Waivers and Advanced Placement by Examination

The General tests of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) may be used to establish credit for students who score at or above the 60th percentile on selected CLEP tests. Credit and/or advanced placement may also be established by attaining scores of 3, 4, or 5 on selected Advanced Placement (AP) tests. Information concerning scores required for credit on specific AP tests is available in the Office of the Registrar. In addition, credit may be earned by students passing locally developed departmental proficiency examinations or writing samples.

CLEP and AP tests are available at open test centers throughout the country. Institutionally developed proficiency exams and CLEP General Exams can be taken by ONU students during summer orientation sessions. Selected CLEP subject examinations may also be arranged during the regular academic year through Olivet's Office of the Registrar.

Incoming freshmen ranking in the upper 10 percent of their graduating class, those who scored in the top 10 percent on the ACT or SAT, or students who have otherwise demonstrated excellence in certain academic areas are encouraged to consider establishing credit by such proficiency exams. The proficiency examination fee at ONU is currently $80 per CLEP test and $35 per institutionally developed test. In addition, a fee of $50 per hour of credit is charged to students receiving credit via these proficiency exams. The following tests are given during ONU summer orientations:

Students who receive credits in these areas should not take equivalent courses at ONU or elsewhere, since credit cannot be given twice for the same course. Similarly, students are not permitted to establish credit by way of proficiency exams in areas that they have already taken courses for college credit.

CLEP credit does not apply toward the international culture general education requirement at Olivet. In addition, CLEP General Exams may not be applied toward a major or minor unless so specified by that department. Teacher Education, Nursing, Science, and Math majors are advised to consult with the Registrar to determine the appropriateness of certain CLEP tests for their program. For example, Teacher Education majors must take specific courses in American history, American government, and psychology. Therefore, it is unlikely to benefit Teacher Education majors to take the CLEP Social Sciences exam. Instead, Teacher Education majors might benefit by opting to take CLEP subject examinations in American history, American government, and/or psychology. Elementary Education, Early Childhood Education majors, and Math majors do not need to take the CLEP Mathematics test.

Another example: Nursing majors generally need not take the Natural Sciences exam since the Nursing program has specific course requirements in Chemistry and Biology. The Social Sciences and History examination may be helpful in meeting the history requirement for Nursing majors, but does not substitute for the Introduction to Sociology course requirement. Questions about AP or CLEP tests should be directed to the Office of the Registrar.