In some cases where material has been mastered independently of Carleton class instruction, students may apply for and receive credit by examination. Students should consult with the chair of the department in which the course is offered to determine whether an appropriate examination may be arranged. Application forms for registering for credit by examination are available in the Office of the Registrar. In addition to approval of the chair of the department in which the course is offered, the approval of the student's faculty adviser is also required. The completed application should be submitted to the registrar's office not less than two weeks prior to the date of the examination.

The grade received for the credit by examination becomes a part of the student's permanent record and is included in the GPA. If taken S/Cr/NC, credits are applied to the total S/Cr/NC load which may not exceed 30 credits.

Students may not apply for credit by examination in any course that they have audited or in which they have been previously enrolled (beyond the two week drop/add period). Credit by examination is not intended to remove a failing grade, raise a passing grade, or replace a drop (DRP). Credit by examination does not count for distribution requirements.

During the academic year, an enrolled student may get credit by examination without charge. If the examination is attempted during the summer or winter break, then a fee is charged for each examination for credit at the same variable rate as that for off-campus independent study. (See tuition charges.) This charge is added to the student's account by the Business Office when they are notified of the completion of the examination.

See also auditing courses and credit maximum and minimum.