Credit by exam allows you to earn college credit before you arrive on campus, which will free up time and money to pursue a double major, an additional minor, and/or a study abroad experience. In some cases, it may also allow you to finish your degree in less than four years.
First-Year Students
The University of Iowa accepts up to 30 hours of credit in some academic areas through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the Advanced Placement Program (AP), the International Baccalaureate Program (IB), and the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
- Advanced Placement Program (AP)—Iowa accepts credit for more than 30 AP exams. You can earn 3-8 semester hours (s.h.) of credit per test, depending on the subject and your score.
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)—Iowa accepts credit for several CLEP exams.
- International Baccalaureate Program (IB)—Iowa accepts credit for several IB higher level exams—depending on the subject and your score.
- General Certificate of Education (GCE)—Iowa accepts credit for many AS and A Level exams from Cambridge Assessment International Education and other providers—depending on the subject and your score.
Transfer Students
AP and CLEP scores from transfer students who have earned less than 12 semester hours of regular class credit should be sent to the university from the testing agency. Credit will be granted using the university's scoring policies. IB and GCE test scores should be sent to the Office of Admissions for evaluation.
The university will validate exam credit from transfer students who bring 12 or more semester hours of regular class credit. In this case, the university will accept CLEP or AP credit and any institutional exams granted by your previous institution.