Credit by Examination Policy

1. The use of challenge exams is authorized by the university. The Music Department administers these exams with the understanding that the intent of the challenge exam is to gain credit for a course by passing the exam, otherwise known as "credit by examination". The challenge exam is not a means whereby a student may seek to have course requirements waived.

2. All challenge exams administered by the Cal Poly Pomona Music Department must be approved by majority vote of the Music Faculty. Any test that currently is used by the department must be reviewed to insure that it meets current requirements. No faculty member may unilaterally create and use a challenge exam.

3. In order for the challenge exam to be approved, it must demonstrate that the learning objectives of the course can be tested for using the tool being submitted.

4. Challenge exams are to be conducted in accordance with University Policy, posted in the University Manual, or as revised and published in an official Cal Poly Pomona source.

5. All challenge exams will be on file in the office of the Chair of the Department, with copies available in the office of the Department Secretary for distribution when needed.

6. Piano Proficiency Challenge Exam will be given for the entire 6 course sequence.

7. According to University policy, to challenge a course, all of the following conditions must apply:

  • Student is an undergraduate enrolled during the quarter of the challenge request;
  • If a student pre-registered for the course, the student dropped the course within the first five days of the quarter;
  • This course is not a prerequisite to a course the student has already completed or in which they are currently enrolled as shown in the University Catalog;
  • Student has met all prerequisites to the course being challenged as shown in the University Catalog;
  • Student has not received credit in this course or an equivalent, similar, or a more advanced course;
  • Student has not been enrolled in the course and earned any grade;
  • Student has not withdrawn from the course (graded withdrawal) or audited the course
  • The course being challenged has not been previously challenged.

Note: A course may be challenged only once. Credit acquired through challenged exam may not apply towards resident credit. No more than 36 quarter units may be challenged. Credit by examination is for subject matter in which the student is especially qualified only through non-traditional education or experience.