At the University of Maryland (UMD), the path to a degree is often envisioned as a four-year marathon of 120 credits, one GenEd requirement at a time. However, for the proactive student, there is a fast-forward button: UMD Exemption Exams . Officially known as the Credit by Examination program, these tests offer a powerful, yet often overlooked, strategy to bypass introductory courses, save thousands in tuition, and accelerate your academic journey.
College isn't cheap. An exemption exam usually costs a fraction of a three-credit course. While UMD charges a modest administrative fee per exam (typically $50–$100), compare that to the cost of in-state tuition plus fees for a 3-credit class (often $1,200+). Passing three or four exams can effectively save you an entire semester’s tuition. umd exemption exams
UMD offers these exams across dozens of subjects, including Mathematics (Calculus, Linear Algebra), Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Languages (Spanish, French, Chinese), Economics, Government, and History. Students pursue exemption exams for three main reasons, each representing a different kind of return on investment. At the University of Maryland (UMD), the path
Don't just take the class. Prove you've already mastered it. College isn't cheap