Demonstrating learned experience through test results
On Tuesday, May 19, CollegeSource hosted another session of the Let’s Talk Transfer community discussion series, where all transfer professionals (regardless of whether they use CollegeSource products) are invited to share their expertise and ask questions on transfer-related topics. Over 200 staff from institutions of higher education joined the discussion live.
Topic of discussion: Non-traditional transfer credit evaluation of exams
This month’s webinar kicked off a two-part discussion on credit for prior learning, this time focusing on the award of credit for performance on standardized exams. In higher education, standardized exams are structured tests through which students can demonstrate their learning and earn college credit. These exams can be taken upon completion of high school coursework, as with Advanced Placement, or separately from classes, as with the College Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Attendees at the Let’s Talk Transfer discussion on standardized exams, May 2026.
Official score reports
To receive transfer credit, students must submit official transcripts from prior colleges and universities. One attendee asked whether other institutions also require these from the testing organization (such as the College Board) or if they are willing to award credit for examinations documented on another college’s transcript. Most respondents noted requiring official transcripts. One attendee shared that they do accept CLEP and DSST examination results when listed on a Joint Services Transcript (JST), however. Outside of policy reasons, it was noted that exam scores are not generally documented on the transfer institution’s transcript, which would make it challenging to accurately award the student credit for their achievement.
Limits on credits awards
Attendees went on to discuss whether their institutions imposed limits on the amount of credit a student could receive from standardized examinations. While many attendees pointed to their residency requirement as the only limit, several noted that their institution set a limit on the number of credits earned (e.g., 30) or on the percentage that could be applied to a degree.
Those whose institutions limited the award of credit pointed to reasons such as licensure requirements or the timing of the exam in the student’s educational journey. Others noted unclear reasons for these limits and a desire to reexamine policy to better recognize students’ learned experience.
It was noted that higher education has come a long way in recognizing alternative forms of learning as viable means to earn academic credit. Many institutions’ policies may have been crafted at a time when there was greater skepticism about learning outside the classroom or about proctored demonstrations of learning. Overall, it was inspiring to see that institutions are largely accepting of standardized exams and willing to award students credit for their achievements.
Breakout rooms
Following the group discussion, attendees headed into smaller breakout rooms hosted by the CollegeSource Client Advisory Board and CollegeSource staff to continue to discuss the following topics:
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- CLEP & DSST
- International Baccalaureate (IB)
- Other examinations
Watch the recording
Register now to access the May 2026 recording, including the transcript, chat log, and breakout session recordings.
Upon accessing the recording, please see the sidebar transcript for the link to view breakout videos.
Join us again in July
The next Let’s Talk Transfer will take place on July 21 and will continue our discussion of non-traditional transfer credit evaluation. Please join us as we discuss credit for prior learning through portfolio assessments and the evaluation of workplace training and certifications.
If you previously registered for the series, the Zoom link provided can be used to access this session. If you haven’t yet registered, see the link below. Recordings will be available for those unable to attend.
Call for topics and speakers
Tim and Sarah are looking to you to help shape the Let’s Talk Transfer series. We invite you to suggest a topic for discussion or volunteer to be a guest speaker and share your experience.
We look forward to chatting with you soon.
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