Prior Learning Assessment

Students may receive college-level credit through advanced placement examinations and departmental bypass examinations. Consistent with Sullivan University’s mission, the university welcomes students from a wide variety of backgrounds and learning experiences: 

CLEP® and DSST® Examinations: The university recognizes prior learning by accepting a full range of direct examinations, such as those offered by the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP®) and DSST® examinations sponsored through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. Sullivan University accepts CLEP® and DSST® examination results as options for students who desire to demonstrate mastery of college-level material primarily in introductory subjects as a means to earn college-level credit in lieu of taking university course work. 

The American Council on Education (ACE®) recommends and Sullivan University accepts scores of 50 or above as a credit-granting score for each CLEP® examination. Similarly, the University follows ACE™ guidelines for creditgranting scores for DSST® examinations. Credits earned through CLEP® and DSST® examinations are recorded as transfer credits on a student’s transcript and do not count in GPA calculations. 

Course-Level Bypass Assessments: Bypass assessments are offered by several academic units. Sullivan University students may challenge a course for which they believe they possess the requisite knowledge and skills. Currently, bypass examinations are offered by several academic units to include courses in information and computer technology, general education, hospitality, culinary arts, business administration, and accounting. 

Bypass assessments for any course can only be attempted once, pass or fail. A student may not attempt a bypass assessment for any course previously attempted at Sullivan University. Attempted is defined as a grade earned (e.g. W, WF, NF, etc. as outlined in the University catalog’s Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy). Not all courses have a course-level bypass assessment; however, there are other alternatives to secure advanced standing (e.g. Prior Learning Portfolio, CLEP®, etc.). There is a $75.00 non-refundable advance fee for each bypass assessment attempt. The fee must be paid in the Bursar’s Office prior to the administration of a bypass assessment. 

The only information a student may receive to prepare for a bypass assessment is the name of the course, course description (both of which may be found in the University Catalog), and the titles of the main textbooks for the class. Credits earned through university bypass examinations are recorded on a Pass/Fail basis. If a student receives a passing score, which demonstrates competency, on a bypass assessment, it will be reflected on a student’s transcript as “P” to indicate a passing score. Failed bypass exams are not recorded on a student’s transcript. Students may not take a bypass assessment for a given course more than once. Credits earned through bypass examination do not count toward GPA calculations.

Click the button below to access a PDF document with the learning outcomes, exam format, passing score, suggested resources, exam schedule, and contact information for each of the bypass assessments.

Sullivan University accepts credit recommendations made by the American Council on Education (ACE®) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS®) for military training, corporate training, licensures, and professional certifications. Credit recommendations made by ACE® and NCCRS® are evaluated on a student-by-student basis and are typically approved for transfer when equivalent to courses offered by Sullivan University. Credits earned by virtue of ACE® and NCCRS® credit recommendations are recorded as transfer credits on a student’s transcript and do not count toward GPA calculations. To see the list of ACE-approved training, license, and certifications, visit the National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training.

To find out more about the National College Credit Recommendation Service.