Frequently Asked Questions

What is Credit by Examination?
NLU awards credit by examination for eligible students who have achieved acceptable scores on CLEP (College Level Examination Program), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs), and NYU Language Proficiency Exams. You might wish to explore this option of examination as a way to gain additional credits needed for degree completion.

Where can I take the exams for credit?
Computer-based CLEP exams may be taken by NLU students on the Chicago, Lisle or Wheeling campuses.  DSST exams may be taken by NLU students on the Lisle campus only.  Exams may also be taken at other institutions offering proctoring services. If these exams are taken at another institution, your score reports should be sent to NLU for awarding of transfer credit.

Where can I take a CLEP exam?
Computer-based CLEP exams can be taken in person on the Lisle, Wheeling or Chicago locations by appointment only (please see the schedules for each location below).  CLEP exams may also be taken remotely from home.  To learn more about scheduling an at-home CLEP exam, please go to the following link; CLEP Exams at-Home   

What do CLEP exams cover?
CLEP tests measure knowledge of academic topics through five subject areas (Composition and Literature, Foreign Languages, History and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, Business). CLEP exams are timed, but there is no penalty for wrong or skipped answers. Credit awards vary from 5QH to 14QH.

How do I purchase my exam ticket for CLEP?

Once you have decided on which exam to take you may begin the registration process by going to the CLEP’s website:http://clep.collegeboard.org/register/exam. Add the exam to your cart. If you have not already, create an account or sign in to your existing account. Select NLU as your testing site and choose where to send your transcript (to NLU) at our Wheeling campus, Attn: Admissions Department, 1000 Capitol Drive, Wheeling IL 60090.  Review your order and pay the exam fee to CLEP. Should any of those steps require more than what is above, please visit CLEP’s Step-by-Step helppage for more information.

What are CLEPs test topic areas?

CLEP tests measure knowledge of academic topics through five subject areas (Composition and Literature, Foreign Languages, History and Social Sciences, Science and Mathematics, Business). CLEP exams are timed, but there is no penalty for wrong or skipped answers. Credit awards vary from 5QH to 14QH.  Here are the links to CLEP’s Test Exam Topics: https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-exams

How do I sign up for an in-person CLEP test at NLU?

Please visit the NLU CLEP Testing Sign-Up Page to find a date/time that works for you after you have registered for an exam with CLEP.  

What do I need to know about Virtual CLEP exams?

To participate in remote proctoring for a virtual CLEP exam, you must have a computer (PC only no Macs), webcam, speaker, microphone, a white board or one sheet of paper in a transparent sheet protector and a dry erase marker for note taking, and a quiet, secure testing environment. For more information, please go to the CLEP website; http://clep.collegeboard.org

What do I need to do for the day of my CLEP test in-person?

Day of the exam: 

• Arrive at NLU campus you signed up for at least 30 minutes prior to your assigned time. Students arriving late will not be allowed to sit for exams, no exceptions.
• Chicago location: The Gage building, 18 S. Michigan Ave., room 327
• Wheeling location: 
• Bring a valid government-issued ID that has both a photo and signature.

Note also the following: 

• Instructions and testing time take 2 hours and you may only take one exam per test time offered.
• No digital devices, bags, books, food, or drinks are allowed at your testing desk (the proctor is happy to have you place your bag near their location).  
• Scores are printed immediately following the exam, except for those requiring an essay where CLEP will return that information within 3 weeks of the test date. 
• CLEP study guides can be found in the following book: The CLEP Official Study Guide. 

Where can I take a DSST (DANTES) exam?

 DSST If these exams are taken at another institution, your score reports should be sent to NLU for awarding of transfer credit. For more  information regarding CLEP or DSST please contact us at; pla@nl.edu

What do DSST (DANTES) exams cover?
DANTES exams measure learning in some Business and academic areas, including Humanities, Mathematics, Physical and Life Sciences, Social Sciences and Technical Writing. There is no penalty for incorrect or skipped answers. Credit awards for all DANTES are 5QH. 

What credentials do you accept for credit?

Credit by Credential is an excellent way to utilize previously earned certifications as academic credit.  Please look through our credential listing on our webpage (NLU’s Credit by Credential listing).  Once you have reviewed and see a potential match, please do meet with your Advisor or Coach to ensure that you would not be duplicating credit by submitting a credential to us.  If you find that you want to submit a credential for consideration, please review the fees associated with this and then you can access and fill out the Credit by Credential application and upload your documentation.  Once completed, please give us 30 days for evaluation and processing.

Where do I find the Credit by Credentials Application?

Please click here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7213072/Student-Credit-by-Credential-Application

Where do I find the Credit by Portfolio Application?

Please click here: https://survey.alchemer.com/s3/7213938/NLU-s-Credit-for-Prior-Learning-CPL-Credit-by-Portfolio-Application-copy

How do I submit new essays for credit related to ACL301?

Effective September 11, 2023, we will no longer be accepting additional essay submissions for credit for students who have previously taken ACL301.  Instead, you are welcome to take the course again and have the opportunity to submit two essays for tuition amounting to 2QH, if needed.  In the coming six months prior to the last day we will be accepting essays (September 11, 2023), please submit them using our new electronic ACL301 Essay submission form

How do I view my CPL credit?

To view your unofficial transcript in the NLU Portal using this path: Student Services > Students > Academic Transcript.  

To request an official paper or e-transcripts online please visit the Registrar’s Office webpage.