Any person who has successfully completed a 45-hour Pre-Service Training offered by a Maryland MSDE/OCC-Approved Private Vendor may be eligible to take a challenge exam to receive articulated credits for the courses listed below. 

This includes high school students who have earned their 90-clock-hour certificate as part of their Child Development courses.

Requirements for Credit by Exam

In order to be eligible for articulated credits, the student must:

• Submit documentation from a Maryland MSDE/OCC Approved Private Vendor verifying successful completion of the corresponding 45-hour Pre-Service Training(s).
• Apply to the college as an EDU degree-seeking student.
• Successfully complete any course prerequisites for the course for which the student will test.
• Complete required paperwork and pay a $75 fee per exam.
• Score 80% or higher on the corresponding Challenge Exam.
• Successfully complete the corresponding 15-hour AACC fieldwork course (for EDU 133 and EDU 247); tuition for each fieldwork placement is an additional $75.

AACC will award 3 credits per exam taken and passed after the student has successfully completed a corresponding 3-credit college course within the Education requirements for an EDU degree. AACC will indicate on the student’s transcript that these credits were earned by passing a Challenge Exam.

Getting Started

1. Complete the Challenge Exam Form and send it along with documentation of successful completion of the course(s) from an MSDE/OCC approved vendor to the address on the form.
2. If you are approved to take the exam(s), you will receive a letter with a study guide and receipt for each exam, as well as information pertaining to fieldwork registration.
3. When you are ready to take the exam, bring the receipt to the AACC Cashier’s Office to pay the $75 fee per exam. Then, bring your receipt to the Testing Center to take the appropriate exam(s).

Credit/Noncredit Equivalent Courses