Credit by Exam for Math Courses

Credit by Examination

To facilitate students' transition to studies at MC, the Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science Department offers credit-by-examination for MATH 182 and MATH 280. Students may also earn credit for MATH 165, MATH 181, or Math Foundation by successfully completing the CLEP exam. Students seeking credit for MATH 150, Elementary Applied Calculus I, should take the Calculus CLEP exam, which will grant credit for MATH 181. 

Credit-by-examination opportunities are exclusively for degree-seeking students at MC.

Approval Criteria

All applications for credit-by-examination require approval from the Mathematics, Statistics, and Data Science Department; approval is not guaranteed. Credit-by-examination is generally appropriate only when a student has successfully completed a similar, accredited math course elsewhere—with a grade of C- or better—but is unable to transfer the credit to MC due to a technicality. Specifically, a score of 1, 2, or 3 on an AP exam disqualifies a student from taking the credit-by-exam. Self-study is not considered acceptable preparation for the CBE. No student will be eligible to earn credit-by-examination for any course that has been attempted at Montgomery College or at any other college.

Application and Posting of Grade

The application process is as follows:

1. Consult with the Math Program Advisor: Discuss your qualifications and background with the Math Program Advisor, MathAdvising@montgomerycollege.edu, to determine your eligibility for the exam. Be prepared to provide documentation of your prior learning.
2. Advisor Approval: If your request for credit by examination is approved, the Math Program Advisor will sign the application form under "Instructor Approval."
3. Department Chair Approval: Obtain the signature of the Rockville campus Math, Statistics, and Data Science department chair on the application form after the Math Program Advisor has signed it.
4. Obtain Course Materials: Acquire the course outline and objectives for the relevant course from the Math Program Advisor.
5. Payment: Take the application form to the Cashier's Office to pay the exam fee.
6. Schedule Exam: Present the Math Program Advisor with the application form marked "Paid" and make arrangements with the Math Program Adviser as to the date and time for the examination.
7. Examination: Go to the Assessment Center to take the exam.
8. Grading and Results: The Math Program Advisor will grade the exam and notify the Office of Records and Registration of the results. These results will then be recorded on your student transcript. A grade of "P" will be recorded to indicate a passing grade (C or higher), and a grade of "U" will be recorded to indicate that the student did not pass the examination.

Preparation:

1. Exam Duration: Exams typically last two hours.
2. MATLAB: MATLAB may be included on the MATH 182 and/or MATH 280 exams.
3. Exam Restrictions: Notes, books, and smartphones are not allowed during the exam.
4. Review Materials: Students can prepare for the exam by obtaining sample exams from the Math Program Advisor.
5. Accommodations: Students requiring accommodations, must secure an accommodation letter from the DSS Office on campus. The accommodation letter must be provided when scheduling the exam if an accommodation is to be provided.

PLEASE NOTE: These arrangements should be made well in advance, as scheduling the examination depends on the availability of the Math Program Advisor. Credit-by-exam is not always offered during the summer.