Getting Credit Before College: How to Start Earning Now

Advanced Placement (AP) Courses

AP tests are administered by The College Board, the same company that offers the SAT. Many colleges and universities give you credits toward your degree, advanced placement (the ability to skip lower-level classes), or both if you have high AP scores.

Similar to standardized tests like the SAT, AP tests cover specific subjects and focus on college-level material. The AP courses that are available vary by school, but you may be able to take AP biology, chemistry, psychology, computer science, statistics, or art. After you complete the course, you’ll take the AP test on a designated day in May. The test will be scored on a scale of 1 to 5. Many schools award credit if you score a four or five. Each AP test costs $95, though some school districts cover this cost.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The CLEP is also administered by The College Board. These exams enable you to get credit for first- and second-year college-level content you already know. You can choose from 34 exams and five academic subject areas, including composition and literature, world languages, history and social sciences, science and mathematics, and business. So if you’re already fluent in Spanish, French, or German; extremely well read in English or American literature; knowledgeable about American government, U.S. History, Western Civilization, biology, chemistry, or natural science; or skilled in accounting or marketing, the CLEP test may be a good match for you.

With each CLEP exam you pass, you’ll earn three or more credits toward your degree. Bear in mind, however, that the credits are not guaranteed; some colleges are more apt to grant credits for CLEP than others. Each exam costs $89.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program

IB offers learners four types of programs that provide advanced, internationally focused studies to meet the demands of a globalizing world. High school students qualify for the Diploma Programme, designed for 16-19 year olds, to earn college credit.

Similar to AP classes, you’ll take IB classes through your high school. IB programs aren’t available at every school, so talk to your guidance counselor or use the program locator to find out if your school or district participates. Students earn credit by passing exams as they complete IB coursework. Many colleges and universities award credits for high school students who have competitive IB exam scores or who have completed the Diploma Programme sequence. IB tests are given each year in May and November.

High School/College Dual Enrollment

Dual enrollment means that you’ll get credit on both your high school and college transcripts for taking particular classes. These courses may be offered at your high school, but it’s more likely that you’ll coordinate with your high school guidance counselor and schedule classes at a community college or local university. To avoid any surprises, be sure that the dual enrollment courses will satisfy your high school curriculum requirements. Not every four-year college will accept these credits, but typically state schools accept credits from community colleges. Other credits will be accepted on a case-by-case basis. If you know which college you plan to attend, contact your admissions representative for guidance on dual enrollment and transferable credits.

Summer College

Many colleges and universities host summer college programs, sometimes referred to as pre-college programs, for ambitious high school students. This is a great opportunity for students to explore their academic interests, find out what it’s like to attend a college (on campus or online), and experience a course with a college professor. Most programs include college credit for completing summer classes. Credits are typically recognized at that institution or are transferrable to many other colleges and universities. Cornell University, for example, offers the Precollege Studies program. About 95% of the classes are taught by Cornell faculty members. Approximately 1,500 students attend the summer program each year. With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Cornell is offering its summer courses online for 2021.

Academic Portfolio

Many schools offer a portfolio assessment program to award nontraditional students college credit for significant life or work experience that’s relevant to their degree. (Check out these examples at Bowling Green State University and McNeese State University.) Portfolio assessments can include volunteer experience, work-related training, or work experience. It’s possible to earn about 30 credits. Each school will have its own portfolio assessment criteria, so be sure to follow your institution’s expectations and policies when submitting your materials for review.

Competency-Based Education (CBE)

CBE is based on students’ mastery of material and relies on assessments administered through the school. As opposed to time-based systems that award students credits based on an hour-value per course, CBE takes into account that students enter the classroom with differing levels of knowledge and that some progress faster based on previous education and life experience.

Colleges and universities may offer a CBE education model like this one at Brandman University, which is self-paced and customized, based on the student’s assessments. CBE courses are usually online, making the programs more flexible and oftentimes more affordable than traditional courses. Check out Rasmussen College’s CBE guide for helpful info.

DSST Standardized Subject Tests

Originally designed for military personnel, DSST prior learning exams offer nontraditional students an easy and quick way to earn college credit. Students choose from 38 exams in traditional subjects including social science, business, humanities, math, physical science, and technology. Many schools allow you to transfer up to 30 credits toward your degree. These credits are typically used to fulfill general education requirements but, depending on your major, some classes may qualify as substitutes for classes required in your major. Be sure to check with your college or university for specific DSST requirements. You’ll find exam preparation materials for the DSST through Prometric and Peterson’s. Each exam costs $85 and can be taken in person or through an online system with a proctor.

Excelsior College Credit by Exam

Excelsior College helps remote and nontraditional learners finish their degrees more quickly by offering widely transferable credits through its credit-by-exam program. After being accepted as an Excelsior online learner, you’ll be able to take specific exams to earn undergraduate college credit in areas including business, humanities, education, natural sciences, math, social sciences, technology, and more. Instead of taking a traditional class, Excelsior’s program provides study materials in a specific subject that you work through on your own. When you’re ready to take an exam for credit, Excelsior helps you schedule the test at a Pearson VUE test center. Thousands of colleges and universities accept these credits.

Military Credits

If you have military experience, you may be able to earn college credit toward a bachelor’s degree. Both veterans and active-duty members may be eligible. Each college or university has its own guidelines regarding college credit for military training, so be sure to check with your institution about the specifics. Many schools have a dedicated website for learners with military experience. To be considered for credits, you will need your military transcript that clearly outlines your work experience, any courses you’ve completed that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE), and test scores for the CLEP or DSST. Request your military transcripts from either Joint Service Transcript or the Community College of the Air Force, depending on your experience.