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UExcel® is a new credit-by-examination program aimed at students interested in attending college. Students attain college credit by demonstrating knowledge in individual subject areas. The UExcel program is delivered globally at thousands of computer-based testing locations and is available throughout the year. UExcel is an alliance between Excelsior College, a leading distance learning higher-ed institution, and Pearson, the market leader in education.
The UExcel program provides a number of benefits to college bound students. Receiving UExcel exam credit can:
- Prove you are prepared. Market yourself to institutions by demonstrating your ability to master university-level coursework.
- Save you time. Bypass entry level college courses and prerequisites so you can graduate early.
- Save you money. Taking UExcel exams for credit can help you satisfy graduation requirements, while saving thousands on college tuition costs.
- Convenience. With thousands of test centers around the world, locating a UExcel test center is easy.
- Acceptance. Credit-by-exam is accepted at thousands of universities and colleges nationwide.
- International students looking to pursue higher education in the United States can take a UExcel exam to demonstrate their ability to excel in a US-based school or university and can test without leaving their home country.
- Home-schooled students can validate the knowledge they have acquired through their home school education and prove they are capable of college-level work.
- Military personnel can bypass general education requirements and prepare for their post-military career while on active service by taking a UExcel exam on or near a military installation.
- Traditional or online high school students can demonstrate academic preparation at the post-secondary level, setting themselves apart from other college or university applicants and proving they have college-level knowledge.
- Adult learners can save money on college tuition, bypass general education requirements and validate knowledge they have acquired through their current or past education programs.
The cost of each UExcel exam is $85. UExcel exams fees are all-inclusive with no hidden administration costs, such as a “seat” fee.
Score reports will be available immediately when you complete the exam. You can also check your grade online by logging in to your profile at Pearson VUE. Once your score has been posted you may request a transcript by visiting our Web site. The first transcript is free of charge.
To begin your study for the exam, we recommend reading the content guide for the exam you are considering. The content guide contains a description of the material covered on the exam, a few sample questions, and recommended textbooks for self-study.
UExcel also offers unique practice exams to help you better prepare. These are the only practice exams authorized by the developers of the credit-bearing exams and offer in-depth solutions, diagnostic score reports, and dedicated bulletin boards to communicate with other practice exam takers. Learn more »
If you choose to pursue other modes of preparation, you should ensure that the content you are studying aligns with the topics of study covered in the content guide.
Thousands of colleges and universities accept credit-by-examination, however, credit is awarded on a case-by-case basis. When you pass a UExcel exam, you receive credit from Excelsior College, a regionally accredited institution, on an official Excelsior College transcript. Ask your college if you can receive transfer credit, waive lower-level courses, or fulfill admission requirements using your transcript.
The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT) has evaluated and made college credit recommendations for UExcel examinations. The ACE Cooperating College Network uses ACE college credit recommendations for courses, apprenticeship programs, and examinations. If your desired institution does not presently accept UExcel, ask your academic advisor to consider UExcel examinations as a credit earning option. Your advisor may contact the Assessment Unit at Excelsior College at 888-647-2388 (ext. 166) for additional information regarding the ACE-recognized UExcel examination series. Should you or your advisor wish to learn more about the ACE College Credit Recommendation Service, visit the ACE Web site at www.acenet.edu, then click on the following:
- Programs & Services
- College Credit Recommendation Service
- College & University Services
The ACE College Credit Recommendation Service office, located in the Center for Lifelong Learning, may also be reached by e-mail at CREDIT@ace.nche.edu or by phone at 866-205-6267.
