The challenge for credit option allows you to demonstrate that you are proficient in the subject matter of a specific Athabasca University course without having to complete the entire course. Using a predetermined process, this option allows you to challenge courses based on your previous work, life experience, or community service.

Not all post-secondary institutions recognize the challenge for credit process. Find out first whether your home institution will accept credit obtained by challenge.

Determine your subject-matter knowledge by reviewing the online syllabus.

Determine the method of evaluation by consulting the course professor/coordinator. To obtain the course professor's email address and phone number, email examunit@athabascau.ca.

The maximum number of credits that can be challenged at Athabasca University is calculated from the total number of credits required for the program minus the number of credits required for residency. However, any course that is successfully completed through the challenge for credit process may count towards the Athabasca University residency requirements.

Some important facts regarding challenging a course:

Learning Resources Option/Tutorial Support

For an additional fee you may purchase the course's learning resources package (details are provided on the form). The additional fee is refundable provided you don't mark or damage the learning resources. Depending on where you live, allow approximately three weeks or more to receive your learning resources package. Tutorial support is not available during the challenge for credit process.

Courses Unavailable for Challenge

Not all Athabasca University courses are available for challenge. The Office of the Registrar maintains a list of the following courses that may not be challenged.

• courses for which the student has received transfer credit

• courses for which the student has received a “precluded” designation

• courses for which the student has received an exemption; courses that are unavailable at the time of registering; or courses in a category that is unavailable for challenge for credit

• all graduate-level courses

• reading courses

• some project-based courses

• 100-level courses

• laboratory or practicum courses.

 List of courses unavailable for challenge.

First, determine that the course is available for challenge by checking the online list.

Second, you must be eligible to challenge the course. Have you completed the prerequisites, discussed your level of skill and knowledge required for the course, and acquired details about the method of evaluation with the course professor?

Third, if you haven't done so already, complete and submit the Undergraduate General Application Form accompanied by the appropriate fee.

Finally, complete and submit the Challenge for Credit Form accompanied by the appropriate fee. Once you receive your confirmation letter, make arrangements to write your examination at an invigilation centre, or contact an invigilator. Once you have arranged this, inform the Office of the Registrar, and an examination will be forwarded. After your examination has been written and returned to the Office of the Registrar, you will be informed of the results.

Challenge Refunds

You may be eligible to receive a refund of your Learning Resources Fee provided you return the entire package to Athabasca University completely unmarked and undamaged within 30 calendar days of completing the challenge. If these criteria are not met, you will not be entitled to a refund.

Software and/or Software Access Codes

Most AU courses include software, and/or software access codes. If the packaging around the software or the software access code has been opened the software cannot be re-issued and the material should not be returned, as you will not be eligible for a refund of the Learning Resources Fee.