Credit by Examination (CBE)

What is the CBE?

Currently matriculated SJSU students who have previous knowledge in a given subject may petition to challenge the course via Credit by Examination (CBE).

Credit earned in this fashion is non-transferable and may only be used to assist with progress towards SJSU degree requirements. CBE may be attempted a maximum of once per course, on a Credit/No Credit basis, for any department-approved 0-199 level course.

The following courses are currently approved for CBE:

  • AVIA 2, 62, 112
  • BCME 25
  • EE 97
  • ME 20, 110, 114, 147, 160, 165, 186
  • TECH 41, 46

You must meet all eligibility requirements and prerequisites for the course to petition for Credit by Examination.

Courses that have an equivalent CLEP exam are ineligible for Credit by Examination. If you are currently enrolled in the course (or equivalent) or have previously attempted the course for credit at any institution, you are ineligible for Credit by Examination.

Who Needs the CBE?

Credit by Examination (CBE) is optional and can help students move through degree requirements faster at SJSU.

How to Register for a CBE?

Credit By Examination is handled on a case-by-case basis. Timelines vary. Begin the process 3-4 weeks before the start of the semester.

  1. Complete a Petition for Credit By Examination [PDF] [pdf] (allow 2-3 weeks for processing).
  2. Submit petitions via email to testing-office@sjsu.edu.
  3. Once approved, you complete the CBE by fulfilling requirements set by the department.

To count for the current semester, CBEs must be completed, scored, and posted before the course add deadline. CBEs finished later are posted at the end of the term. Any not completed by semester’s end receive No Credit, and future petitions will be denied.

Fees

The proctoring fee is $35 for each exam, with additional faculty costs dependent on the course instructor.

Testing fees are collected after you have completed the exam. We accept credit or debit cards only.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I challenge a course that's not listed?

Department chairs must contact Undergraduate Education to make any revisions to their list of department-approved courses that may be challenged via Credit By Examination (CBE).

What happens if I fail the CBE?

You will receive a grade of No Credit for the CBE and will need to take the course.

I receive accommodations for testing.

Notify your instructor when you first contact them about CBE. When you submit your petition, include a copy of the letter normally sent to instructors in your MyAEC portal.

How will I be notified of the final grade?

Your instructor will notify you of the score once the exam is graded; the Testing Office will notify you once the grade is posted.

 

Email testing-office@sjsu.edu for any questions.