter area.

Credit by examination may not be used to satisfy minimum residency requirements as established by each college or school. Credit by examination is recorded only for students currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

U of A Credit for Prior Learning Program

The following conditions apply to the departmental programs for credit by examination:

  1. The student must apply for such credit using forms available in the academic dean or department office. Permission to take the examination or submit the required assessment must be obtained from the faculty of the department offering the course. The faculty of each department is responsible for designating the courses in that department that may be challenged by examination or assessment. A list of courses designated as such is available on the University of Arkansas Registrar’s website.
  2. The appropriate department or college offering the course will design and evaluate the examination or assessment. The Office of Testing Services or an approved remote proctoring service may administer such examination or assessment if approved by the department or college offering the course.
  3. The appropriate department or college offering the course may designate non-credit course content approved by that unit and offered through Global Campus as part of the Credit for Prior Learning Program. Units may administer an examination or assessment after a student completes the non-credit course content. The student may apply for credit for such an examination or assessment after (1) having been admitted to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, (2) earning a minimum of three credit hours with a minimum 2.0 GPA, and (3) submission of a request for such credit five years from the date which they completed the examination or assessment.
  4. A passing grade on the examination or assessment must be “B” or above. A second attempt for credit for prior learning in that course will not be permitted.
  5. A fee will be assessed for course credit earned through the Credit for Prior Learning Program.

National Testing Programs

When credit by a national examination is granted, the student’s academic record will list the score used as a basis for credit as well as the type of examination used to establish credit, such as CLEP subject examination or general examination, AP examination or IB examination.

Credit is awarded on the basis of official score reports, which must be sent by the national testing service directly to the Office of the Registrar, 141 Uptown East, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR 72701.  Minimum score requirements as established by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, must be met to receive credit.