Credit by Exam

Both nationally standardized exams, like AP, IB, and CLEP, as well as USC Upstate course-specific exams can be used to earn credit for your college-level knowledge of various fields. These exams are a good fit for you if you have had an opportunity to learn general education course topics at advanced levels.

Send Scores from Exam Services

Exam services provide official transcripts or score reports. Please request that reports are sent admissions@uscupstate.edu or search for the University of South Carolina Upstate, 800 University Way, Spartanburg, SC, 29303 in the list of colleges and universities. 

• AP Exams
  • Use SUC Upstate institution code #5850
• CLEP Exams
  • Use USC Upstate institution code #5850
• DSST (DANTES) Exams
  • Exam results are also reported on your free Joint Services Transcript.
• ECE or UExcel (Excelsior College) Exams
  • Service ended in 2022.
• German International Abitur (DIA)
• IB Exams

Request a Challenge Exam for a USC Upstate Course

In some common USC Upstate courses, learning outcomes can be easily evaluated with a cumulative final exam. Some examples are ENGL U101, world language courses, and introduction to computer technology. If you have college-level experience and preparation in a course topic, but you did not have the opportunity to complete a dual enrollment, AP, IB or other program that would give you college credit for your experience, you may request a Challenge Exam to demonstrate your skills and knowledge in a course offered at USC Upstate. 

Challenge exams cost $25 per credit hour of the course (typically $75) and are administered and graded by USC Upstate course instructors. You must earn a B or higher on the exam to be awarded credit for the course. Request challenge exams and receive exam instructions and any study materials from the department that offers the course.