Credit for Prior Learning

Review information about Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).

On this page:

Undergraduate Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

Catalog Reference - Credit for Prior Learning

The Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Program offers an opportunity for Towson University students to receive college credit for abilities they may have acquired through life experience, personal study, and/or military course work by taking challenge tests in the area of their proficiency, presenting portfolios and providing documentation of military course work/experiences.

  • These units can be used to fulfill core curriculum, electives, and/or major requirements.
  • Second-bachelor students and Graduate students are not eligible to earn Undergraduate CPL units.
  • Departments determine the maximum credits allowed.
  • Departments and faculty members are responsible for submitting the correct forms to Records and Registration.

Types of CPL exams available

The Department of LLC offers an opportunity for students to receive college credits for language proficiency they may have acquired through life experiences, personal study, and/or military coursework.

  • Languages: French, German, Italian, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese
  • TU Course Equivalent: 301 and/or 302
  • Core Equivalent: Core 5/12
  • Units: 3-6
  • TU Posting Fee: $30 per unit for testing/assessment fee (max of 6 units) + $30 per unit for posting fee (max of 6 units)
  • Additional information:
    • Challenge exams test oral and written proficiency in spoken languages
    • A grade of 90%-100% earns credit for 301 & 302. A grade of 80%-89% earns 301 only.
    • For testing, contact the LLC Department at
  • Challenge Exam Dates
  • Contact for more information.
  • TU Course Equivalent: 205 and/or 304
  • Core Equivalent: N/A
  • Units: 3-6
  • TU Posting Fee: $30 per unit for testing/assessment fee (max of 6 units) + $30 per unit for posting fee (max of 6 units)
  • Additional information:
    • The Challenge Exams test proficiency in American Sign Language
    • A grade of 90%-100% earns credit for 205 & 304. A grade of 80%-89% earns 205 only.
    • For testing, contact the LLC Department at

Some academic departments at Towson University will provide college-level credit through an individual assessment. Students must contact the department for approval and demonstrate competency at the required level. It is the department’s responsibility to administer individualized assessments. To search campus directories for Department Contact information, visit Offices & Services Directory.

If approved, students will be billed $30 per unit for a testing fee and $30 per unit for a posting fee.

Students who have served or are currently serving in the United States military may receive college credit for basic training, military occupational specialties, and other military course work. Official documentation must be submitted. Work will be evaluated per the Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services by the American Council on Education (ACE). To request an evaluation, contact .

Graduate level – Credit for Professional Prior Learning (CPPL)

Catalog Reference - Credit for Professional Prior Learning

The Credit for Professional Prior Learning offers an opportunity for Towson University graduate students to receive graduate credit for abilities they may have acquired through non-credit courses, structured, non-credit professional development programs and professional work experiences. To receive credit, a student must demonstrate master and application of knowledge and skills by successfully completing the graduate program’s challenge exam or individualized assessment.

  • Student must be a degree candidate with at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA.
  • Earn a maximum of 9 graduate units.
  • Graduate programs may have individual restrictions. Students are encouraged to verify with individual graduate program that CPPL credits are accepted.
  • Departments and faculty members are responsible for submitting the correct forms to Records and Registration.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Tests

Students can receive course credit by taking CLEP exams. The CLEP fees are separate from the TU fees. Please review and follow the steps below carefully.

To register for a CLEP exam:

  1. Go to clep.collegeboard.com
  2. Go to College the Recognize CLEP > CLEP College Credit Policy Search
  3. Search for Towson University
  4. Select See School’s CLEP Policy.
  5. Tests that indicate a Minimum Score for Credit and Credit Hours Awarded are accepted at Towson.
  6. Select the exam name to register for the course. (Towson University code 5404)
  7. Students are responsible for sending their official scores to Towson. Email  after your CLEP transcript has been requested from College Board.

CLEP Accepted Courses and Posting Fees

Review the courses below that Towson University will accept. Please verify that the course is listed before scheduling an exam.

Business

  • TU Course Equivalent: ACCT 201
  • Core Equivalent: N/A
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • TU Course Equivalent: COSC 111
  • Core Equivalent: N/A
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • TU Course Equivalent: LEGL 226
  • Core Equivalent: N/A
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)

Composition and Literature

  • TU Course Equivalent: ENGL 102
  • Core Equivalent: Core 2
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 60
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • Students must also schedule additional compositions through the English department to have units posted.
  • TU Course Equivalent: ENGL 222
  • Core Equivalent: Core 5
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • TU Course Equivalent: ENGL 238
  • Core Equivalent: Core 11
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • TU Course Equivalent: HUMA 10T
  • Core Equivalent: Core 5
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)

History & Social Sciences

  • TU Course Equivalent: ECON 201
  • Core Equivalent: Core 6
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • TU Course Equivalent: ECON 202
  • Core Equivalent: Core 6
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • TU Course Equivalent: PSYC 201
  • Core Equivalent: N/A
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • TU Course Equivalent: SOCI 101
  • Core Equivalent: Core 6
  • Total Units: 3
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 3 units)
  • TU Course Equivalent: SOSC 10T
  • Core Equivalent: Core 6
  • Total Units: 6
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 6 units)

Science & Mathematics

  • TU Course Equivalent: MATH 10T
  • Core Equivalent: Core 3
  • Total Units: 1-6
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 6 units)
  • Reach out to the Registrar’s Office at to confirm how many credits to post
  • TU Course Equivalent: PHSC 10T
  • Core Equivalent: Core 8
  • Total Units: 1-6
  • TU Score Required: 50
  • Posting Fees: $30 per unit (max. 6 units)
  • Reach out to the Registrar’s Office at to confirm how many credits to post