The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) does not routinely offer test-out credit for its core curriculum classes. However, students within the program can participate in a number of ways to acquire test-out credit for other college-level courses.
Test-out credit is not used to compute your Iowa State GPA, but the credit:
- Becomes part of your official academic record
- May be applied toward your graduation requirements
Test-Out Credit for Current ISU Students
- CLEP: Iowa State participates with the College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Student Counseling Service administers this program.
- Departmental Test-outs: Many departments offer test-outs for some of their courses. These test-outs are sometimes offered at the beginning of a semester. You will need to consult with the individual department for details. Some departments, like Computer Science and English, have test-out information on their websites.
- English Placement: If you are placed into English 250 and pass with a “C” or better, you get 3 credits of test-out credit for Engl 150. Refer to English Proficiency guidelines for details.
- Math Placement: If you are placed into Math 166 or higher based on your math placement results and earn a “C” or better, you can get test-out credit for Math 165 (Calculus I).
Test-Out Credit for Incoming High School Students
- AP: We urge students to participate in as many AP courses as are available to them. Generally, plan on taking the AP exam. It is not necessary to take the English composition and the Math AP exams; however, you may want to contact the ECpE Student Services Office to find out if the test-out credits will apply to your program before you complete the higher level course.
- Foreign Language: Whether or not you wish to pursue studying a foreign language further, you can potentially receive 4, 8, or even 16 college credits for what you already know, or will learn before you leave high school. See the Student Counseling Service for details.
- International Baccalaureate Program: This program offers college preparatory courses at some high schools in the United States and abroad. Refer to the International Baccalaureate Program website for details.