What are UExcel exams?

UExcel (formerly Excelsior College Examinations) are credit-by-exam tests that allow students to earn college credit by demonstrating subject-matter knowledge without taking traditional courses. Offered through Excelsior University, UExcel exams cover subjects in liberal arts, sciences, business, nursing, and technology. Passing an exam earns the equivalent of 3-6 college credit hours recognized by many accredited institutions.

How do UExcel exams compare to CLEP and DSST?

All three are credit-by-exam programs: CLEP (College Board) — most widely accepted, 34 subjects, $89/exam; DSST (Prometric) — focused on military/vocational subjects, 38 exams, ~$100; UExcel (Excelsior) — broader nursing/healthcare coverage than CLEP, ~$95-130/exam. CLEP is accepted at 2,900+ colleges; UExcel acceptance varies by institution. Check with your school before taking any exam.

What subjects are available through UExcel exams?

UExcel offers exams in: Liberal Arts (English Composition, Humanities, Psychology, Sociology, Statistics), Sciences (Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Chemistry, Biology), Business (Principles of Management, Marketing, Accounting, Finance), Nursing (Nursing Care, Health Assessment, Pharmacology, Pathophysiology), and Technology (Computer Concepts, Database Concepts, Networking). Nursing-related UExcel exams are particularly popular for RN-to-BSN programs.

What is the passing score for UExcel exams?

UExcel exams are graded as: A (90-100), B (80-89), C (70-79), or NC (No Credit, below 70). A grade of C or better (score of 70+) earns college credit. Most UExcel exams award 3 credit hours for a passing grade; some nursing exams award 6 credits. Results are available immediately on computer-based exams or within 3-4 weeks for written exams.

How long are UExcel exams?

UExcel exam length varies by subject — typically 120-150 multiple-choice questions administered in 2-3 hours at Pearson VUE testing centers. Some exams include essays or performance assessments in addition to multiple-choice questions. Nursing competency exams may include clinical scenarios. UExcel exams are proctored and must be taken in person at authorized testing centers.

How should I prepare for UExcel exams?

UExcel preparation: (1) Download the official Content Guide for your specific exam from excelsior.edu — it lists all topics and recommended textbooks, (2) Use the recommended textbook (typically one standard college textbook), (3) Study the entire semester's worth of content (a passing UExcel score = passing a college course), (4) Take practice tests and sample questions, (5) Allow 4-8 weeks of dedicated study. The UExcel Content Guide is your most important preparation resource.

UExcel

Get ready for your UExcel certification. Practice questions with step-by-step answer explanations and instant scoring.

UExcel By Marcus B. ThompsonMay 27, 202625 min read

UExcel Practice Test Questions

Prepare for the UExcel exam with our free practice test modules. Each quiz covers key topics to help you pass on your first try.

UExcel Anatomy and Physiology Test

UExcel Exam Questions covering Anatomy and Physiology Test. Master UExcel Test concepts for certification prep.

UExcel Business Ethics

Free UExcel Practice Test featuring Business Ethics. Improve your UExcel Exam score with mock test prep.

UExcel English Composition

UExcel Mock Exam on English Composition. UExcel Study Guide questions to pass on your first try.

UExcel Microbiology Test

UExcel Test Prep for Microbiology Test. Practice UExcel Quiz questions and boost your score.

UExcel Pathophysiology

UExcel Questions and Answers on Pathophysiology. Free UExcel practice for exam readiness.

UExcel Psychology

UExcel Mock Test covering Psychology. Online UExcel Test practice with instant feedback.

UExcel Statistics

Free UExcel Quiz on Statistics. UExcel Exam prep questions with detailed explanations.

✓Confirm your exam appointment and location
✓Bring required identification documents
✓Arrive 30 minutes early to check in
✓Read each question carefully before answering
✓Flag difficult questions and return to them later
✓Manage your time — don't spend too long on one question
✓Review flagged questions before submitting

UExcel Anatomy and Physiology

The UExcel Anatomy and Physiology I
The exam assesses knowledge and comprehension of content normally covered in a one-semester, three-credit, lower-level anatomy, and physiology course. This exam tests students' knowledge in the first year of a community college pre-nursing program or as a beginning student's introduction to nursing.

UExcel Anatomy and Physiology II
The UExcel Anatomy and Physiology II exam assesses knowledge and comprehension of content normally covered in a one-semester, three-credit, upper-level anatomy, and physiology course.

UExcel Anatomy and Physiology III
The UExcel Anatomy and Physiology III exam covers the physiology of higher-level organs such as the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs, and brain. The exam takes approximately 90 minutes to complete, including reading a 90-110 page textbook on human anatomy. An additional 15–20 hours of clinically based observation are required for this test.

What is UExcel?	UExcel was a credit-by-exam program developed through an alliance between Pearson and Excelsior College. The program allowed students to earn college credit by demonstrating knowledge in various subjects through computer-based exams. Excelsior College discontinued UExcel exams after August 21, 2026.
What subjects were available through UExcel exams?	UExcel offered exams in numerous subjects including calculus, statistics, anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology, microbiology, business ethics, organizational behavior, philosophy, Spanish language, and various nursing-related topics covering both lower and upper-level college courses.
Who accepts UExcel credits?	Nearly 2,000 colleges and universities accepted UExcel credits for transfer, with ACE CREDIT providing credit recommendations. Many institutions still honor credits earned before the program ended, and Florida public institutions are required to accept previously earned UExcel credits.
What is the difference between UExcel and CLEP?	UExcel was developed by Excelsior College while CLEP is administered by the College Board. CLEP offers 34 exams and is still active, whereas UExcel was discontinued in 2026. CLEP exams are 90 minutes while UExcel exams were typically 2-3 hours long.

What is UExcel?

UExcel was a credit-by-exam program developed through an alliance between Pearson and Excelsior College. The program allowed students to earn college credit by demonstrating knowledge in various subjects through computer-based exams. Excelsior College discontinued UExcel exams after August 21, 2026.

What subjects were available through UExcel exams?

UExcel offered exams in numerous subjects including calculus, statistics, anatomy and physiology, psychology, sociology, microbiology, business ethics, organizational behavior, philosophy, Spanish language, and various nursing-related topics covering both lower and upper-level college courses.

Who accepts UExcel credits?

Nearly 2,000 colleges and universities accepted UExcel credits for transfer, with ACE CREDIT providing credit recommendations. Many institutions still honor credits earned before the program ended, and Florida public institutions are required to accept previously earned UExcel credits.

What is the difference between UExcel and CLEP?

UExcel was developed by Excelsior College while CLEP is administered by the College Board. CLEP offers 34 exams and is still active, whereas UExcel was discontinued in 2026. CLEP exams are 90 minutes while UExcel exams were typically 2-3 hours long.

📄Free UExcel Practice Test PDF

UExcel: Pros and Cons

✅Pros

+UExcel credential is recognized by employers and industry professionals
+Higher earning potential compared to non-credentialed peers
+Expanded career opportunities and professional advancement
+Structured learning path builds comprehensive knowledge
+Professional development that stays current with industry standards

❌Cons

−Preparation requires significant time and study commitment
−Associated costs for exams, materials, and renewal fees
−Continuing education needed to maintain credentials
−Competition for advanced positions can be challenging
−Requirements and standards may vary by state or region

UExcel Questions and Answers

About the Author

Marcus B. ThompsonMA Criminal Justice, POST Certified Instructor

Law Enforcement Trainer & Civil Service Exam Specialist

John Jay College of Criminal Justice

Marcus B. Thompson earned his Master of Arts in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and served 12 years as a law enforcement officer before transitioning to full-time academy instruction. He is a POST-certified instructor who has prepared candidates for police entrance exams, firefighter assessments, and civil service examinations across dozens of agencies.