- Mission and Vision
- About the Campus
- Degree Programs
- Undergraduate
- General Policies and Frequently Asked Questions
- Alternative Ways to Earn Credits
- Honors Program
- B.G.S. - Bachelor of General Studies
- B.A. in Communication Studies
- B.A. in History
- B.A. in English
- B.A. in Psychology
- B.S. in Human Development and Family Studies
- B.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science (Biotechnology Manufacturing)
- Graduate
- Graduate Professional Center
- M.A. in Adult Education
- M.B.A. (Business Administration)
- M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science (Biotechnology)
- M.S. in Clinical Laboratory Science (Cytopathology)
- M.A. in Communication Studies
- M.L.I.S. (Library and Information Studies)
- M.S. in Labor Relations and Human Resources
- M.P.A. (Public Administration)
- Undergraduate
- Certificate and
Non-credit Programs - Course/Registration
- Student Resources
- Research and
Academic Centers - Faculty and Staff
- Quick Links
• Contact Us
• Course Schedules
• Directions
• Directories
• Enrollment Services
• Library
• Request e-Newsletter
• Sakai Login
• Site Maps
• Tuition and Fees
• URI Homepage
• URI Webmail
• Veterans Services
Alternative Ways to Earn Credits
At the Alan Shawn Feinstein College of Continuing Education, there are many ways to earn credit towards your degree program. Many adults take advantage of one or more of these methods to augment the credits earned in traditional college courses. In addition, many students also take courses over the web to use in their degree plans.
What are alternate ways to earn college credit?
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams
- Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
- Job-Related Credit
- Challenge Exams
College Level Examination Program Exams (CLEP) - Frequently
Asked Questions
What are CLEP Exams?
You can take examinations in a wide variety of topics to earn credit towards your degree. These exams cover material usually taught in the first two years of a bachelor's degree program. Most exams cover approximately one semester of material, although there are some exams that cover 6 credits worth of material.
Why take CLEP exams?
Shorten time for degree
Earn credit for what you know
Save money
How do I earn credit by taking a CLEP exam?
If you earn a satisfactory score on the exam (as determined by the University of Rhode Island), you will earn credits for the course associated with that exam. The courses are computer-based, although no prior computer experience is necessary to take them. The scores are generated immediately after the end of the exam, so you will know whether you have achieved the minimum score required to earn credit.
How many credits can I earn through CLEP exams?
The General CLEP exams can earn you a maximum of 30 credits (if you pass all 5 general examinations). Additional credits can be earned through the Subject exams. Consult your academic advisor.
Should I study for a CLEP exam?
For the General CLEP exams,
generally no. However,
talk to the CLEP Advisor for more specific advice. Call
401-277-5160.
For the Subject CLEP exams, you might obtain a copy
of the textbook used by your college for the corresponding
course. Or use the CLEP Official Study Guide.
When should I take CLEP exams?
You must take the General CLEP exams before you accumulate
more than 45 credits.
Subject CLEPS can be taken at any time during a student's
academic career.
How do I contact the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)?
CLEP On line at: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html
At URI - call 277-5160 to make an appointment with
the CLEP advisor.
Return to Alternative Credit Headings
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) - Frequently Asked Questions
What is prior learning assessment? (PLA)
The ability to earn credit for documented college-level
learning you acquired outside a college classroom.
College-level learning - from where?
paid and/or volunteer work
training programs/internships
travel or living in another culture
community activities
in-depth study of a topic of interest
Will the credit apply toward my degree?
Depending on your degree plan, the credits earned through
Prior Learning Assessment will be able to be used toward your degree. Check
with your academic advisor
How do I start?
Sign up for PLA 100 Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio
Development, a one-credit course. It is offered each semester. In
this course you will develop a prior learning portfolio to submit
to faculty for evaluation.
What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is a compilation of data, experiences,
theory and applied knowledge that demonstrates college-level learning.
It most usually is in written form, but might also be in pictures
or another format that best demonstrates the learning you acquired.
Return to Alternative Credit Headings
Military Credit - Frequently Asked Questions
Is credit available for college-level
military credit?
Credit is awarded for Basic Training (3 credits for most branches; 5 credits for the marines). Other credits possible for learning while in the military. See your academic advisor. Credits are not awarded for Army MOS's, etc. Check with your advisor.
Return to Alternative Credit Headings
Job-Related Credits - Frequently Asked Questions
Is credit available for employer training programs/
apprenticeships?
Some employer-sponsored training programs and/or
apprenticeships are eligible for college credit. The American Council of Education
(ACE) Guide is used to check these training experiences. Check
with your advisor.
Return to Alternative Credit Headings
Challenge Exams - Frequently Asked Questions
What are Challenge Exams?
These exams test your knowledge of the subject matter
of specific courses. They are administered by academic departments
with prior approval of the department chairperson and the academic
dean. They are not offered in all departments - see your advisor.
