Proficiency Exams

Students should NOT register for proficiency exams until they confirm they do not already have credit for the course. Duplicate credit earned through AP, IB, departmental examinations or any other means will not be granted. This means, for example, that if you already earned ECON 102 credit through the AP Microeconomics exam, or you took ECON 102 at another institution and transferred the course to Illinois, you cannot take the ECON 102 exam or earn credit again. (Credit for a particular course will be awarded only once.)  Please refer to the Student Code to ensure you are following all set guidelines. Students who have ECON 1-- credit from AP exams are able to take the proficiency exam to earn credit.

Credit earned in proficiency exams taken on this campus will count towards the degree and will be considered on-campus credit, with the exception of languages (as they do not count towards credit). Please speak with your Academic Advisor to verify how these fit within your course plan.

The material tested in the exams is equivalent to the content taught in our introductory-level courses. Students may utilize any/all introductory level texts to prepare for the exam. 

These examinations demand more than an elementary acquaintance with the course material. The student must have solid command of the concepts and problem solving skills for the course and therefore should attempt a proficiency examination only after proper preparation.

Course information can be found within our Econ Syllabi for Econ 102 and Econ 103. Use your @illinois.edu netid to log in to Box for access to the syllabi. Syllabi include the topics and reading materials for the various sections, but any Introductory Micro or Macro textbook should be sufficient to refresh your memory.

We do not offer sample tests, exact lists of test question topics, or tests from previous terms. It is expected that students already possess sufficient knowledge that can be refreshed and demonstrated on the exam.

Free resources to refresh your micro or macro economics knowledge include:

• Economics Learning Guides
• Khan Academy courses
• Coursera

On-campus exams are offered during scheduled times at the start of each semester. The format is a proctored, online multiple choice exam taken at the Computer Based Testing Facility (CBTF) on campus. Upcoming dates are listed below. Students must register in advance and there are space limitations at testing facilities. There is no cost to take the proficiency exam(s).

Registration is a two-part process: 

Step 1: Complete the webform below to select an Econ exam. Registrants will then be added to the exam roster every business day (M-F).

Step 2: Select a date and time for your exam 1-2 business days later. AFTER completing the webform below to sign up for an Econ exam, within 1-2 business days, you can select a date and time for your exam in Prairie Test (using your @illinois.edu login) through the Computer Based Testing Facility. Note: You must complete step 1 and be added to the exam roster first.  

Using the CBTF: You'll find resources on this website about using the CBTF, plus answers to any questions you may have about scheduling, FAQs, and who to contact with questions. 

Students registered with DRES will have the option to take the proficiency exam(s) with accommodations. Please follow the CBTF instructions to arrange accommodated testing with the Computer Based Testing Facility. Note that you must upload your DRES Letter of Accommodation at least 5 business days prior to your scheduled exam date.

Students not currently registered with DRES who feel they need testing accommodations should visit the Disability Resources & Educational Services (DRES) website.

Results will be sent to registrants' @illinois.edu email within one week of the exam. 

Test takers will receive a pass/fail notification. Neither scores nor answers to the exam will be provided.

Results are final.

Students must receive an 85.00% or above in order to receive proficiency credit. 

For those who pass the exam: Our office will coordinate with College Offices to award credit. Typically, it will take a few weeks for the credit to show on your transcript, depending on your College Office and their processing times. Please do not contact our office about the credit missing from your transcript until at least three weeks after your exam.