Incoming students requesting proficiency credit from approved tests must submit 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).

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 nursing 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 nursing 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 Advising & Retention Services 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 who are enrolled in the 126-credit curriculum (online or onsite), regardless of their state of residency, with the opportunity to earn the 3-year BSN degree with up to ten 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-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 return demonstration for Nursing Fundamentals-Skills. To earn proficiency credit for PSYC-290N Lifespan Development, students must successfully complete a proficiency exam according to the Advanced Standing by Proficiency Testing policy.  LPN/LVN students will have an opportunity to apply for the proficiency prior to Friday of Week 6 of NR-222 Health and Wellness.