The University of Wisconsin–Madison grants advanced credit for the successful completion of college-level course work while in high school and for high achievement on Advanced Placement (AP), GCE Advanced Level (A-Level), Cambridge Pre-U, International Baccalaureate (IB), and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams.
Credits earned may be awarded toward general education requirements, degree requirements, or elective credit. The purpose of awarding advanced credit is to recognize advanced high-quality work, to preclude the duplication of courses, and to provide increased flexibility for students who wish to complete two majors, earn a certificate, or graduate early.
Students will not receive credit for multiple exams that award credit for the same or similar content. These policies are subject to changes and updates pending review by academic departments and the Office of the Registrar.
What Credit Is Awarded?
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Advanced Placement (AP)
We award course exemptions and college credit to students with exam scores of 3, 4, or 5. To earn AP credit, students must have their official AP grade report sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment from the College Board. Our AP code is 1846. Review the chart below to see how AP credit will be awarded.
| AP EXAM | SCORE | UW–MADISON CREDIT/COURSE EQUIVALENT |
|---|---|---|
| Art | ||
| Art History | 3 | 3 credits, humanities electives |
| 4, 5 | 4 credits, art history electives | |
| Studio Art 2D | 3, 4, 5 | 3 credits, general electives |
| Studio Art 3D | 3, 4, 5 | 3 credits, general electives |
| Studio Art Drawing Portfolio |
3, 4, 5 | 3 credits, general electives |
| Biology | ||
| 3 | 3 credits, biological science electives | |
| 4, 5 | 5 credits, Zoo/Bot/Bio 151 | |
| Calculus | ||
| AB or AB Subscore** |
3 | 3 credits, mathematics electives (exempt from GER Quantitative Reasoning Part A) |
| 4, 5 | 5 credits, Mathematics 221 | |
| BC** | 3 | 3 credits, mathematics electives (exempt from GER Quantitative Reasoning Part A) |
| 4, 5 | 9 credits, Mathematics 221 and 222 | |
| Chemistry | ||
| 3 | 3 credits, chemistry electives | |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, Chemistry 103 | |
| Chinese | ||
| 3 | 2 credits, Asian Languages & Cultures: Language electives | |
| 4, 5 | 4 credits, Asian Languages & Cultures: Language electives | |
| Computer Science | ||
| A | 3 | 3 credits, Computer Science 200 |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, Computer Science 200 | |
| Computer Science Principles | ||
| 3 | 3 credits, General Elective | |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, Comp Sci 202 | |
| Economics | ||
| Macroeconomics | 3 | 3 credits, general electives |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, Economics 102 | |
| Microeconomics | 3 | 3 credits, general electives |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, Economics 101 | |
| English | ||
| Language and Composition |
3 | 3 credits, English composition electives (not exempt from GER Communication Part A) |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, English composition electives (exempt from GER Communication A) |
|
| Literature and Composition |
3 | 3 credits, literature electives (not exempt from GER Communication Part A) |
| 4, 5 | 3 credit, literature electives (exempt from GER Communication Part A) |
|
| Environmental Science | ||
| 3, 4, 5 | 3 credits, biological science electives | |
| French | ||
| Language | 3 | 4 credits*, French 204 |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits*, French 227 | |
| Literature | 3 | 3 credits*, French electives |
| 4, 5 | 4 credits*, French 271 | |
| German | ||
| Language | 3 | 3 credits*, German electives |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits*, German 226 | |
| Government and Politics | ||
| Comparative | 3 | 3 credits, political science electives |
| 4, 5 | 4 credits, Political Science 106 | |
| United States | 3 | 3 credits, political science electives |
| 4, 5 | 4 credits, Political Science 104 | |
| History | ||
| European History |
3 | 3 credits, general electives |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, history electives | |
| U.S. History | 3 | 3 credits, general electives |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, history electives | |
| World History | 3 | 3 credits, general electives |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, history electives | |
| Human Geography | ||
| 3 | 3 credits, geography electives | |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, geography electives (social science) | |
| Italian | ||
| Language | 3, 4 | 4 credits*, Italian 204 |
| 5 | 4 credits*, Italian 452 | |
| Japanese | ||
| 3 | 2 credits, Asian Languages & Cultures: Language electives | |
| 4, 5 | 4 credits, Asian Languages & Cultures: Language electives | |
| Latin | ||
| Literature | 3, 4, 5 | 8 credits*, Latin 103 and 104 |
| Vergil | 3, 4, 5 | 8 credits*, Latin 103 and 104 |
| Music Theory | ||
| 3, 4, 5 | 3 credits, Music 111 (music majors must take placement test) |
|
| Physics | ||
| Physics 1† | 3 | 3 credits, physics electives |
| 4, 5 | 4 credits, Physics 103 | |
| Physics 2† | 3 | 3 credits, physics electives |
| 4, 5 | 4 credits, Physics 104 | |
| B | 3 | 3 credits, physics electives |
| 4, 5 | 8 credits, Physics 103 and 104 | |
| C Electricity and Magnetism† |
3 | 3 credits, physics electives |
| 4, 5 | 5 credits, Physics 202 or 208 (proposed major determines equivalency) |
|
| C Mechanics† | 3 | 3 credits, physics electives |
| 4, 5 | 5 credits, Physics 201 or 207 (proposed major determines equivalency) |
|
| Psychology | ||
| 3 | 3 credits, psychology electives | |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, Psychology 202 | |
| Research | ||
| 3-5 | 3 credits, general electives | |
| Seminar | ||
| 3-5 | 3 credits, general electives | |
| Spanish | ||
| Language | 3, 4 | 4 credits*, Spanish 204 |
| 5 | 3 credits*, Spanish 226 | |
| Literature | 3 | 4 credits*, Spanish 204 |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits*, Spanish 224 | |
| Statistics | ||
| 3 | 3 credits, statistics electives | |
| 4, 5 | 3 credits, Statistics 301 | |
* In some schools and colleges, it is possible to earn retroactive language credits for prior work completed in a foreign language. Contact the language department to learn more about retroactive credits and to determine which type of credit (AP or retroactive) will best meet your needs.
** A maximum of 9 credits will be awarded between AP Calculus AB, AB Subscore, and BC.
† Students may earn credit for either AP Physics 1 & 2 or AP Physics EM & M, but not both.
Advanced Level (A-Level)
In many cases, students may receive advanced standing credit for some A-Level exams. After a student has been admitted, Credit Evaluation Services will perform an official evaluation of credit for A-Level exam results. In order to grant the credit, we require an official copy of the Statement of Provisional Results from the examination board. Credits will not be posted from internal school transcripts. Review the chart below to see how A-Level credit will be awarded. Examinations not listed in this chart will be evaluated by Credit Evaluation Services for appropriate advanced standing credit.
| A-LEVEL EXAMINING BOARD | UW–MADISON CREDIT/COURSE EQUIVALENT |
|---|---|
| University of Cambridge/OCR | |
| Accounting | 3 credits, Accounting 100 |
| English Literature | 10 credits, english electives |
| Mathematics | 5 credits, Math 221 |
| Further Mathematics | 5 credits, Math elective |
| Biology | 5 credits, Botany 130 |
| 3 credits, Zoo 101 & 2 credits, Zoo 102 | |
| Chemistry (Grades A-D only) | 4 credits, Chemistry 103 & 5 credits Chemistry 104 |
| Chemistry (Grade E only) | 4 credits, Chemistry 103 |
| Economics | 4 credits, Economics 101 & 4 credits Economics 102 |
| Media Studies | 6 credits, journalism electives |
| Physical Science | 5 credits, physical science elective |
| Physics | 3 credits Physics 103 & 3 credits Physics 104 |
| Psychology | 4 credits Psychology 202 & 4 credits, Psychology electives |
| Religious Studies | 3 credits, Religious Studies electives |
| Sociology | 4 credits, Sociology 210 |
| Associated Examining Board (AQA) | |
| Drama & Theatre Studies | 4 credits, theatre electives |
| English Literature | 10 credits, English electives |
| Statistics | 3 credits, Statistics 301 |
| Chemistry (Grades A-D only) | 4 credits, Chemistry 103 & 5 credits Chemistry 104 |
| Chemistry (Grade E only) | 4 credits, Chemistry 103 |
| Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam (CAPE) | |
| Computer Science | 1 credit, Computer Science 368 |
| 3 credits, computer science elective | |
| Pure Mathematics | 5 credits Math 114 |
| 5 credits, Math 221 | |
| 4 credits, Math 222 | |
| University of London/Edexcel | |
| Accounting | 3 credits, Accounting 100 |
| Biology | 5 credits, Botany 130 |
| 3 credits, Zoo 101 & 2 credits, Zoo 102 | |
| Chemistry (Grades A-D only) | 4 credits, Chemistry 103 & 5 credits Chemistry 104 |
| Chemistry (Grade E only) | 4 credits, Chemistry 103 |
| Computer Science | NO CREDIT |
| Economics | 4 credits, Economics 101 & 4 credits Economics 102 |
| English Literature | 10 credits, English literature elective |
| Further Mathematics | 5 credits, math electives |
| Geography | 10 credits, geography electives |
| Government & Politics | 4 credits Political Science 101 |
| 3 credits, Political Science 106 | |
| History | 10 credits, history electives |
| Mathematics | 5 credits, Math 221 |
| Malaysian Higher School Certificate (STPM) | |
| Accounting | NO CREDIT |
| Malay | 6 credits, LCA Language electives |
| Mathematics T | 5 credits, Math 114 |
| 5 credits, Math 221 | |
| Biology | 5 credits Zoology 151 |
| 5 credits Zoology 152 | |
| Singapore Cambridge GCE Advanced Level | |
| Computer Science (Grades A-B) | 3 credits Comp Sci 132, 3 credits Comp Sci 302, & 3 credits Comp Sci 367 |
| Computer Science (Grades C-E) | 3 credits Comp Sci 132 & 3 credits Comp Sci 302 |
| English Literature | 10 credits, English electives |
| English | 6 credits, English electives |
| Math | 5 credits, Math 221 |
| Math C | 5 credits, Math 221 |
| Further Math | 5 credits, Math 222 |
| Biology | 5 credits Botany 130 |
| 3 credits, Zoo 101 & 2 credits, Zoo 102 | |
| Chemistry (Grades A-D only) | 4 credits, Chemistry 103 & 5 credits Chemistry 104 |
| Chemistry (Grade E only) | 4 credits, Chemistry 103 |
| Physics | 5 credits Physics electives |
| Chinese History | 8 credits, History electives |
| Economics | 4 credits, Economics 101 & 4 credits Economics 102 |
| European & Asian History | 3 credits, History 119, 3 credits History 120, & 3 credits History 115 |
| Geography | 10 credits, Geography electives |
* No credit granted for grades of “F.”
* No credit granted for AS-levels.
* No credit granted for Singapore-Cambridge H1 and H3 levels.
* No credit granted for Sri Lankan A-Levels.
Cambridge Pre-U
Cambridge Pre-U may be considered for possible advanced standing credit. Certificates with subject grades of D1 – M3 and P1 (Distinction 1,2,3 , Merit 1,2,3 and Pass 1) would be required for advanced standing credit consideration in appropriate Principal Subjects. These standards are tentative and are subject to change. Note: No advanced standing credit is granted for Cambridge Pre-U GPR. Principal Subject examinations are optional and not required for entrance.
| CAMBRIDGE PRE-U SUBJECT | UW-MADISON CREDIT/COURSE EQUIVALENT |
|---|---|
| Art & Design | 3-4 Credits, Art 448. Refer to undergraduate advisor with syllabus and portfolio |
| Art History | 4 Credits, Art History 201 & 4 Credits, Art History 202 |
| Business & Management | 3 Credits, Management & Human Resources 300 |
| Chemistry (Grades P2 & P3 only) | 4 Credits, Chemistry 103 |
| Chemistry (Grades D1-M3) | 4 Credits, Chemistry 103 & 5 credits Chemistry 104 |
| Mathematics | 5 Credits, Math elective |
| Further Mathematics | 5 credits, Math 221 |
| Psychology | 3 credits, Psychology 202 |
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Results of IB examinations are evaluated for academic credit. Advanced standing credit is awarded for scores of 4–7 on the higher level (HL) exams. Students who receive an IB Diploma with a minimum score of 28 are eligible for 3 additional elective credits. IB transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment from the International Baccalaureate Organization. Review the chart below to see how IB credit will be awarded.
| IB HIGHER LEVEL EXAM | HL SCORE | UW–MADISON CREDIT/COURSE EQUIVALENT |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | 4 | 5 credits, Biology 151 |
| Business Management | 4 | 3 credits, General business electives (elementary) |
| Chemistry | 4 | 9 credits, Chemistry 103 (4 credits) and Chemistry 104 (5 credits) |
| Chinese A1 | 4 | 4 credits, Asian Languages & Cultures: Language electives |
| Computer Studies | 4 | 3 credits, Computer Science 200 |
| Design Technology | 4 | 3 credits, General electives (elementary) |
| Economics | 4 | 8 credits, Economics 101 (4 credits) and Economics 102 (4 credits) |
| English A1 | 5 | 6 credits, English literature electives (elementary) (exempt from GER Communication Part A) |
| 4 | 3 credits, English literature electives (elementary) (exempt from GER Communication Part A) |
|
| English B | 4 | 6 credits, English electives (elementary) (Not exempt from GER Communication Part A) |
| Foreign Language A1 | 4 | 6 credits, literature electives (advanced) (up to 6 credits possible following departmental review) |
| Foreign Language A2 or B | 4 | 6 credits, language electives (advanced) or retroactive language credits* |
| French A1 | 4 | 6 credits, French literature electives (advanced) |
| Geography | 4 | 8 credits, Geography 104 (3 credits) and Geography 127 (5 credits) |
| Global Politics | 4 | 4 credits, Political Science 120 |
| History | 4 | 6 credits, history electives (social studies, elementary) |
| IT in a Global Society | 4 | 3 credits, computer science electives (elementary) |
| Italian A1 | 4 | 6 credits, Italian literature electives (advanced) |
| Japanese A1 | 4 | 4 credits, Asian Languages & Cultures: Language electives |
| Korean A1 | 4 | 4 credits, Asian Languages & Cultures: Language electives |
| Math | 4 | 5 credits, Math 221 |
| Math with Further Math | 4 | 9 credits, Math 221 (5 credits) and Math 222 (4 credits) |
| Music | 4 | 3 credits, music electives (elementary) |
| Philosophy | 4 | 4 credits, Philosophy 101 |
| Physics | 4 | 8 credits, Physics 103 (4 credits) and Physics 104 (4 credits) |
| Portuguese A1 | 4 | 6 credits, Portuguese literature electives (advanced) |
| Psychology | 4 | 4 credits, Psychology 202 |
| Social Anthropology | 4 | 3 credits, Anthropology 104 |
| Spanish A1 | 4 | 6 credits, Spanish literature electives (advanced) |
| Theatre Arts | 4 | 3 credits, theatre electives (elementary) |
| Visual Arts | 4 | 3 credits, general electives (elementary) |
* In some schools and colleges, it is possible to earn retroactive language credits for prior work completed in a foreign language. Contact the language department to learn more about retroactive credits and to determine which type of credit (IB or retroactive) will best meet your needs.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
CLEP allows students who have gained knowledge through independent study, advanced high school courses, noncredit adult courses, or professional development to take examinations for possible college credit. Students must earn a minimum score of 65 and take CLEP exams before completing 16 semester hours of college credit in order to receive credit. Review the chart below to see how CLEP credit will be awarded.
| CLEP EXAM | MIN. SCORE | CREDIT/COURSE EQUIVALENT |
|---|---|---|
| American Government | 65 | 3 credits, political science electives |
| American Literature | 65 | 3 credits, English literature electives |
| Analyzing and Interpreting Literature | 65 | 3 credits, English electives |
| Biology | 65 | 3 credits, biology electives |
| Calculus | 65 | 3 credits, math electives |
| English Literature | 65 | 3 credits, English literature electives |
| Humanities | 65 | 3 credits, humanities electives |
| Principles of Macroeconomics* | 65 | 3 credits, economics electives |
| Principles of Microeconomics* | 65 | 3 credits, economics electives |
| Natural Sciences | 65 | 3 credits, natural science electives |
| Introduction to Psychology | 65 | 3 credits, psychology electives |
| Social Sciences and History | 65 | 3 credits, social studies electives |
| Introduction to Sociology | 65 | 3 credits, sociology electives |
*Credit will be awarded for only one economics exam (Macroeconomics or Microeconomics).