Institutional Examinations

If students believe their experience and backgrounds have prepared them to meet the requirements of certain 100- and 200-level courses, they can challenge the courses through an institutional examination. Students should consult the registrar as to which courses may be challenged. Before challenging a course, students should obtain an application form from, and consult with, an academic advisor, a center director or the registrar. If, after this initial consultation, students feel capable of passing an institutional examination, an appointment will be made by the registrar for the student to meet with the appropriate departmental representative. The nonrefundable fee of $100 will be assessed before sitting for the examination.

The examination results are evaluated by the appropriate academic department and the course is listed on the student’s transcript for each successful challenge. An institutional examination may be taken only once.

• Students must have earned a minimum of nine credits at SNHU to be eligible for institutional exams. This applies to bachelor’s and associate degree candidates.

• Students must attempt institutional exams prior to their final 24 credits at SNHU. This applies to bachelor’s and associate degree candidates.

• For certificate programs, the window of opportunity to take institutional exams will be after three credits and prior to the final six.

• Each school will establish which courses in its program are eligible for institutional exams. However, the selection of eligible courses will be restricted to 100- and 200-level courses.

• A maximum of 15 credits may be earned by way of institutional exams. This applies to bachelor’s and associate degree candidates. For certificate programs, the maximum will be not more than one half of the total credits for the program.

• Students may attempt each exam only once.

• Students who are successful will receive a grade of “S” on their transcript.

Standardized Testing Programs
The university accepts for credit test results from the College Level Equivalency Program (CLEP), the Proficiency Examination Program (PEP), the Defense Activity for Non- Traditional Education Support (DANTES) and high school Advanced Placement (AP) tests. The Registrar’s Office can provide information on minimum scores required.

Testing of Students with Disabilities
Students enrolled at Southern New Hampshire University who have documented disabilities verified by the coordinator of Disability Services may be entitled to alternate testing conditions to help them accurately demonstrate their true competencies. It is the responsibility of the students who wish to avail themselves of these accommodations to inform their instructors at the start of each term or as soon as they become aware of any disabilities.

Basic Writing Competency Examination
At the end of ENG 101 (Fundamentals of Writing), students must pass a Basic Writing Competency Examination. Using a dictionary and the course grammar text, students will be expected to write coherently, correctly and thoughtfully about a pre-assigned topic. Students must pass the Basic Writing Competency Examination in order to receive credit for ENG 101 elsewhere. Testing procedures are set forth by
the School of Liberal Arts.