RN students may earn 44 nursing credits by exam.* The methods of earning these credits are outlined below.

1. Three of the four tests are owned and administered by Excelsior College. Within the immediate area, these tests are offered at 6 different colleges. There are six test sessions each year, scheduled between October and August. Registration materials and study guides are available from:
    

   College of Nursing receptionist Villanova University St Mary's Hall 610-519-4900

   Excelsior College 7 Columbia Circle Albania, NY 12203-5159 518-464-8631 www.excelsior.edu

2. The required Excelsior exams are:
   • Maternal-Child Nursing, Baccalaureate (#457)
   • Adult Nursing (#554)
   • Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing (#503)

   The passing score for each of these exams is a standard score of 45. Each exam may be repeated once, if necessary. All three Excelsior exams must be passed to earn 24 credits in nursing at Villanova. The exams are NOT required for admission to the College. Scores are valid for 5 years.
    

3. The fourth exam is incorporated within the first required nursing course at Villanova (NUR 3000), and is entitled Clinical Validation Exam. It assesses foundational clinical nursing skills and is implemented by Villanova Nursing faculty. It may be repeated once if necessary and must be passed to earn 20 additional credits in nursing, and to progress in the program.

*Associate degree nursing credits that meet selected criteria are transferred, and the balance of those 44 nursing credits are earned by exam.

You should have evidence of successful completion of a physical assessment course taken at a university (a transcript is considered proof) or as part of a continuing education program (certificate required). If you do not have proof of a physical assessment course, you may challenge it (NUR 3005).

Earn other credits by exam

Selected liberal education courses may be challenged through the University’s Credit by Examination program for a fee of $40 per credit. RN students may challenge up to 12 credits in liberal education courses in addition to the 44 credits awarded in nursing by exam. Graduate-level courses may not be challenged.