Proficiency Exams (Testing Out)

On occasion, students may have already acquired the knowledge and skills that are actually the intended outcomes of a particular course. For these individuals, CVTC offers proficiency exams. A student is considered proficient in a given area when she/he has achieved a high level of competency in a specific skill or field of knowledge. A minimum "B" grade is required to pass most exams. Successful completion of such exams results in the granting of credit for the course. The credit for the course is entered on the student's record and appears on his/her transcript as "PE". You can find the list of available proficiency exams at http://www.cvtc.edu/pages/770.asp.

Exam Information:

• Proficiency examinations are administered every Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
• Students must pre-register at least 24 hours prior to taking the exam
• Pre-registration is completed by calling 1-800-547-2882, extension 6346 or locally at (715) 833-6346 
• Prior to the exam, students must complete the Proficiency Exam Application and turn it in on the day of the exam 
• On the date of the test, the student reports to the Information Service Center at the Clairemont Avenue campus prior to the 10:00 a.m. start time
• A photo ID is required
• Proficiency exam fees will be $24.26 per credit (25% of course tuition) or a minimum charge of $46.00 per exam. Additional fees may be assessed for software license fees
  • 2 credits - $48.52
  • 3 credits - $72.78
  • 4 credits - $97.05
  • 5 credits - $121.30
• Proficiency exam results are released only through the U.S. mail (Family Educational Rights Privacy Act - FERPA)
• No letter grade is assigned; PE (proficiency exam) is recorded on academic transcripts
• Credits obtained through the proficiency process are not included in the student's overall grade point average
• Credits earned through proficiency exams are not included in the active credits for the term and therefore cannot be used when determining financial aid eligibility or enrollment status

Please Note:

• Tests cannot be previewed prior to taking the exam or upon completion of the exam
• Proficiency exams may be taken only during the first week of the semester for courses in which the student is currently enrolled. Exams may be taken at any time the student is not enrolled in the course. If the student is successful, a withdrawal from the class will be processed. The withdrawal date and tuition refund amount will be based on the exam date. No full refunds (100%) will be given if withdrawal results from passing the proficiency exam
• Students enrolled in a course (beyond week one [1] of the semester) must withdraw from the course prior to taking the exam. A tuition refund (if any) will be given in compliance with the Wisconsin Technical College System Refund Policy. If the student does not pass the proficiency exam, he/she will not be allowed to be reinstated in the class if it is past the registration deadline for the term. The student must re-register and pay tuition for the class in an upcoming term when registration opens for that term
• Students may retest for the same exam after one year from the date of the first attempt
• Students are ineligible to test for a course for which they have previously earned a failing grade

Arrangements for accommodating students will be made as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act.