Prospective and Current Students can earn college credit toward a degree at NTI through Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school and/or the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Both programs are nationally recognized services operated by the College Board that permit students to earn credit for previous learning and general knowledge. There are 2,900 colleges that grant credit and/or advanced standing for CLEP exams. As such, students can easily transfer these credits to other colleges.

Through AP or CLEP testing, students may earn credit toward graduation for courses in general education subjects (communications, humanities, social sciences, mathematical reasoning and natural sciences). To earn credit, students must earn a score equal to or greater than the ACE Recommended Score.

Postsecondary CLEP opportunity

The state of Minnesota will pay the CLEP exam fee for MN public, private and home educated high school students. Students will still need to pay NTI to administer each test. Interested high school students should contact their high school counselor or principal for an authorization form or for more information. Authorization forms and detailed information is available through the State Education Web Site.

Course Test Outs

Students may also choose to test out of a course. There is no charge to test out. Students who are interested should schedule the test out with the instructor before the mid point of the course. The passing score is determined by the department giving the test (e.g., math department for Basic Math test).

Testing Procedure

1. Note: Only electronic testing is provided. You may not repeat a CLEP exam of the same title within 6 months. Scores of exams repeated earlier than this will be canceled and fees forfeited.
2. Download CLEP information and the Registration-Admission Form from College Board web site.
3. Send Amy Nelson the completed Registration-Admission Form at least one week in advance of your preferred test date to be assured of a seat. Each test takes 90 minutes.
4. A staff member will contact you to confirm your testing date and time.
5. Arrive 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled time. Use the restroom before starting the test (no breaks are allowed). If you are already a NTI student, present your college ID. If not, present your driver’s license. (A picture ID is required for testing.) Pay any required fee (cash only).
6. Bring all the materials you need, especially paper and pencils or pens. No other materials (bags, phones, coats, cell phones, pagers, etc.) are permitted in the testing room or allowed to leave it.
7. You will be considered finished after 90 minutes or when you leave the testing room, which ever comes first.

Cost of Testing

• Enrolled students and non-enrolled students must pay $70 to CLEP via a charge card upon registration (see Registration- Admission Form from College Board web site—step 2 above).
• Non-registered students must pay a $15 administrative fee to NTI (cash only). Registered students will not be charged this fee.

Grades

Students who earn credit by testing will receive a grade of CR (Credit by Exam) on their transcripts. The course is not calculated into the cumulative GPA.