The Bachelor of Individualized Study (BIS) program at JMU participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The tests are now being administered in the BIS office. CLEP is a national program that offers students credit by computer-based examination. This allows students to have the opportunity to obtain recognition for achievement in specific college courses. BIS students are typically non-traditional students and it is important for them to have access to several mechanisms for earning credit.

 The following policies determine the awarding of credit based on this program:

1. Credit for the same college-level learning may not be acquired by using two different methods.
2. Duplication of credit in the general and subject examinations is not permitted.
3. If an equivalent course is not offered, CLEP will be accepted as elective credit whenever a similar discipline or department is available at the University. The number of such courses will be A000.
4. Academic departments may require other evidence of proficiency.

 General Exams

1.      General exams may be taken to earn general education credit with the exception of mathematics. The number for such courses will be "001."

2.      The minimum score on the general examinations is 50, which is recommended by the Commission on Educational Credit and Credentials of the American Council on Educational (ACE).

3.      Students may not earn credit on general exams and also on equivalent courses.

4.      Students may earn up to six semester hours of credit with the Humanities exams in the areas of Art (3 credits) and English (3 credits).

5.      Students may earn up to six credits with the Natural Science exam. They will not be eligible to take any introductory level course in biology, chemistry, geology or physics.

Subject Exams

1.      The minimum score on subject exams is the passing score recommended by ACE for all subject exams.

2.      Students may not earn credit on subject exams and also on equivalent courses.

 Vickie Lilley administers the computer-based CLEP examinations in Paul Street House on James Madison University's campus. Individuals who are interested should call (540-568-6824) or e-mail (lilleyvr@jmu.edu) to schedule testing. Regular testing hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Mondays through Thursdays. CLEP TESTS MUST BE ARRANGED AND SCHEDULED AHEAD OF TIME. 

A chart listing academic areas and acceptable scores transferable to JMU's BIS Program is available at http://www.jmu.edu/adultdegree/cleplist.html. Go to http://www.collegeboard.org/clep/ for more information. Click on http://www.collegeboard.org/pub/apps/CLEPsampler.zip to download a CLEP Sampler -- An Introduction to Taking CLEP on Computer.

NOTE: All available CLEP exams are available at the university whether or not they are accepted for credit by JMU's Adult Degree Program.