Credit may be earned by professional students through competency examinations. There are three examinations recognized by the university: Advanced Placement (AP) tests, the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Credit is granted to professional students who score a three or higher on an AP test, meet the cut-off level (individually determined by each APU department or school) in CLEP subject area tests, or earn a five or higher on the IB higher-level exams (see the aforementioned links).

There is no maximum number of credits that can be accumulated from these tests. Credit received by examination is tuition-free and applies toward the total requirement for graduation from the university.

College credit earned by a student still in high school may be transferred to Azusa Pacific University, provided that the course was taken at an accredited college. An official college transcript must be sent from the college to Azusa Pacific in order for such coursework to be evaluated for transfer of credit. Requirements for transfer applicants apply.

Challenge exams for professional students are available only in the School of Nursing according to specific guidelines.

No CLEP credit is allowed in a student’s final semester.