University of Wisconsin–Madison

Credit by Examination

Who might consider the exams
Policies & Restrictions
Taking the Exams

The Mathematics Department offers exams to students who want to earn credit for MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 234, and/or MATH 340. The exams are offered in the first week of the fall and spring semesters.

These exams are intended primarily for freshmen who have taken substantial calculus or linear algebra courses in high school, or for transfer students who did not get transfer credits for a calculus or linear algebra course taken at another institution, and who desire to establish college credits for MATH 221, MATH 222, MATH 234, and/or MATH 340. It is open to undergraduate students only.

Students who have been, or will be granted credit by other means—such as through AP exams, transfer credit, etc.—do not need to take these exams.

Register for the Fall 2026 Exams here

  • The Fall 2026 Exam will be held on Wednesday, September 2nd, at 4 PM
  • Students taking more than one exam will begin the second exam two hours after the start of the first, and if applicable, the third two hours after the start of the second. Students may not take all four exams in one session.
  • Note: students who have class conflicts with the exams and would like to request a later start should contact enrollment@math.wisc.edu. This should be done as soon as possible.

Course Topics Lists

Students who plan to take the exam should already have studied all the topics that may appear on the exam. The following resources may help in reviewing before the exam: