Challenge Exam Registration Information

Challenge Exam Registration Steps (1-2-3)

Complete the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Application.
Pay the non-refundable NECC Administration Fee of $40.00. and your $50/per credit fee. There are 2 options to submit your payment: Online (preferred method) or Mail-in.
- Online: Pay your registration fee on our Online payment system by credit card. Select the course and click the + in Enroll Now, click ADD TO CART, click CHECK OUT, and in I am a new user, type in your email and follow the prompts to complete the payment.
- Mail-in:Send in a money order, made payable to NECC, to Northern Essex Community College, Academic Placement & Testing Center, 100 Elliott St., Haverhill, MA 01830.
Schedule your Challenge Exam once the form and fees are received. You will be contacted to set up a day and time to come in.

Challenge Exam Policies

The Challenge Exam fee is not refundable.
A minimum of a “C” is required to pass the exam. Your grade will be posted as a “P” for pass. The “P” will not impact your overall Grade Point Average.
Be advised that Challenge Exam credits may not readily transfer to another academic institution.
There is a syllabus available to help you prepare for the exam. If you do not achieve the required score, your payment is not refundable, and you will be required to sit for the course and pay the full tuition and fees.
Therefore, if you need further preparation, you can access free tutorials on the Microsoft Website.
If you have additional questions regarding test content, please contact the Academic Placement & Testing Center for discussion related to your viability as a Challenge Exam candidate.
The CIS department will allow a student to retake a CIS challenge exam after a three (3) month wait period.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Data management or a file management-based computer course taken at another accredited institution may satisfy your computer competency requirement. Have an official transcript sent to the Office of the Registrar for evaluation. You must have earned at least a “C” for transfer of credit.