Course Credit Policies
Credit for Prior Learning
In recognizing that intellectual growth can occur in settings other than the classroom, California State University, Chico provides opportunities for students to earn academic credit by demonstrating prior learning through previous nonclassroom experiences, up to a maximum of 30 units for undergraduates. Academic credit for prior learning does not count toward residence requirements of degree programs. Credit may be awarded based on internal “challenge” exams for particular Chico State courses or evidence of learning acquired through professional experience, nontraditional higher education, or military training and service.
Credit by Challenging Courses
Students may apply to challenge specific University courses by passing a campus-originated examination on the course content. Credit by challenge examination will result in a credit/no credit grade except by advance approval of the Provost. Credit by challenge examination will not count toward University residence requirements. Students may not challenge a course if they have previously received credit for a more advanced course dealing with the same concepts. Students must be enrolled in the course they wish to challenge by examination. The application to challenge a course must be submitted to the chair of the department that offers the course within the first two weeks of the semester. Departments shall determine the criteria for approving or denying these requests.
If the application is approved, the course instructor will administer a written examination on course content. Where skills are involved which are not easily demonstrated by a written examination, a performance test will be required in addition to the written examination and will be counted toward the credit/no credit grade. If the examination is passed, the course will be recorded on the student's record as "passed by examination." If the examination is failed, the student may receive a letter grade upon successful completion of the course. If appropriate, the student may change to a credit/no credit option in accordance with established university procedures.
No more than 30 semester units of credit earned by challenging courses may count towards the bachelor's degree. Certain major requirements may be waived by departmental examination, but no units will accrue.
Credit for Prior Experience
Students may petition to have previous nonclassroom experiences evaluated for possible academic credit, up to a maximum of 30 units. Awarded credit may be applied to a particular course, to a specific general education or other graduation requirement, or as elective credit. To apply for credit earned through prior experience, the student must be a matriculated Chico State student, have completed in residence at least 15 units of credit toward a bachelor’s degree or 3 units toward a master’s degree, and be enrolled in the University for the semester in which credit is awarded. Students are responsible for any increase in fees associated with the additional units of credit.
Students may submit a variety of forms of evidence to demonstrate prior learning, including portfolios, professional licensure, interviews, or other appropriate means. Departments may request additional information before recommending credit be awarded. Collectively, the evidence presented must demonstrate a level of competence equivalent to that achieved by a passing grade in a course that would typically confer such credit. Information about and the application for credit for prior experience are available from the Office of Undergraduate Education and Academic Success.
Credit for Non-traditional Instruction and Military Training
Students may earn credit for learning acquired outside of traditional higher education, through workforce training, certifications, and other non-traditional learning. The University relies on recommendations provided by national organizations that conduct evaluations of such learning experiences, such as the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS) and the American Council on Education (ACE). The University accepts elective course credit as recommended by the ACE National Guide, as appropriate to a student’s academic objectives. Students may petition the relevant academic unit to have credit awarded toward specific courses or degree requirements. Independent of these recommendations, students may also petition for course credit for learning acquired in nontraditional settings following the procedures outlined for Credit for Prior Experience.
Chico State follows the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide to award undergraduate or graduate credit for learning acquired through education, training, and service provided by the Armed Forces of the United States. Specific guidance relating to General Education and the Defense Languages Proficiency Test (Area 3B) can be found in Executive Order 1036. See Military Credit on the Chico State Veterans Education and Transition Services (VETS) website for more information.
Credit by External Standardized Examination
Chico State grants credit to those students who pass external standardized examinations that have been approved for credit systemwide. These include Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, International Baccalaureate (IB) examinations, and some College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations. A maximum of 30 semester units may count toward the bachelor's degree (excluding credit for AP and IB examinations). The Chancellor's Office announces the passing scores for external examinations to receive university credit and, when appropriate, the CSU General Education requirements and the United States History, Constitution, and American Ideals graduation requirements, effective Fall 2025. This CSU-approved list of external examinations does not apply to Cal-GETC certification areas. Refer to the Cal-GETC Standards for Credit by Exams.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Chico State grants credit toward undergraduate degrees for successful completion of examinations of the Advanced Placement Program of the College Board. The number of units and how they meet specific academic content requirements is specified in the Advanced Placement Examinations Chart.
Advanced Placement Examinations Chart
(Minimum Score of 3 Required)
| AP Exam | Passing Score | Credit (semester units) | Meets this Chico GE area or course equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2-D Art and Design | 3 | 3 | --- |
| 3-D Art and Design | 3 | 3 | --- |
| Art History | 3 | 6 | Arts (3A) or Humanities (3B): ARTH 110, ARTH 120 |
| Biology (includes lab) | 3 | 8 | Biological Science (5B and 5C): BIOL 161 and BIOL 162, or BIOL 102/SCED 102 |
| Calculus AB | 3,4 | 4 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): MATH 1191 |
| Calculus AB | 5 | 4 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): MATH 1201 |
| Calculus BC | 3,4 | 8 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): MATH 1191 |
| Calculus BC | 5 | 8 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): MATH 1211 |
| Calculus AB Subscore on BC Exam | 3,4 | 4 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): MATH 1191 |
| Calculus AB Subscore on BC Exam | 5 | 4 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): MATH 1201 |
| Chemistry (includes lab) | 3 | 8 | Physical Science (5A and 5C): CHEM 107 |
| Chemistry (includes lab) | 4 | 8 | Physical Science (5A and 5C): CHEM 111 |
| Chinese Language and Culture | 3 | 6 | Humanities (3B)2 |
| Comparative Government & Politics | 3 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| Computer Science A (A only) | 3 | 3 | CSCI 1113 |
| Computer Science A and B | 3 | 6 | CSCI 1113 |
| Computer Science Principles | 3 | 6 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): CSCI 101 |
| Drawing | 3 | 3 | --- |
| English Language and Composition | 3 | 6 | English Composition (1A): ENGL 130W |
| English Literature and Composition | 3 | 6 | English Composition (1A) and Humanities (3B): ENGL 130W |
| Environmental Science (includes lab) | 3 | 4 | Physical Science (5A and 5C)4 |
| European History | 3 | 6 | Humanities (3B) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| French Language and Culture | 3 | 8 | Humanities (3B): FREN 102, FREN 201 |
| German Language and Culture | 3 | 8 | Humanities (3B): GERM 102, GERM 201 |
| Human Geography | 3 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4): GEOG 102 |
| Italian Language and Culture | 3 | 8 | Humanities (3B): ITAL 102, ITAL 201 |
| Japanese Language and Culture | 3 | 8 | Humanities (3B): JAPN 102, JAPN 201 |
| Latin | 3 | 6 | Humanities (3B)2 |
| Macroeconomics | 3 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4): ECON 102 |
| Microeconomics | 3 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4): ECON 103 |
| Music Theory | 3 | 6 | ---2 |
| Physics 1 (includes lab) | 3 | 4 | Physical Science (5A and 5C): PHYS 202A5 |
| Physics 1: Algebra-based (includes lab) | 3 | 4 | Physical Science (5A and 5C) |
| Physics 2 (includes lab) | 3 | 4 | Physical Science (5A and 5C): PHYS 202B5 |
| Physics 2: Algebra-based (includes lab) | 3 | 4 | Physical Science (5A and 5C) |
| Physics C: electricity/magnetism (includes lab) | 3 | 4 | Physical Science (5A and 5C): PHYS 204B5 |
| Physics C: mechanics (includes lab) | 3 | 4 | Physical Science (5A and 5C): PHYS 204A5 |
| PreCalculus | 3 | 4 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2) |
| PreCalculus | 4,5 | 4 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): MATH 119 |
| Psychology | 3 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4): PSYC 101 |
| Seminar | 3 | 3 | --- |
| Spanish Language and Culture | 3 | 8 | Humanities (3B): SPAN 102, SPAN 201 |
| Spanish Literature and Culture | 3 | 6 | Humanities (3B): Spanish major/minor elective credit (3 units only) |
| Statistics | 3 | 3 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2): MATH 105 |
| U.S. Government and Politics | 3 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) or U.S. Constitution (US-2 only)6 |
| U.S. History | 3 | 6 | Humanities (3B) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (4), U.S. History (US-1): HIST 130 |
| World History | 3 | 6 | Humanities (3B) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| World History: Modern | 3 | 3 | Humanities (3B) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (4): HIST 102 |
Either three or six units of credit will be allowed for all other exams and applied to meet lower-division requirements as appropriate.
There is no equivalent AP exam for Cal-GETC Area 1B (Critical Thinking and Composition).
Where more than one area of Cal-GETC is possible (3B or 4) the AP exam may be used in either area (either Cal-GETC Area 3B or Cal-GETC Area 4) regardless of where the certifying CCC’s comparable course is located.
Students earning a score of 3, 4 or 5 in a Physical or Biological science AP examination earn credit toward Cal-GETC Area 5A (Physical Science) or 5B (Biological Science) and also meet the Cal-GETC 5C (Laboratory) requirement. With this exception, each AP exam may only be applied to one Cal-GETC area.
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If both AP Calculus exams are passed, a maximum of eight units will be awarded.
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Department requires formal assessment for placement into appropriate courses.
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If both AP Computer Science exams are passed, a maximum of six units will be awarded.
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Students who pass AP Environmental Science earn 4 units of credit. Tests prior to Fall 2009 may apply to 5A+5C or 5B+5C of GE. Credit for tests in Fall 2009 or later may only apply to 5A+5C.
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If a student passes more than one AP exam in physics, only six units of credit may be applied to the baccalaureate, and only four units of credit may be applied to a CSU GE area.
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Does not meet California state and local government (US-3) content requirement.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
As recommended by the California State University Chancellor’s Office, Chico State grants credit toward its undergraduate degrees for successful completion of specific Higher Level (HL) International Baccalaureate examinations. Students who present the following passing scores will be granted up to six semester units of credit for each exam applied to the appropriate General Education requirements. Consult the IB Chart for specific details.
International Baccalaureate Examinations Chart (Higher Level Exams only)
| IB Exam (July 2001 version) | Passing Score | Credit (semester units) | Meets this Chico GE area or course equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology HL | 5 | 6 | Biological Science (5B and 5C) |
| Chemistry HL | 5 | 6 | Physical Science (5A and 5C) |
| Economics HL | 5 | 6 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| Geography HL | 5 | 6 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| History (any region) HL | 5 | 6 | Humanities (3B) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| History of the Americas HL | 5 | 6 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4), HIST 130, GC |
| Language (any language) A: Literature HL | 4 | 6 | Humanities (3B) |
| Language (English) A: Literature HL | 4 | 6 | Humanities (3B), GC |
| Language (any language) A: Language and Literature HL | 4 | 6 | Humanities (3B) |
| Language (any language) B HL | 4 | 6 | --- |
| Mathematics HL | 4 | 6 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2) |
| Mathematics HL: Analysis and Approaches | 4 | 6 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2) |
| Mathematics HL: Applications and Interpretation | 4 | 6 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2) |
| Physics HL | 5 | 6 | Physical Science (5A and 5C) |
| Psychology HL | 5 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4), PSYC 101 |
| Theatre HL | 4 | 6 | Arts (3A) |
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Chico State grants credit and/or fulfills requirements for certain CLEP Exams taken July 2001 or later as indicated in the chart below. For CLEP Exams taken prior to July 2001, consult a graduation advisor in Graduation Advising at 530-898-5957.
For more information about the CLEP visit the College Level Examination Program website.
College Level Examination Programs (CLEP) Chart
| CLEP Exam (July 2001 version) | Passing Score | Credit (semester units) | Meets this Chico GE area or course equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Government | 50 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| American Literature | 50 | 3 | Humanities (3B) |
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 50 | 3 | Humanities (3B) |
| Biology | 50 | 3 | Biological Science (5B only) |
| Calculus | 50 | 3 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2) |
| Chemistry | 50 | 3 | Physical Science (5A only) |
| College Algebra | 50 | 3 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2) |
| College Algebra-Trigonometry | 50 | 3 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2) |
| College Composition | 50 | 0 | --- |
| College Composition-Modular | 50 | 0 | --- |
| College Mathematics | 50 | 0 | --- |
| English Composition (no essay) | 50 | 0 | --- |
| English Composition with essay | 50 | 0 | --- |
| English Literature | 50 | 3 | --- |
| Financial Accounting | 50 | 3 | ---1 |
| French Level I | 50 | 6 | ---2 |
| French Level II | 59 | 9 | Humanities (3B)2 |
| Freshman College Composition | 50 | 0 | --- |
| German Level I | 50 | 6 | ---2 |
| German Level II | 60 | 9 | Humanities (3B)2 |
| History United States I | 50 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4), U.S. History (US-1) |
| History United States II | 50 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4), U.S. History (US-1) |
| Human Growth and Development | 50 | 3 | --- |
| Humanities | 50 | 3 | Humanities (3B) |
| Information Systems and Computer Applications | 50 | 3 | --- |
| Introduction to Educational Psychology | 50 | 3 | --- |
| Introductory Business Law | 50 | 3 | --- |
| Introductory Psychology | 50 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| Introductory Sociology | 50 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| Natural Sciences | 50 | 3 | Physical Science (5A only) or Biological Science (5B only) |
| Precalculus | 50 | 3 | Mathematical Concepts and Quantitative Reasoning (2) |
| Principles of Accounting | 50 | 3 | ---1 |
| Principles of Macroeconomics | 50 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| Principles of Management | 50 | 3 | --- |
| Principles of Marketing | 50 | 3 | --- |
| Principles of Microeconomics | 50 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| Social Sciences and History | 50 | 0 | --- |
| Spanish Level I | 50 | 6 | ---2 |
| Spanish Level II | 63 | 9 | Humanities (3B)2 |
| Spanish with Writing I | 50 | 6 | ---2 |
| Spanish with Writing II | 63 | 9 | Humanities (3B)2 |
| Western Civilization I | 50 | 3 | Humanities (3B) or Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
| Western Civilization II | 50 | 3 | Social and Behavioral Sciences (4) |
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Contact the Information Systems, Finance, and Accounting Department for course equivalents.
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If more than one exam in the same language other than English is passed, a maximum of nine units will be awarded.
There are some limits to the amount of credit that will be granted for results on external examinations. First, no more than 30 semester units of such credit may count toward degree requirements. Credit for Advanced Placement examinations is not included in this limit. Where credit has already been awarded at the equivalent or at a more advanced level, additional credit shall not be awarded. Where partial overlap exists, credit in the amounts indicated above will be reduced accordingly.
Credit by examination is not considered residence credit for purposes of residency requirements for the bachelor's degree.
Transfer Credit
To obtain transfer credit for courses completed elsewhere, send final official transcripts from all schools you have previously attended to the Office of Admissions. If you attend summer school away from Chico State, also send that transcript to the Office of Admissions. The transfer credit will appear on your Degree Progress Report, which you can access through your Student Center in the Portal. Please meet with a graduation advisor in SSC 120 if you have any questions regarding your transfer credit.