Keystone Departmental Proficiency Exams (Credit-by-Exam)

To support students as they transition into their studies at the University of Maryland, the Keystone Program offers Credit-by-Exam (CBE) options for the following courses: ENES 102, ENES 192, ENES 220, ENES 221, and ENES 232. CBE is available to students who have completed equivalent courses outside of UMD but were unable to receive credit for them. Credit-by-Exam at UMD is similar to a comprehensive final exam for a course. CBE is available exclusively to degree-seeking students at UMD.

Students sit in a classroom

Upcoming exam date

The next exam will take place on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at 12 noon. In special cases, exams may be scheduled during Uniform Finals week upon request.

Ensure you are available: The Keystone Program does not have the resources to offer Credit-by-Exam on demand. Please ensure you are available on the scheduled exam date before submitting your application.

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Eligibility for Credit-by-Exam

Applications for CBE must be approved by the Keystone Program. Approval is not guaranteed.

Credit-by-Exam is intended for students who have successfully completed a similar, accredited ENES course elsewhere (with a grade of C- or better) but are unable to transfer the credit to UMD for technical reasons. CBE is not intended for students who wish to earn credit for a UMD course by auditing it and then taking the exam.

Per university policy, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. A minimum of 12 credit hours completed at UMD.
  2. A minimum GPA of 2.0.
  3. Completion of all prerequisite courses, or approval from the department chairperson (or the dean in non-departmentalized units) and the Senior Vice President and Provost.

Note: Requirements 1 and 2 may be waived for students in their first semester at UMD with approval from the department chairperson and dean.

Additional restrictions

  • Credit-by-Exam may not be used for courses in which the student has been registered at UMD beyond the Schedule Adjustment Period, even if a "W" (Withdrawal) is noted on the transcript.
  • Credit-by-Exam is not accepted for any part of the final 30 semester hours of coursework without approval from the Senior Vice President and Provost. With such approval, up to 6 credit hours of the final 30 hours may be taken via Credit-by-Exam.

Application process

Application deadline

Submit your application at least one week before the exam date to allow for preparation. (Exception: If your orientation is within one week of the CBE, you may apply after your orientation.)

No applications will be accepted on the day of the exam.

    Students sit before monitors in a lab

    How to apply

    1. Complete the Credit-by-Exam application form. Choose regular grading (not Pass/Fail) if you want the grade to count toward your major, minor, or general education requirements.
    2. Email a PDF of the completed application form, along with proof that you have taken a similar course elsewhere, to keystone@umd.edu. Include the subject line: ENESxxx CBE - Your UID.
    3. If your application is approved, it will be returned to you. Take it to the Bursar’s Office in the Lee Building to pay the $30 fee. You will receive a payment receipt.
    4. Bring a printed copy of the approved application and the receipt to the Keystone Program office on the day of the exam.
    5. Expect to receive email updates from keystone@umd.edu about additional details approximately one week before the exam. If you don’t receive these updates, contact the Keystone Program to ensure your application is complete.

    Exam day instructions

    • Arrive 30 minutes early at the Keystone Program office (2108 JMP Building).
    • Present the following documents at check-in:
      1. Payment receipt
      2. Approved CBE application
      3. University ID or Driver’s License
        (Additional documents may be requested, and will be outlined in your email.)
    • The exam will begin promptly at the scheduled time.
    • After taking the exam, you may choose not to submit it for grading. If you do not submit it, no grade will appear on your transcript. However, if you choose to submit it, a grade will be recorded.

    Once the exam is graded, the Keystone Program will notify you of your grade. You must then visit the Keystone Office to sign a form indicating whether you accept or reject the grade.

    • A grade of C- or higher is required for credit to be awarded.
    • If you reject the grade, a "W" will appear on your transcript.
    • You may not attempt the same course more than once via Credit-by-Exam.

    If you do not receive communication about your grade within one week, please reach out to keystone@umd.edu for an update.

    Cancellation policy

    If you need to cancel your registration, please notify the Keystone Program one business day in advance. Please note that no refunds will be provided for cancellations or missed exams.

    Exam preparation

    • The exam will be comprehensive.
    • The Keystone Program will provide materials to help students prepare.
    • The exam will take place at the Keystone Program office (2108 JMP Building).
    • During the exam, students will be provided with a formula sheet and scratch paper. You may use any non-Wi-Fi connected calculator.
    • If you need ADA accommodations, please provide a letter from the Accessibility and Disability Services (ADS) office at least one week before the scheduled exam date.

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