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Testing Center

Institutional Challenge by Examination

If a standardized test is not available for a course for which a student wishes credit, a special examination may be established. This process is initiated by obtaining a Challenge by Examination DocuSign form from the Testing Center and complete the following steps:

  1. Consult and obtain the signature of the department head in which the course is offered. The department head will conduct a preliminary evaluation of a student's learning experience to determine if an examination is warranted. The signature indicates based upon review of the student's prior learning experience, administration of the exam is justified.
  2. Consult with and obtain the signature of your Advisor. The signature acknowledges the student is attempting the Challenge by Exam to demonstrate proficiency in a college level course.
  3. Consult the Dean of the college in which a degree is expected to determine whether credits earned by Challenge by Examination in the proposed subject will be accepted. Obtain Dean's signature if exam is acceptable.
  4. Once the Challenge by Examination form has routed to the Testing Center the student must pay the examination fee on RegisterBlast.
  5. Take the exam either in the department or at the Testing Center.
  6. You will receive a score at the completion of the exam. If the cutoff score is achieved, credit will be placed on your transcript with an EX (satisfactory) grade in two to three weeks.
  7. If the exam is failed, a department representative will notify the student and no entry will be made on the student's record.
  8. A copy of the documentation will be kept in the Testing Center.

Challenge Examination Repeat Policy

If a student does not pass the initial challenge examination, he or she may use the SDSU petition procedure to request one more opportunity to take a challenge examination for the same course. The guidelines for the retesting process are as follows:

  1. Only one retest is allowed.
  2. There will be a waiting period of one academic term before retesting may be done.
  3. The department will administer a test that is completely different from the original examination used in the original challenge attempt.
  4. The petition must be approved by the department head, dean and the Testing Center.
  5. If the petition is approved, the student must complete a new Challenge by Examination form and pay the examination fee before retesting.