Challenge credit is earned by demonstrating achievement of course outcomes. The appropriate department determines the method of demonstrating proficiency, usually an instructor-designed comprehensive exam. A list of courses that may be challenged is available in the Admissions/Registration Office or you can download the Course Challenge List here. The following guidelines apply:

• Students must be currently enrolled at WVC and have transcribed 15 WVC credits with a 2.0 or better GPA before credits may be awarded and only if the learning experiences fall within the regular curriculum of the college. Students are not allowed to take an examination for a course they have previously enrolled in or audited at WVC. If they have already taken and failed an examination for credit, they may not repeat the examination. Challenge exams may not be repeated for additional credit.
• Not all courses are available for challenge and not all departments offer challenge exams.
• Credit is allowed only for examination in which the student has received a grade of “C” or better. Successful course challenge receives a “P” grade and it will not affect the GPA.
• Individual departments or programs may require that a student successfully complete the next highest sequential course before receiving credit. However, a student cannot receive credit by examination for any course if they have already completed a more advanced course in that subject area.
• A maximum of 10 challenge credits can be earned in a distribution area. No more than 5 challenge credits can be used to meet the writing skills requirement for a WVC degree. Challenge credits will not fulfill the writing requirement for advanced English composition.
• Course challenge credit from other institutions will be accepted by WVC in accordance with policy guidelines.
• PLA credit is limited to a maximum of 30 credits required for WVC degrees or certificates.

There is a non-refundable application fee of $25 plus a $10 fee for each credit attempted and must be paid prior to challenge exam.