University of Wisconsin–Madison

Test Credit Evaluation Process

The University of Wisconsin–Madison grants degree credit for the successful completion of the following faculty-approved third-party exams:

  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • International Baccalaureate (IB)
  • General Certificate of Education Advanced Level (GCE Advanced Level or A-Levels)
  • College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

For specific information about what transfer credit will be awarded and the scores required to earn that credit, refer to the Guide using the links below.

Resources

How it Works: Test Credit

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Step 1: Send your official score report(s) to UW–Madison

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Step 2: UW–Madison receives your official score report(s)

Once we get your official score report(s), we connect your score(s) to your student record.

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Step 3: Your score report(s) is/are processed

Successfully completing some AP, IB, A-Level, and CLEP exams can earn you degree credit. Please note that AP and IB must be completed while in high school. CLEP exams must be completed before completing 16 semester hours of college credit, which does not include dual enrollment courses taken while in high school.

Credits earned may be awarded toward general education requirements, degree requirements, or elective credit. The purpose of awarding degree 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.

You will not receive credit for multiple exams that award credit for the same or similar content. It is possible to earn credit more than once for transfer elective courses, such as GEN ELCT X12. Transfer electives can be identified by the X in front of the course number. These policies are subject to changes and updates pending review by academic departments and approval by the University Curriculum Committee.

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Step 4: View your test credit evaluation

Once your test credit has been processed, you’ll receive an automated email notification explaining how to access it through your MyUW Student Center. Incoming students will find the credit evaluation in the Admissions Tile, while continuing students can view theirs in the Academics Tile.

For detailed guidance on reading and interpreting your test credit evaluation, please consult with your academic advisor. Admitted students will meet with an academic advisor at Student Orientation, Advising, and Registration (SOAR).

FAQs

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  1. Verify your AP scores were sent to UW–Madison by logging into your My AP Profile.
  2. Verify your AP scores were matched to your student record. Go to the Academic Records section of your Student Center to view Test Scores.

If your scores were sent to UW–Madison but don’t appear in your Student Center, then email crediteval@registrar.wisc.edu from your wisc.edu account with the following information:

  • Full Name & Campus ID
  • AP ID number
  • Date the scores were sent to UW–Madison

The 16 college credit limit starts after you graduate high school and enroll as post-secondary student. Therefore, dual enrollment and test credit (e.g. AP) are not included in the 16-credit limit.

Regardless of transfer credit (from college courses or credit by exam), all incoming freshmen are required to take the English and Math placement tests. A foreign language placement test is optional.

Placement tests for transfer students are determined upon completion of the transfer credit evaluation. Read the Placement Test Requirements important notes section on your transfer credit evaluation carefully for placement test information. You will also receive an email detailing your requirements after your credit evaluation is posted.

Test credits, including those from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and A-Level examinations can be removed from your UW–Madison record. You will need to send a request from your wisc.edu email to crediteval@registrar.wisc.edu. In your email, please include your Campus ID number and the name(s) of the test(s) you would like to have removed from your record.

No, official test credit scores must be sent directly from the testing agency.