Credit for Prior Learning

There is not a single path to learning and knowledge acquisition. UT Tyler recognizes that students may gain college-level learning through a variety of experiences and opportunities. Therefore, UT Tyler offers multiple opportunities for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), including:

Credit by Examination

Credit by examination allows students to demonstrate mastery of course content through nationally or internationally recognized standardized examinations. UT Tyler currently accepts the following examination programs:

Advanced Placement (AP)
Cambridge International AS & A Levels (CI)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DSST)
International Baccalaureate (IB)

Examinations not currently included on the approved list, as well as other nationally or internationally recognized examinations, may also be considered for credit evaluation.

CLEP, AP, CI, DSST, and IB credit awarded by a previous college or university will transfer according to the credit granted and reflected on the student’s official transcript. If the transcript does not clearly identify the exact credit awarded, students may submit a supplemental letter of clarification. The letter must be printed on official letterhead from the office responsible for issuing official transcripts at the prior institution.

In accordance with Texas Education Code Section 51.968, UT Tyler awards a minimum of 24 semester credit hours to entering freshman students who successfully complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Credit may be awarded as specific UT Tyler course equivalents or as general elective credit in the appropriate subject areas, as published by the Office of the Registrar. Fewer than 24 semester credit hours may be awarded if a student earns a score lower than 4 on one or more IB examinations. In such cases, the relevant academic department will determine whether credit will be awarded for examination scores of 3 or below.

Students may decline credit earned through examination if they prefer to complete coursework through traditional enrollment. Requests to decline examination credit must be submitted in writing to the student’s academic advisor, who will forward the request to the Office of the Registrar.

Advanced Placement Examinations (AP)

In compliance with House Bill 1992, UT Tyler awards credit for scores of 3 or higher on all approved AP examinations. Some AP examinations may award additional credit for higher scores. UT Tyler currently awards AP credit only for the examinations listed in the following chart.