Odessa College offers students the opportunity to earn course credit through Credit by Exam (CBE) when they already possess the knowledge and skills taught in specific courses. This option is designed for students who have gained experience through prior coursework, non-traditional education, work experience, or other learning opportunities and believe they can demonstrate mastery of the course content without taking the full class.
Students interested in challenging a course for credit must contact the appropriate department to determine which courses are eligible for CBE. After completing the exam or required assessment, the Department Chair or Dean will evaluate the results and inform the student of their outcome.
Credit by Exam provides a flexible way for students to progress more quickly through their academic or technical program by receiving credit for what they already know, helping them save time and stay on track toward their educational goals.
Student Process for CBE Credit
- Contact the Department Chair, Dean, or Academic Success Coach to submit an Application for Departmental Advance Standing Examination along with any documentation.
- All appropriate departments will review and verify eligibility requirements are met.
- If application is approved, the student will pay the $ PLA fee on their student account.
- Student will receive instructions on when and where to take their exam.
- After completion of the exam, application, documentation, PLA fee receipt will be forwarded to the Vice President of Instruction for review.
- If approved, credit will be awarded through the Records Office.
If you feel that you would benefit from taking a Credit by Exam, please download the application and complete each step in the order they are listed.