Get ahead, right from the start.
Did you know you can earn credit for college courses by taking exams that measure your existing knowledge of a subject area? This gives you the opportunity to gain credit for the knowledge you already have.
Learn more at the links provided below (note: each pathway has its own specific fees and testing procedures).
Advanced Placement Exams
These tests were originally developed by the College Board for AP High School courses, and have now become a pathway for you to demonstrate your knowledge for college credit. When registering for an exam, you should use SNHU's College Board code (3649) to have your score sent to the University.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams
You can also assess your knowledge of college-level material with CLEP exams, which are offered by the College Board. When registering for an exam, you should use SNHU's College Board code (3649) to have your score sent to the University.
DANTES and DSST Exams
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests (DSST Exams) exams are administered by Prometric. Although the DANTES and DSST exams used to be for active and retired military personnel only, these tests are now available to civilians as a pathway to demonstrate knowledge in your chosen subject area. When registering for an exam, you should use SNHU's school code (9245) to have your score sent to the University.
Pathways to Math Success
Pathways to Math Success allows you to gauge your math skills and earn credit for what you already know. Students enrolled in an eligible program can earn as many as six credits toward their degree for successfully demonstrating knowledge required in specific math courses. For more information, please visit the Pathways to Math Success page or ask your Admissions Counselor. (Current students should talk to their Academic Advisor.)
Course-Based Alternatives
Low-cost Online Courses
Southern New Hampshire University has partnered with a number of organizations that offer free or low-cost online courses - so that getting your degree is more attainable, more affordable, and more flexible.
Learn more at the links provided below (note: each pathway has its own specific fees and testing procedures).
ACE Alternative Credit Project
Supported by a generous grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation, the Alternative Credit Project™ (ACP), gives you access to a range of online courses at low or no cost to make your degree more attainable. SNHU will accept up to 90 ACP credits, saving you time and lowering the overall cost of your degree.
ACP courses Accepted by SNHU.
Saylor Academy
Saylor Academy is a nonprofit initiative that provides free, self-paced, college-level courses to students worldwide. So you can study as quickly or as slowly as you need to master the material. To earn credit, you can take a proctored exam from ProctorU ($25 fee) or by arranging your own proctor. Once you pass, request a transcript with your scores and submit it to SNHU to request credit.
Saylor Academy courses accepted by SNHU.
Law Enforcement Academies
If you have completed a basic law enforcement academy training, with a minimum of 400 hours of instruction, you may receive up to 12 credits toward the following courses, regardless of your major: