Fariborz Maseeh Department of Mathematics + Statistics

Math + Stats Challenge Exams

Mathematics and Statistics Challenge Exams are one alternative way to earn credit in mathematics or statistics outside of a classroom. We offer challenge exams for MTH 251 Calculus I and STAT 243Z Elementary Statistics I. Students must be formally admitted to Portland State University as an undergraduate or be currently registered or have completed one PSU course.

All exam arrangements must be made by contacting the undergraduate advisor, Dr. Beatriz Lafferriere (mstatadv@pdx.edu).

Math & Stat Challenge Exam Policies

  • The exam is comprehensive.
  • The exam should be completed in three hours.
  • Student must have 80% or more of the exam correct to receive a passing grade of P.
  • Exams are only given during final exams week of Fall, Winter, and Spring terms. No exams are offered in Summer term.
  • Contact the undergraduate advisor to arrange the exam at least two weeks before final exams week starts.        
Undergraduate Advising about this content

Approval, Fee Payment & Grading Information

  • Complete Credit for Prior Learning form and bring to the department for approval.
  • Pay the $200 fee at the Cashier’s Office in the lobby of Fariborz Maseeh Hall (FMH).
  • Return this form, with PAID stamp from the Cashier’s Office, to the department to arrange for the exam.
  • After the exam, the grade is submitted to the Registrar’s Office on a Supplementary Grade Report (SGR), along with the completed CPL form. Note: Credit for Prior Learning is limited to Pass only grading.
Credit for Prior Learning Form about this content

Guidelines Governing PSU Challenge Exams:

  • Not all courses in all departments are open to challenge. Each academic unit decides which of its courses are available to undergraduates for the Challenge Exams. The determination by the department is final. No courses numbered 199, 299, 399, or 401 to 410 inclusive are eligible for credit by examination.
  • The examinations administered vary according to the departments, college, or schools which administer them, and may include midterm and/or final examinations in current courses or special examinations designed for students “challenging” courses whether or not the courses are currently being offered.
  • Credit earned by examination may not be received in a course which:
    • Duplicates credit previously earned by a student, or
    • Is more elementary, as determined by departmental, college, or school regulations, than a course in which the student has already received credit.
  • A student who has taken but not passed a course may subsequently attempt credit in that course by examination. Only one such attempt is permitted. In the event of failure, results will not be recorded on a student’s academic record. Should an examination not be passed, credit can be obtained by repeating the course.
  • Credit by Exam uses Pass/No Pass grading. 
  • Credit by examination does not count toward residence credit.
  • Credit by examination is not governed by the GPA Repeat Policy.