Earn Credits By Exam

College-level exams are a great way to save time and money while earning credit toward your degree. These exams assess your knowledge in various subjects, and if you achieve the required score and submit it to CUNY SPS, you may receive college credit.

Credits earned through exams may be applied to:

  • Specific SPS courses
  • General Education requirement areas
  • Elective credits 

Because CUNY SPS has a generous CPL policy, multiple exams may fulfill the same course or credit requirement. You can choose the exam that best fits your needs based on:

  • Cost
  • Exam location (in-person or remote)
  • Available study materials

Exams will only be evaluated and accepted with an official score report or official transcript. Each institution has different options for the delivery methods. Please note that if an electronic option is available, it is a preferred method of receipt. Any institutions using parchment must send the transcript to CUNY School of Professional Studies. Any other electronic transcripts and score reports are to be sent to TransferCPL@sps.cuny.edu.

Some exams, such as CLEP, DSST, and Saylor, have deadlines for when they are accepted. Be sure to check that your chosen exam is still eligible by visiting the CPL Updates Page.

Accepted Exams usually completed prior to applying and becoming a student at CUNY SPS:

Accepted Exams that can be completed prior to applying and be completed while a student at CUNY SPS: 

These exams may be taken either before applying or while enrolled at CUNY SPS. They offer flexible, cost-effective ways to earn college credit.