Computer Applications and Office Technology (CAOT) Department
Credit by Examination Instructions
Considering testing out of a CAOT course?
If so, it is important that you read NIC’s Credit by Examination policy pasted below and pay particular attention to the bulleted statements:
North Idaho College’s Credit by Examination Policy
Challenge for Credit
A student enrolled at NIC may petition to challenge courses based on work done through private study and/or employment or to validate courses taken at non-accredited institutions.
• Students are not permitted to challenge a prerequisite course after having completed an advanced course.
• Credit by examination will not be granted for a course that a student has previously taken for credit or audited.
• Credit will be granted provided the student earns a grade of C or better.
• Neither grades nor credit earned through the challenge process will be counted in any given semester to determine credit load or grade point average, nor will they be included in computing cumulative grade point averages.
• Students may challenge a course prior to or during enrollment in a course through the second week of fall or spring semester, or through the first two days of a short course or summer session.
Contact the Registrar’s Office for specific regulations.
In order to be able to take a Credit by Examination, you must be a currently enrolled student and the test must be completed by the end of the second week of the semester. It is recommended that you register for the courses you are planning to take for the coming semester, including the course(s) that you plan to challenge. Plan to take the Credit by Examination test for course(s) that you plan to challenge before Wednesday of week two in the semester (that is the last day to drop a course and still receive a full refund). If you pass the test, then drop the course and you will be refunded the tuition paid for that course. If you fail the test, you will be enrolled in the course and you can continue with the coursework.
How to arrange to take the Credit by Examination: First, you will need to go to or call NIC’s Registrar’s Office (208-769-3320) to request a Credit by Examination form. They will ask you some questions before giving or faxing the form to you. Next, you will complete the top portion of the form and arrange to pay $10/credit at the Student Accounts office (208-769-3344).
Next make arrangements to take the test with a CAOT instructor. Let the instructor know at least two weeks in advance when you plan to take the exam. Following is link to a list of approved proctor sites if you happen to live far from campus: http://www.nic.edu/Websites/?dpt=61&pageID=1823
You will want to make certain that you bring the Credit by Examination form with you to the exam and have the proctor return the form with your completed exam.