Credit by Examination (CBE) at Cleveland State University

Credit by Examination (CBE) allows eligible students to demonstrate mastery of course content by successfully completing a departmentally approved examination. Credit by examination is available only where an academic department has determined an exam is appropriate and available.

Credit by Examination (CBE) is the university process used to approve, administer, and record departmental exams and faculty-designed assessments for academic credit.

Availability of credit by examination varies by department and college. All credit awarded through CBE is subject to faculty approval and Registrar processing.

How the Credit by Examination Process Works

1. Obtain Department Approval
   Students must receive approval from the academic department offering the course before taking a credit by examination.
   For graduate-level courses, approval from the Graduate College is also required.
2. Submit the Credit by Examination Form
   Students must complete the appropriate Credit by Examination form (undergraduate or graduate), following the instructions provided at the top of the form.
3. Pay the Credit by Examination Fee
   The required CBE fee must be paid before the exam is taken.
   Fee payment is made through ShopNet.
   Students should retain proof of payment, as it is required for processing.
4. Take the Examination
   The exam is administered by the academic department according to departmental procedures and scheduling.

Exam Administration & Proctoring

Credit by Examination assessments must be administered under appropriate proctoring conditions as determined by the academic department. To support academic integrity and consistent administration, departments may require or recommend that examinations be scheduled through the CSU Testing Center or another approved proctoring method.

Students are responsible for confirming proctoring requirements with the academic department prior to scheduling the exam.

1. Exam Evaluation and Processing
   If a passing score is achieved, the academic department completes the remaining portions of the form and forwards it, along with proof of payment, to the Registrar’s Office for processing.

Important Notes

• Credit by Examination is not guaranteed and is subject to departmental approval.
• Fees are paid prior to taking the exam, regardless of outcome.
• Credit awarded through CBE is recorded as Satisfactory (S) and does not impact GPA.
• Departments determine eligibility, exam format, and passing standards.
• Not all courses are eligible for credit by examination.

Credit by Examination Forms

Undergraduate Credit by Examination Form Graduate Credit by Examination Form
 

Questions

Students should contact their academic department or academic advisor to determine whether credit by examination is available for a specific course.