Advanced standing and credit for prior learning (CPL) may be awarded to students who complete college-level work while still in high school. The College will grant matriculated students a maximum of 30 credits on the basis of special examinations taken prior to admission. Standardized examinations commonly taken by students in high/secondary school are highlighted below. Additional CPL opportunities, especially for transfer and adult students, are detailed on our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) webpage.
Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
Advanced Placement (AP) exams are culminating exams for students who complete college-level work in high school under the AP Program sponsored by the College Board. Credit shall be awarded for scores of 3 or better (equivalent of C or better). To have your AP Exams evaluated for CPL credit, you must request an official copy of your AP Scores be sent to the College of Staten Island (CUNY/CSI - School Code 2778). Click here for AP Course Equivalencies.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization Diploma Program (DP)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Organization Diploma Program is a demanding course of study that leads to culminating exams for highly motivated high school students. Thirty (30) credits shall be awarded to students who have completed an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with a score of 30 or higher. Students who have completed an IB diploma with a score of 29 or less and students who did not complete a diploma will be guaranteed credit for higher-level IB exams with scores of 5 or better (equivalent to B or better). To have your IB exams/Diploma evaluated for CPL credit you must request an official copy of your IB transcript be sent to the College of Staten Island.
Advanced International Certificate Education Program (AICE)
The AICE program is an International, Advanced Secondary (AS) curriculum and assessment program equivalent to the British system of “A Levels.” AS-level courses are comprised of curricula lasting one academic year. Credits shall be awarded for grades of E or better (U.S. equivalent of C or better). To have your AICE exams evaluated for CPL credit you must request an official copy of your AS & A Level grade transcripts and/or AICE Diploma be sent to the College of Staten Island. Click here for AICE Course Equivalencies
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College Level Exam Program (CLEP) exams are designed to test knowledge in specific college subjects achieved outside of the classroom. Credit shall be awarded for scores of 50 or better (equivalent of C or better). To have your CLEP exams evaluated for CPL credit, you must request an official copy of your CLEP Scores be sent to the College of Staten Island (CUNY/CSI - School Code 2778). Click here for CLEP Course Equivalencies.
New York State Seal of Biliteracy (NYSSB)
The NYSSB recognizes students who have attained a high level of proficiency in English and a world language by high school graduation. Students who self-identify and show documentation (notation of NYSSB on their high school diploma and/or transcript) will be awarded three language credits (LNG 199) for each language for which they earn the NYSSB. If the NYSSB is in one of the languages taught at the College of Staten Island, students are advised to take the Fast Track language placement exam to determine their proficiency level and placement in the sequence of language classes offered. Visit the NYSSB page in our catalog for more information.
Additional examinations accepted for credit (visit CPL webpage for details):
- Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)
- Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DSST) (formerly DANTES)
- Excelsior College Exams (UEXCEL)
Any questions regarding test score evaluations can be sent to: FreshmenAdvisement@csi.cuny.edu (incoming or prospective freshmen) or NewTransferStudent@csi.cuny.edu (incoming or prospective transfers)
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
The City University of New York (CUNY) and the College of Staten Island (CSI) recognize that students entering or returning to college come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, including many that involve the equivalent of college-level learning.
The CUNY Policy for the Use of Credit for Prior Learning applies to all colleges of The City University of New York. The awarding of credit for the various nationally recognized standardized examinations is effective as of Fall 2021, but colleges and schools will be permitted to phase in the requirement of awarding credit for non-credit coursework as they establish campus-based procedures to do so and in alignment with university-wide standards and criteria. The awarding of credit via portfolio remains voluntary at this time.
As a result, CSI offers the following CPL opportunities for you to earn credit from your previous education, work experience, and learning outside of the classroom.
- Standardized Exams: CSI offers CPL credit for several college-level examination programs that offer nationally recognized, subject-area examinations.
- Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Military Training: CSI offers CPL credit for knowledge and experience gained through military service, using credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide.
- Industry Credit: CSI offers CPL credit for licenses, certifications, and training that have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS).
Visit our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) webpage for more information and details.