Credit by Exam
Overview
Credit By Exam is college credit that students earn before they matriculate as first-year students and that may count toward the degree and/or degree requirements as specified by the individual college at Cornell. Its primary purpose is to exempt students from introductory courses and to place them in advanced courses. Its value is that it allows students to include more advanced courses in their course of study.
Credit may be earned from the following:
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The requisite score from the Advanced Placement Examinations (AP exams) from the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) in Princeton, N.J. The requisite scores, which vary by subject, are determined by the relevant departments at Cornell and are listed below under CEEB's AP Exams.
-
Acceptable performance on a Cornell Advanced Standing Exam (CASE) (see list for subjects offered).
-
International Examinations.
The appropriate department of instruction within the university sets the standards of achievement that must be met for advanced placement in its subject, recommends Advanced Placement credit for those who meet the standards, and determines whether students place out of certain Cornell courses. The final decision for awarding advanced placement credit at Cornell and applying it to degree requirements rests with each individual college (consult the relevant college sections of the Catalog). Students need not accept advanced placement, although forfeiting the advantage of moving quickly into advanced courses affects one's overall education. If they take the Cornell course they have placed out of, they relinquish the advanced placement credit.
Advanced Placement Examinations
Entering first-year students should request that all their scores from CEEB Advanced Placement Examinations received in high school be sent from the College Board electronically (Cornell's CEEB code is 2098).
Standard University AP articulations are outlined below. Colleges may have a college specific articulation. Please see your college for additional information.
University AP Exam Articulations
| Subject | Score(s) | Advanced Placement(AP) Credit | Course Placement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biology | 4 | 4 | a) For Biological Sciences Majors: General elective credit is awarded. This credit can be applied toward the 120 credits required for graduation, but it cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the Biological Sciences major. b) For Non-Biological Sciences Majors: Placement out of 4 credits of Introductory Biology Cluster Courses is permitted. Students are encouraged to confirm with their major department how this placement applies to their specific degree requirements. |
| Biology | 5 | 8 | a) For Biological Sciences Majors: General elective credit is awarded. This credit can be applied toward the 120 credits required for graduation, but it cannot be used to fulfill requirements for the Biological Sciences major. b) For Non-Biological Sciences Majors: Placement out of 8 credits of Introductory Biology Cluster Courses is permitted. Students are encouraged to confirm with their major department how this placement applies to their specific degree requirements. |
| Chemistry | 5 | 4 | a) Placement out of CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071 or CHEM 2090 & CHEM 2091. b) A student taking CHEM 1560 & CHEM 1561, CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071, or CHEM 2090 & CHEM 2091 will forfeit AP credit. Students taking CHEM 2150 will retain AP credit. c) A student may also receive credit for CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071, or CHEM 2090 & CHEM 2091 by passing an exam given during Fall orientation. d) A distinct exam is given before the start of the Spring semester that, if passed, will allow a student to receive credit for CHEM 2080 & CHEM 2081. See the Chemistry department website for further information. |
| Computer Science A | 5 | 4 | Placement out of CS 1110. |
| Computer Science Principles | Not Accepted | ||
| Economics (Micro1) | 5 | 3 | a) For Economics Majors: To use advanced placement credit to satisfy the ECON 1110 prerequisite for the Economics Major and to count ECON 1110 as one of the 12 courses needed to complete the Economics Major, students must in addition pass the Microeconomics Placement Exam during orientation; otherwise, students must take ECON 1110 at Cornell. (Exception: a placement exam is not required for students who matriculated as a full-time student at a college or university prior to May 1, 2026). b) Nolan School students will receive credit for HADM 1410. c) All other students: Placement out of ECON 1110. |
| Economics (Macro1) | 5 | 3 | a) For Economics Majors: To use advanced placement credit to satisfy the ECON 1120 prerequisite for the Economics Major and to count ECON 1120 as one of the 12 courses needed to complete the Economics Major, students must in addition pass the Macroeconomics Placement Exam during orientation; otherwise, students must take ECON 1120 at Cornell. (Exception: a placement exam is not required for students who matriculated as a full-time student at a college or university prior to May 1, 2026). b) All other students: All other students: Placement out of ECON 1120. |
| English Language and Composition | N/A | N/A | Varies by college. |
| English Literature and Composition | N/A | N/A | Varies by college. |
| French Language and Culture | 4,5 | 3 | a) With a score of 4, placement into FREN 2090 or equivalent. b) With a score of 5, Department of Romance Studies determines placement. Students should take the CASE2 to obtain appropriate placement. |
| German | 4,5 | N/A | Department of German Studies determines credit and placement based on departmental examination (0 or 3 credits). |
| Government & Politics, US | Not Accepted | ||
| Government & Politics, comparative | Not Accepted | ||
| Greek, Ancient | N/A | N/A | Department of Classics determines placement based on CASE |
| Hebrew | N/A | N/A | Department of Near Eastern Studies determines credit and placement based on CASE |
| History, American | Not Accepted | ||
| History, European | Not Accepted | ||
| History, World | Not Accepted | ||
| History of Art | Not Accepted | ||
| Human Geography | Not Accepted | ||
| Italian Language and Culture | 4,5 | 3 | Department of Romance Studies determines placement based on CASE |
| Japanese | N/A | N/A | Department of Asian Studies determines credit and placement based on CASE |
| Latin | N/A | N/A | Department of Classics determines placement based on CASE |
| Mathematics BC for non-engineering majors | 4,5 | 8 | Placement out of Calculus I (MATH 1110) and Calculus II (MATH 1120). Alternatively, credit may be obtained by passing a placement exam during orientation. Students will forfeit 4 credits if they take MATH 1120 or MATH 1910. Students will forfeit all 8 credits if they take MATH 1106 or MATH 1110. |
| Mathematics BC for engineering majors | 5 | 4 | Placement out of MATH 1910. Students with a score of 4 are encouraged to take the CASE if they believe their score does not fairly reflect their preparation. Students will forfeit credit if they take MATH 1910 |
| Mathematics AB or AB subscore of the Mathematics BC exam for non-engineering majors | 4,5 | 4 | Placement out of Calculus I (MATH 1110) for non-engineering majors. Alternatively, credit may be obtained by passing a placement exam during orientation. Students will forfeit credit if they take MATH 1106 or MATH 1110. |
| Music Theory | Not Accepted | ||
| Persian | Department of Near Eastern Studies determines credit and placement based on CASE | ||
| Physics I | 5 | 4 | Placement out of PHYS 2207 OR forfeit credit and take PHYS 1116 |
| Physics II | 5 | 4 | Placement out of PHYS 2208 OR forfeit credit and take PHYS 1116 |
| Physics C-Mechanics | 5 | 3 or 4 | Placement out of PHYS 1112 (for 3 credits) or PHYS 2207 (for 4 credits). Students given credit for PHYS 1112 must enroll in PHYS 1110. Students intending to major in physics are recommended to forfeit all credit and take PHYS 1116. Students in CALS majoring in BEE can only be assigned credit for PHYS 1112 per their major requirements. |
| Physics C-Electricity & Magnetism | 5 | 4 | Placement out of PHYS 2213. Students planning to continue with PHYS 2214 must first complete PHYS 1110 unless it was taken with PHYS 1112 or PHYS 1116. Students intending to major in physics are recommended to forfeit all credit and take PHYS 1116. |
| Psychology | 4,5 | 3 | Placement out of PSYCH 1101. |
| Spanish Language and Culture | 4,5 | 3 | Students should take the LPS3 and afterward the CASE2 to obtain appropriate placement. |
| Spanish Literature and Culture | 4,5 | 3 | Department of Romance Studies determines placement. Students should take the LPS3 and afterward the CASE2 to obtain appropriate placement. |
| Statistics (excluding Engineering, Nolan School and Brooks School students) | 4,5 | 4 | Placement out of AEM 2100, BTRY 3010, BTRY 6010, CRP 1200, ENGRD 2700, ILRST 2100, ILRST 6100, PUBPOL 2100, PSYCH 2500, SOC 3010, STSCI 2100, STSCI 2150, STSCI 2200. Biological Sciences majors, Brooks students, CALS students, Engineering students, Nolan School students and URS majors should refer to their college listing. |
| Turkish | N/A | N/A | Department of Near Eastern Studies determines credit and placement based on CASE |
| Yiddish | N/A | N/A | Program of Jewish Studies determines credit and placement based on CASE |
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Cornell Advanced Standing Examination.
- 2
Cornell's Language Placement Test in Spanish.
Supplementary Information
Chemistry and Chemical Biology
The Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology offers two tracks in introductory chemistry that satisfy prerequisites for further work in the department:
1. CHEM 2070 and CHEM 2071–CHEM 2080 and CHEM 2081
(CHEM 2090 and CHEM 2091–CHEM 2080 and CHEM 2081 for engineering students)
and
2. CHEM 2150.
CHEM 2150 is an accelerated single-semester general chemistry course intended for students with a score of 5 on the AP Chemistry exam, or comparable preparation. Students completing CHEM 2150 may begin CHEM 3590 in their second semester.
See the Chemistry department website for further information.
Computer Science
Students who receive a score of 5 on the A version exam of the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination in computer science, or a score of 6 or 7 on the IB exam will receive 4 advanced placement credits and may take CS 2110. These credits may be used to satisfy the requirement in computer programming for students in the College of Engineering.
Mathematics (Calculus)
The Mathematics Department offers a variety of courses suitable for students with advanced placement credit. For guidance in selecting an appropriate course, including how to factor advanced placement or transfer credit into that decision, please consult First Steps in Math. New students will also have an opportunity to speak with a math advisor one-on-one at the Arts & Sciences Open House during fall orientation.
The calculus courses MATH 1110, MATH 1120, and MATH 1910 cover substantially the same topics as calculus courses given in many high schools, and it is best to avoid repeating material that has already been covered at an appropriate level. Secondary-school students who have had the equivalent of at least one semester of calculus should, if possible, take a placement test during their senior year.
The Department of Mathematics offers optional placement examinations during Orientation Week that cover the material of the AP Calculus program. The department exam should be taken by:
- students who have had at least a semester of calculus but did not take a CEEB, GCE, or IB Exam;
- students who believe that their placement is incorrect;
- students who feel that their grasp of the material is uncertain.
For detailed information and schedules for the departmental placement exams, see math.cornell.edu/ap.
Students who have 4 AP credits for calculus will forfeit those credits if they take MATH 1106 or MATH 1110. Students who have 8 AP credits for calculus will forfeit 4 credits if they take MATH 1120 or MATH 1910 and all 8 credits if they take MATH 1106 or MATH 1110.
Engineering students will take the engineering calculus sequence, which assumes one semester of calculus experience before entering Cornell. Engineering students receive no AP credit for Calculus I and may receive 4 AP credits for Calculus II, which they will forfeit if they take MATH 1910, the first course in the engineering calculus sequence. The Engineering Math Advanced Standing Exam will be offered during orientation as an option for students who wish to test out of MATH 1910 and/or MATH 1920. For further information specific to Engineering students, refer to the College of Engineering AP and Transfer Credit page.
Modern Foreign Languages
Students who have studied a language for two or more years and want to continue study in that language at Cornell must present the results of a placement test. See "Placement Tests and Advanced Placement Credit" under "Foreign Language Requirements" in the College of Arts and Sciences section of this catalog. Students whose Scholastic Aptitude Test II (SAT II) or AP scores are two years old or more, or who have had a year of formal study or substantial informal study since they last took a placement test should take the Cornell placement test again during Orientation Week if they plan to continue course work.
Advanced standing credit may be earned as follows:
- Students with a score of 4 or 5 on the language Advanced Placement Examination of the CEEB earn 3 credits and are eligible to take the Cornell Advanced Standing Examination (CASE).
- Students who achieve a minimum score of 65 on the Cornell language placement test given during Orientation Week are eligible to take the CASE. Outstanding performance on this examination can result in a maximum of 3 credits.
- For formal language work done after high school at an accredited college, credit is considered by the relevant department on submission of a syllabus and transcript. Note that credit transfer and placement are the result of different processes. Students wishing to enroll in a language course at Cornell are required to take the placement test.
- Native speakers of languages other than English may, if an examination by the appropriate department is available, be granted a maximum of 3 credits in a foreign language.
Information about times and places of placement tests is available in the orientation booklet. For more information, see "Foreign Language Requirement" on the Graduation Requirements page in the College of Arts and Sciences.
Physics
Advanced placement and credit are awarded on the basis of the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination in physics (Physics I, Physics II or Physics C), certain international examinations, or the departmental examination (offered during Orientation Week; appointment required). For information about the departmental examination, see the Physics department advanced standing webpage.
Students in the College of Engineering should refer to the College of Engineering AP and Transfer Credit webpage.
Advanced placement into a next-in-sequence course depends on the completion of the appropriate mathematics prerequisites before enrolling. To qualify for advanced placement credit, it is not necessary to continue the study of physics.
General information and advice may be obtained from the director of undergraduate studies, 115 Clark Hall, or from the Department of Physics, 109 Clark Hall.
Statistics
Students, excluding Engineering and Brooks School students, who have been awarded advanced placement credit for statistics may not also receive academic credit for similar courses taken at Cornell. In particular, they will forfeit those credits if they take AEM 2100, BTRY 3010, BTRY 6010, CRP 1200, ILRST 2100, ILRST 6100, PUBPOL 2100, PUBPOL 2101, PSYCH 2500, SOC 3010, STSCI 2100, STSCI 2150, STSCI 2200.
College-specific Information
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- Students should refer to the CALS website for credit and placement information.
- Statistics: 5 grade will receive credit for STSCI 2100
College of Arts and Sciences
- Physics C - Mechanics: 5 grade will receive credit for PHYS 2207
Duffield College of Engineering
- Chemistry: 5 grade will receive credit for CHEM 2090/CHEM 2091
- Mathematics - Calculus BC: 5 grade will receive credit for MATH 1910
- Physics C - Mechanics: 5 grade will receive credit for PHYS 1112
Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
- Students should refer to the Dyson website for credit and placement information.
Nolan School of Hotel Administration
- AP Microeconomics: A score of 5 will fulfill HADM 1410
- AP English Language & Composition or AP English Literature and Composition: A score of 5 will fulfill the First-Year Writing Seminar. A score of 4 will fulfill Additional Distribution credit.
- AP Statistics: Not eligible for transfer.
School of Industrial and Labor Relations
- Statistics: 4 or 5 grade will receive credit for ILRST 2100
Departmental Examinations - Cornell Advanced Standing Exams (CASE)
In certain subjects, students may also qualify for credit on the basis of departmental examinations given on campus during Orientation Week. The departments that award advanced placement and credit on the basis of departmental examinations are shown below. Students need to register for those examinations in the relevant department. More information can be found below, in Language Placement & Advanced Standing or on the Placement Exams website.
| Subject | Marks | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Arabic | Munther Younes, 420 White Hall | |
| Chemistry | A student may also receive credit for CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071, or CHEM 2090 & CHEM 2091 by passing an exam given during Fall orientation. A distinct exam is given before the start of the Spring semester that, if passed, will allow a student to receive credit for CHEM 2080 & CHEM 2081. See the Chemistry department website for further information. https://chemistry.cornell.edu/chemistry-advanced-standing-exam-case |
|
| Chinese(Mandarin) | Erin Kotmel, 350 Rockefeller Hall or visit https://asianstudies.cornell.edu/placement#schedule-of-examinations |
|
| French | Callean Hile, K165 Klarman Hall Or Placement Exams https://as.cornell.edu/advising/placement-exams | |
| German | Anne Chen, 183 Goldwin Smith Hall | |
| Hebrew | Shalom Shoer, 418 White Hall | |
| Italian | Callean Hile, K165 Klarman Hall Or Placement Exams https://as.cornell.edu/advising/placement-exams | |
| Japanese | Erin Kotmel, 350 Rockefeller Hall Or Placement Exams https://as.cornell.edu/advising/placement-exams |
|
| Korean | Meejeong Song, 388 Rockefeller Hall Or Placement Exams https://as.cornell.edu/advising/placement-exams |
|
| Persian | Iago Gocheleishvili, 405 White Hall | |
| Russian | Slava Paperno, 211 Klarman Hall or see the Russian Language Program webpage https://russian.cornell.edu/index.cfm | |
| Spanish | Callean Hile, K165 Klarman Hall Or Placement Exams https://as.cornell.edu/advising/placement-exams | |
| Turkish | Banu Ozer-Griffin, 422 White Hall | |
| Yiddish | David Forman, 405 White Hall |
International Examinations
The policies currently in effect for General Certificate of Education "A" Level Examinations, International Baccalaureate Higher Level Examinations, and the Cambridge Pre-University Examinations are summarized in the table below. Students may submit results of the French Baccalauréat or German Abitur for possible credit depending on the stream or specialization followed. Accepted students holding any other secondary school credentials are urged to sit for the Advanced Placement Examinations of the College Entrance Examination Board or for the departmental examinations offered during Orientation Week.
The tables below list subjects and the marks for which credit will be awarded.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Higher-Level Examinations
IB Examinations are awarded advanced standing and credit on receipt of the examination results from the I.B. Office.
| Subject | Marks | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Anthropology | N/A | Subject to departmental review. |
| Biology | 6 | a) For Biological Sciences Majors, 4 credits awarded as BIOG 1101F. Credits can count towards 120 credits required for graduation, but cannot be used toward the biological science major. b) For Non-Biological Sciences Majors, placement out of 4 credits of Introductory Biology Cluster Courses. |
| Biology | 7 | a) For Biological Sciences Majors, 8 credits awarded as BIOG 1102F. Credits can count towards 120 credits required for graduation, but cannot be used toward the biological science major. b) For Non-Biological Sciences Majors, 8 credits awarded for placement out of Introductory Biology Cluster Courses. |
| Chemical and Physical Systems | 6 or 7 | 8 credits (PHYS 1101 and PHYS 1102) |
| Chemistry | 6 or 7 | 4 credits (CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071 or CHEM 2090 & CHEM 2091) |
| Computer Science | 6 or 7 | 4 credits (CS 1110) |
| Economics | 7 | 6 credits (ECON 1110 and ECON 1120). |
| Economics | 7 | For Nolan School students, 3 credits (HADM 1410) and 3 credits ARTS distribution requirements. |
| English Literature | N/A | Varies by college. |
| English Language and Literature | N/A | Varies by college |
| German | 6 or 7 | Credit is based on departmental exam. |
| History | N/A | No credit. |
| Mathematics1 (AA or AI) | 6 or 7 | 4 credits and placement out of Calculus I (MATH 1110). More credit may be obtained by passing a placement exam during Orientation. |
| Music | N/A | No credit. |
| Philosophy | N/A | No credit. |
| Physical Science | 6 or 7 | 8 credits (4 credits, CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071; 4 credits, PHYS 1101) |
| Physics | 6 or 7 | 4 credits (PHYS 2207) or 3 credits (PHYS 1112 - must enroll in PHYS 1110) |
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Mathematics Analysis & Approaches (AA) or Applications & Interpretations (AI)
French Baccalauréat Examination
Grades of 14/20 or higher are awarded advanced standing and/or credit according to the following chart. Students must present the original or a certified copy of their examination certificate to receive credit.
| Subject | Marks | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Francais écrit (Séries ES, L, S) | 14/20 or higher | Credit and placement determined by taking a placement exam (LPF/CASE) during orientation. |
| Francais écrit (Séries ES, L, S) | 16/20 or higher | Credit and placement determined by taking a placement exam (LPF/CASE) during orientation. |
| Histoire et Géographie (Séries) | N/A | No credit. |
| Philosophie | 14/20 or higher | (Séries ES and L) 3 credits (PHIL 1100) |
| Mathématiques, Sciences Physiques, Biologie | N/A | Credit and placement determined by taking a placement exam during orientation. |
General Certificate of Education (GCE) Advanced ("A") Level Examinations
General Certificate of Education Advanced Level Examinations are awarded advanced standing and credit. Students must present the original or a certified copy of their examination certificate to receive credit.
| Subject | Marks | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | A or B | a) For Biological Sciences Majors, 8 credits awarded as BIOG 1102F. Credit can count towards 120 credits required for graduation, but cannot be used toward the biological science major. b) For Non-Biological Sciences Majors, 8 credits awarded for placement out of Introductory Biology Cluster Courses. |
| Chemistry | A* or A | 8 credits (CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071 or CHEM 2090 & CHEM 2091 and CHEM 2080 & CHEM 2081) |
| Chemistry | B | 4 credits (CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071 or CHEM 2090 & CHEM 2091) |
| Economics | A* or A | 6 credits (ECON 1110 and ECON 1120) |
| Economics | A* or A | 3 credits (HADM 1410) and 3 free electives |
| English Literature | N/A | Varies by College. |
| Further Mathematics | N/A | Credit and placement determined by taking a placement exam during orientation. |
| Mathematics | A*, A, B, or C | 4 credits and placement out of Calculus I (MATH 1110). More credit may be obtained by passing a placement exam during orientation. Non-engineering majors who take the A level exam in Singapore will receive an additional 4 credits and placement out of Calculus II (MATH 1120). Engineering students who take the A level exam in Singapore only receive 4 credits and placement out of MATH 1910. |
| Music | N/A | No credit. |
| Philosophy | A*, A, or B | Subject to department review. |
| Physics | A*, A, or B | 4 credits for PHYS 2207. 3 credits for PHYS 1112 - requires PHYS 1110 enrollment. 4 additional credits for PHYS 2208 are granted for a combination of grades of A or B and a minimum of 8 advanced placement or advanced standing credits in mathematics. Students planning to major in physics are recommended to forfeit all credit and enroll in PHYS 1116. Students in the College of Engineering should refer to the engineering registrar for credit and placement information. |
| Statistics (excluding Engineering and Brooks School students) | A*, A, or B | 4 credits. Placement out of AEM 2100, BTRY 3010, BTRY 6010, CRP 1200, ILRST 2100, ILRST 6100, PUBPOL 2100, PSYCH 2500, SOC 3010, STSCI 2100, STSCI 2150, STSCI 2200. Students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will find credit and placement information on the CALS website. Nolan School students will find credit and placement information in the SHA Student Handbook. |
Cambridge Pre-University Examinations
Considered equivalent to A-level examinations and awarded advanced standing and credit. Students must present the original or a certified copy of their examination certificate to receive credit.
| Subject | Marks | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| Biology | M3 or higher | a) For Biological Sciences Majors, 8 credits awarded as BIOG 1102F. Credit can count towards 120 credits required for graduation, but cannot be used toward the biological science major. b) For Non-Biological Sciences Majors, 8 credits awarded for placement out of Introductory Biology Cluster Courses. |
| Chemistry | D2 | 8 credits. Placement out of CHEM 2070 & CHEM 2071 and CHEM 2080 & CHEM 2081. |
| Economics | D1, D2, D3 | 6 credits. Placement out of ECON 1110 and ECON 1120. |
| English | N/A | Varies by college. |
| History | N/A | No credit. |
| Mathematics | N/A | Credit and placement determined by taking a placement exam during orientation. |
| Physics | D1, D2, D3 (on parts A and B) | 4 credits. Placement out of PHYS 2207, but not PHYS 1112. |