Admissions Placement Testing

Applicants are required to take the Accuplacer/ASSET test to determine proficiency in basic math, reading, and writing. Applicants who earn less than an acceptable score on the test are required to enroll in the appropriate developmental and/or transitional studies course offered at The Art Institute of Phoenix.

Developmental and Transitional Studies Courses

Developmental studies courses are designed for students whose scores indicate that they need additional preparation in order to be successful in completing college-level courses in English Composition and/or College Algebra. All developmental studies courses must be completed with a passing grade of “C” or better. These courses will be charged at the current per-credit hour charge.

Students enrolled in developmental studies courses may be required to take from three to six credits in addition to their normal program of study requirements. Developmental studies courses are not calculated in the total credits needed for graduation or in the maximum time for completion. Qualifying applicants may be exempt from these tests with appropriate transfer of previous college credit, or by submission of acceptable ACT or SAT scores.

AP (Advanced Placement) Exams

Students who participated in the Advanced Placement program offered through their secondary schools may receive credit for comparable courses at The Art Institute of Phoenix. Credit will be awarded for exam scores of three (3) or better on AP examinations. AP exam credit must be applied for approved in advance of the first quarter of study.

CLEP (College Level Examination Program) Testing

Students may obtain advance standing by demonstrating their knowledge of General Education subject matter. The Art Institute of Phoenix will award credit for satisfactory scores on CLEP exams. Please contact your Assistant Director of Admissions for a list of approved CLEP exams, minimum scores required, and amount of credit awarded. CLEP scores must be received prior to the student’s first quarter of study at The Art Institute of Phoenix.

Proficiency Credit for Life Experience

The Art Institute recognizes that certain prospective students have, through a variety of life experiences, obtained the competencies to satisfy particular courses required for a degree. These might include previous college experience, professional training, work/volunteer experience, or other related situations. Therefore, The Art Institute may grant proficiency credit for specific courses in which a prospective student shows mastery of given competencies. The following are examples of documentation accepted for review: professional portfolio, assessment scores, documentation of work experience, and certificates of completion. A maximum of 25 percent of the total credits needed to graduate from The Art Institute may come from demonstrations of course proficiencies. Proficiency credit must be granted through the Academic Affairs department prior to matriculation. Review of a portfolio for proficiency credit for life experience incurs a $100 charge payable prior to consideration. The $100 charge is non-refundable regardless of the proficiency credit decision. Proficiency credit must be applied for and approved in advance of the first quarter of study.