Credit by Examination

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Student sitting at computer

Students can choose to take or may have already taken select exams or tests that can qualify them for college credit without taking a college class.

Students should keep in mind there is typically a cost per exam, and each exam has a minimum or specific score that must be met to earn college credit.

Click each tab below to learn about exams and subject areas, along with minimum or specific scores Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) will review and accept.

AP

High school students can choose to take or may have taken Advanced Placement (AP) courses. At the end of the AP course, an exam can be taken to determine whether college credit can be awarded for the completed course. Students must earn a minimum test score per subject to earn college credit. 

Students who complete an AP exam can request their test scores be sent to Central Ohio Technical College (COTC) through the College Board website. Some high schools will indicate AP test scores on a high school transcript. Students can check with their high school to see if they need to request an AP test score be sent to COTC.

CLEP

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is available to any student and provides an opportunity for students to test out of entry level college courses in select subject areas. Military members may be eligible to take CLEP exams at no cost through their educational benefits. 

Review the COTC CLEP Exam Chart to learn what minimum test score is needed in which subject areas.

Students who complete a CLEP exam should request test score(s) be sent to COTC for review to be awarded credit. Test scores can be sent electronically from CLEP to COTC at cotcrecords@mail.cotc.edu. 

DSST

DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) are available to any student and provide an opportunity for students to test out of entry level college courses. DANTES provides upfront funding of DSST test fees, for the first attempt on all exam titles, for eligible military members. Military members can visit a Department of Defense (DoD) webpage to review eligibility.  

Review the COTC DSST Exam Chart to learn what score is needed to earn college credit for select courses.

Students who complete a DSST exam should submit test score(s) to COTC for review to be awarded credit. Test scores be sent electronically from DSST to COTC at cotcrecords@mail.cotc.edu. 

IB

International Baccalaureate (IB) exams can be taken to earn college credit.

COTC accepts IB scores in the subject areas of math and English. Review the IB Exam Chart to see which college-level math and English course COTC will award credit for based on a minimum IB exam score.

Students who have completed an IB exam should request test score(s) be sent to COTC for review to be awarded credit. Test scores can be sent from IB electronically to COTC at cotcrecords@mail.cotc.edu.