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Prior Learning Assessment for Examination Credit

A and AS Levels

The Advanced Level (AL) and Advanced Subsidiary Level (ASL) are subject-based exams taken by international students. Ohio State will award credit for official results received from Cambridge International or Pearson EdExcel.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement (AP) program was created by College Board and offers college-level curricula and examinations to high school students. Students with a score of 3 or higher on an AP exam will earn college credit.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Taken during high school, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is designed to educate students from a global perspective. Students who successfully complete courses in six core subject areas earn an IB diploma. Students who do not complete all requirements can earn an IB certificate. Students with high enough scores on the IB exam at the end of a course may earn college credit.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) allows students to demonstrate prior learning and earn college credit. Exams are offered in the Testing Center to students of any age.

DSST Credit by Exam

The DSST Credit by Exam program allows students to demonstrate prior learning and earn college credit. These tests were developed by the United States Department of Defense and are available to all students.

Examination Mark (EM)

Credit by Exam allows students to earn credit toward graduation by successfully completing tests in subject areas. Two types of tests created by Ohio State are used to measure content knowledge for specific courses: Examination Mark (EM) tests and departmental exams.

Departmental Exam

Credit by Exam allows students to earn credit toward graduation by successfully completing tests in subject areas. Two types of tests created by Ohio State are used to measure content knowledge for specific courses: Examination Mark (EM) tests and Departmental Exams.

Foreign Language Exam 

All students who have taken two or more years of the same foreign language in high school must take the language placement test in that language for unconditional admission to Ohio State, whether or not they plan to continue language study. 

Foreign Language Validation

Native (or near-native) speaker of a language other than English and graduated from high school in the United States can test for Foreign Language Validation.