WSU Music Program Challenge Exams

The Music Area challenge examination provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate competency in the knowledge and skills associated with a specific music course. Students who successfully complete the examination are awarded course credit, enabling them to receive formal recognition for previously acquired competencies and to progress more efficiently through their degree program.

Challenge Exam Process

1

Please email the instructor for your course to request details about the PLA exam for the course.

2

Download and fill out the APPLICATION FOR CREDIT – Special Examination Form, then pay the fee ($25 per credit hour, plus a $10 recording fee) to the cashier's office.

3

After you have paid, contact your instructor to determine the time and manner of your exam.

4

After the exam is taken, the instructor will grade the exam.

5

If the student passes the exam:

  • The Department Chair signs the form and the box under “Credit Awarded” is checked.
  • The form is then stamped and then the department administrative specialist will send the form to Records

Restrictions:

  • Students may NOT take the challenge exam if any of the following have occurred:
    • The student has previously taken or attempted the course. This means that there is a record on the transcript including a ‘W.’
    • The student is currently enrolled in the course.
  • Students may only attempt a challenge exam once.
  • Students must take the exam at the time the instructor offers it.
  • Students must take challenge exams in prerequisite order. For example, you must complete MUSC 1150 prior to taking the MUSC 1160 challenge exam.
  • Concurrent Enrollment and Early College students can not be awarded special exam credits.

Courses with PLA Exams

  • MUSC 1110 - Music Theory I
  • MUSC 1120 - Sight Singing and Aural Skills I
  • MUSC 1130 - Music Theory II
  • MUSC 1140 - Sight Singing and Aural Skills II
  • MUSC 1150 - Piano I
  • MUSC 1160 - Piano II
  • MUSC 2150 - Piano III

Challenge exams for other lower division courses are possible; contact the instructor directly to determine availability.