UExcel Practice Test 2025

A credit-by-examination scheme allows students to receive college credit for prior learning. The Excelsior College Examinations (ECE) for the nursing program at Excelsior College has been discontinued. Exams formerly known as ECEs and designed for general usage are now known as UExcel exams. Students who pass UExcel examinations receive college credit on their Excelsior College transcript. ACE CREDIT is also available for UExcel tests. Nearly 2,000 universities already accept UExcel tests for transfer credit. Because each college has its unique transfer credit policy, it's good to find out ahead of time if your college would accept UExcel scores.

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements lists which colleges accept UExcel scores. The American Council on Education (ACE) maintains a directory of member schools detailing the institution’s transfer credit policies. Students must register for each exam that includes their desired college course and have it sent directly from Excelsior College to the university of their choice. Students who do not receive an acceptance letter from the university will not receive credit for the exam.

The Admissions Committee will evaluate all information submitted and follow up with an interview. Applicants may be interviewed for the Business Administration, Nursing and Financial Management programs and any existing courses are taken in high school or other programs that may be transferable to Excelsior College's program of study.

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

Practice UExcel questions. 9 questions to test your knowledge.

UExcel Microbiology Test 1

Practice UExcel questions. 9 questions to test your knowledge.

UExcel Microbiology Test 2

Practice UExcel questions. 9 questions to test your knowledge.

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.

💡 UExcel Basics

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, 2022.
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 2022. CLEP exams are 90 minutes while UExcel exams were typically 2-3 hours long.

📋 UExcel Format

Are UExcel exams multiple choice?: UExcel exams were primarily multiple-choice computer-based tests, though some exams like College Writing included essay components. The multiple-choice format allowed for immediate preliminary scoring upon completion of most exams at the testing center.
How many questions are on a UExcel exam?: UExcel exams typically contained between 100-150 multiple-choice questions depending on the subject. Each exam was designed to assess comprehensive knowledge equivalent to completing a full college course in that subject area.
How long is a UExcel exam?: UExcel exam administration periods were typically 2-3 hours depending on the subject. Two-hour exams had a $55 administration fee while three-hour exams cost $65. Test-takers could work at their own pace within the time limit.
Do UExcel exams have essays or written sections?: Most UExcel exams were entirely multiple choice, but certain exams like English Composition and College Writing required written essay responses. These essays were scored separately and contributed to the overall exam grade along with multiple-choice sections.

📝 UExcel Registration

How do I register for a UExcel exam?: UExcel exams are no longer available for registration as Excelsior College discontinued the program after August 21, 2022. Students seeking credit-by-exam options should consider alternatives like CLEP or DSST exams, which offer similar subject coverage.
How much did a UExcel exam cost?: When available, UExcel exams cost between $110 and $335 for the exam itself, plus a test administration fee of $55-$65 depending on exam length. The total cost was competitive with other credit-by-exam programs like CLEP and DSST.
Where could I take a UExcel exam?: UExcel exams were administered at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the United States and internationally. These professional testing facilities offered flexible scheduling and secure, proctored testing environments for all computer-based UExcel examinations.
Could UExcel exams be taken online from home?: No, UExcel exams required in-person attendance at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers. While the exams were computer-based, they could not be taken remotely from home and required supervised proctoring at official testing locations.

✅ UExcel Passing & Results

What score is needed to pass a UExcel exam?: Passing scores varied by exam and were determined by Excelsior College faculty committees. Most UExcel exams used letter grades (A, B, C, D, F) with C or higher typically required for credit. Specific passing thresholds were listed in each exam's content guide.
How is a UExcel exam graded?: UExcel exams were scored using standardized methods with letter grades assigned based on performance. Multiple-choice sections were computer-scored immediately, while essay sections underwent human evaluation. Final grades appeared on official Excelsior College transcripts.
When do I get my UExcel exam results?: For multiple-choice only exams, unofficial scores were available immediately after testing at Pearson VUE centers. Exams with essay components required additional time for grading. Official score reports and transcripts were processed through Excelsior College.
How do I get my UExcel transcript?: UExcel transcripts can be requested by accessing your MyExcelsior Account at excelsior.edu even after program discontinuation. Students who took exams before August 2022 can still obtain official transcripts showing earned credits for transfer to other institutions.

📚 UExcel Preparation

How do I study for UExcel exams?: While new UExcel exams are no longer offered, preparation materials historically included content guides, recommended textbooks, and practice tests available through UExcelTest.com. Many students also used third-party prep courses from providers like SpeedyPrep and InstantCert.
Are UExcel exams hard?: UExcel exam difficulty varied by subject and individual preparation level. Upper-level exams in specialized subjects like nursing or business were generally more challenging. Students with prior coursework or professional experience in the subject typically found exams manageable.
Are there official UExcel practice exams?: Excelsior College provided official practice exams and content guides for most UExcel subjects. These materials included sample questions, topic outlines, and recommended study resources. Third-party providers also offered comprehensive practice exam packages.
What were the easiest UExcel exams?: Subjectively, introductory-level exams in subjects like Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, and basic math were considered more accessible. Difficulty depended heavily on individual background, with students finding exams easier in their areas of expertise.

UExcel Questions and Answers

How do UExcel exams work?

UExcel exams were computer-based credit-by-examination tests administered at Pearson VUE testing centers. Students registered through Excelsior College, scheduled appointments at local testing centers, and completed proctored exams covering college-level material. Passing scores earned credits recorded on official Excelsior College transcripts that could transfer to other institutions. The program was discontinued in August 2022.

What happens if I fail a UExcel exam?

When UExcel was active, students who failed could retake the exam after a waiting period, typically 60 days. Each retake required paying full registration and administration fees again. Students received score reports identifying weak areas to focus on before reattempting. There was no limit on the number of retake attempts allowed, though multiple failures in the same subject could become costly.

How many credits is a UExcel exam worth?

Most UExcel exams awarded 3 semester credits upon passing, equivalent to completing a one-semester college course. Some exams in subjects like Anatomy and Physiology or Spanish Language could award up to 6 credits representing two-semester course sequences. Credit amounts were determined by ACE CREDIT recommendations and aligned with standard college course credit structures.

Can I retake a UExcel exam?

When UExcel exams were available, retakes were permitted after observing the required waiting period between attempts. Students could retake the same exam multiple times without limits, though each attempt required new registration fees. Since the program ended in 2022, retakes are no longer possible. Students needing similar credits should explore CLEP or DSST alternatives.

Does the military accept UExcel credits?

Yes, the military recognized UExcel credits through various education programs. Service members could use tuition assistance to pay for UExcel exams and apply credits toward degree completion. Many military-friendly colleges accepted UExcel transcripts. Credits earned before the 2022 discontinuation remain valid and continue to be recognized by institutions honoring ACE CREDIT recommendations.

Is UExcel or DSST cheaper?

When both programs were available, DSST exams were generally less expensive than UExcel. DSST exams currently cost around $100 plus site fees, while UExcel ranged from $110-$335 plus $55-$65 administration fees. However, UExcel offered some unique subjects not covered by DSST. Since UExcel ended in 2022, DSST and CLEP are now the primary credit-by-exam options available.

Are UExcel exams proctored?

Yes, all UExcel exams required proctored testing at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers. This ensured exam integrity and credential validity. Test-takers presented valid identification, followed strict testing protocols, and were monitored throughout the exam session. Remote or at-home proctoring was never offered for UExcel examinations during the program's operation.

What calculator could I use on UExcel exams?

Calculator policies varied by exam subject. For math-related UExcel exams like Statistics or Calculus, an on-screen calculator was typically provided within the testing software. Personal calculators were generally not permitted. Some exams like Principles of Finance allowed specific calculator functions. Each exam's content guide specified calculator availability and any restrictions for that particular test.

How long are UExcel exam scores valid?

UExcel exam scores and credits do not expire. Credits earned before the program's discontinuation in August 2022 remain permanently on Excelsior College transcripts and can still be transferred to other institutions. However, individual colleges may have their own policies regarding how old transfer credits can be, so students should verify acceptance with their target institution.

Can I cancel or reschedule a UExcel exam?

When UExcel was active, exam appointments could be rescheduled through Pearson VUE with advance notice, typically 24-48 hours before the scheduled time. Late cancellations or no-shows resulted in forfeited fees. Since the program ended in August 2022, scheduling and cancellation policies are no longer applicable. Alternative exams like CLEP and DSST have their own rescheduling procedures.