Incoming students requesting proficiency credit from approved tests must submit official transcripts prior to initial registration. Approved tests include the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). All proficiency credit from approved tests must meet the minimum score required by Chamberlain. A student’s educational history (including military) may also be recognized for proficiency credit via an appropriate credit recommendation from the American Council on Education (ACE).

Students who believe course material has been mastered, through coursework completed outside Chamberlain for which transfer credit cannot be given, may request a Chamberlain proficiency examination for the course, provided they have not previously attempted the proficiency exam. Coursework satisfied by a Chamberlain proficiency exam cannot be repeated for a grade. Any possible security breach or suspicious behavior during testing may require further review and evaluation. If after review and evaluation it is determined the integrity of the test has been compromised, the test may be assessed as a No Pass and credit is not awarded. A proficiency assessment can only be attempted one time. Contact Academic Support Advising for more information.

The Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree program does not offer advanced placement based upon proficiency testing.

Advanced Standing by Proficiency Testing for California Military Personnel

Chamberlain recognizes that military personnel in California with previous knowledge, training and experience as healthcare specialists that meet the criteria below may be able to demonstrate achievement of all pre-licensure BSN course outcomes through proficiency examinations. Proficiency examinations are comprehensive final assessments (challenge exams) that provide veterans the opportunity to demonstrate achievement of course learning outcomes.

Applicants or students who feel that course material has been mastered, through coursework completed outside Chamberlain for which transfer credit cannot be given, may request a Chamberlain proficiency examination for any course in the pre-licensure BSN curriculum, provided they have not previously attempted the proficiency exam or is not currently enrolled in the course. Nursing proficiency examinations must be completed in the order of course sequencing set forth on the curriculum plan. Some courses will require completion of a standardized assessment and/or a comprehensive skills checklist in order to validate previously acquired knowledge/skill. Proficiency exams may only be attempted one time and coursework satisfied by a Chamberlain proficiency exam cannot be repeated for a grade. Contact Academic Support Advising for more information.

Eligible Criteria

1. Be a veteran of the United States military (honorably discharged and provide a DD form 214 “Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty” showing proof of healthcare specialist rating) or
2. Be serving in active duty status with the United States military and provide proof of healthcare specialist rating or
3. Be classified with a healthcare specialist rating (i.e., Navy HM, AF 4N0X1, Army 68W) while serving in the military.
4. Submit proof of a minimum of 2 years or equivalent experience as a healthcare specialist or comparable role within the past 3 years.

LPN/LVN Proficiency Testing

Chamberlain provides qualified LPN/LVN licensed students with the opportunity to earn the 3-year BSN degree with up to nine proficiency credits. Eligible students must be admitted to the BSN program and hold an unrestricted, active license as a practical/vocational nurse from the U.S. or a jurisdiction that is an associate member of the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. To earn proficiency credit for NR-224 Fundamentals: Skills/NR-229 Fundamentals – Skills and NR-226 Fundamentals: Patient Care, students must successfully complete the Nursing Fundamentals standardized assessment for each course and the nursing skills validation for Nursing Fundamentals-Skills. To earn proficiency credit for PSYC-290N Lifespan Development, students must successfully complete the Lifespan Development proficiency exam. Students interested in this proficiency testing should contact their academic support advisor immediately upon admission for more details.

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California students enrolled prior to September 2017 may have completed NR-227 to fulfill the NR-226 requirement and earn up to ten proficiency credits. Students enrolled in the BSN online option have the opportunity to earn up to six proficiency credits.