Achieved Credit by Exam (A.C.E.) Tests
Achieved Credit by Exam or A.C.E. is one way to earn credit for some of SMC’s courses. ACE tests are written by Southwestern Michigan College staff and faculty and reflect the content taught in courses. For this reason, credit achieved in this manner may not be transferable to other institutions. If you are planning to transfer to a four-year college or another two-year college, you may want to contact that institution to find out if SMC’s ACE credits are accepted. The following rules apply to ACE testing:
- Students must have an application on file at SMC.
- Students must present a picture ID at the time of testing.
- Achieved Credit by Exam (A.C.E.) Tests.
- A maximum of 13 credit hours can be earned through ACE testing.
- Credit is given on scores of 70 percent or better on all tests.
- Education tests require 80 percent or better.
- Each test can be taken ONE time only.
- There is no retesting for ACE exams.
- Each test has a non-refundable fee which is paid to the Academic Assessment office at the time of testing. See Testing Fees and Costs linked above for details.
- There is a time limit of TWO HOURS for each test.
ACE tests are similar to a comprehensive final and may ask some very specific questions. Any student interested in taking an ACE test will need to be very familiar with the subject matter.
Generally, it is necessary to possess a greater depth of knowledge than general working knowledge provides. For example, knowing how to type will not be enough to prepare you for a comprehensive final for Computer Information Systems. Each Academic Assessment center has a list of objectives from a recent syllabus for each test. These are general guidelines of that material a student should be familiar with at the end of a semester. Some textbooks are available in the Fred L. Mathews Library and in the Academic Assessment center
Following is a list of ACE tests available at the time of this writing. Click on the course name to display a short description of each test. An asterisk follows tests on which the use of a calculator is allowed. The Academic Assessment office reserves the right to allow or deny the use of particular types of calculators.
| Course ID | Course Name |
|---|---|
| ACCO 201 | Principles of Accounting |
| 100 multiple choice questions and a worksheet; standard calculator permitted. | |
| AUTO 115 | Brakes and Chassis |
| AUTO 130 | Manual Transmissions and Transaxles |
| AUTO 168 | Heating and Air Conditioning |
| AUTO 202 | Automotive Engines |
| AUTO 212 | Suspension and Steering |
| AUTO 220 | Electrical Systems |
| AUTO 225 | Engine Performance I |
| AUTO 226 | Engine Performance II |
| AUTO 230 | Automatic Transmissions and Transaxles |
| BUSI 101 | Introduction to Business |
| 100 multiple choice questions | |
| CADD 101 | Introduction to CAD/AutoCAD |
| Demonstrate proficiency by using the software. | |
| CADD 103 | Engineering Graphics I |
| Drawing, short answer, matching; approximately 40 questions | |
| EDUC 115 | Introduction to Early Childhood Education |
| 105 multiple choice questions | |
| EDUC 217 | Early Childhood Development |
| 100 multiple choice questions | |
| EDUC 220 | Guiding Children’s Social Development |
| 115 multiple choice questions | |
| EDUC 221 | Early Childhood Curriculum/Cognitive & Communication |
| 100 multiple choice questions | |
| EDUC 222 | Early Childhood Curriculum/Physical & Creative |
| 59 multiple choice questions | |
| EDUC 223 | Issues in Early Childhood Education |
| 59 multiple choice questions | |
| INTE 240 | Precision Inspection |
| MACH 120 | Use of the Machinery's Handbook |
| MACH 121 | Introduction to Precision Machining |
| 50 true or false question; 10 multiple choice questions; 19 short answer questions |
|
| MATH 111 | Technical Math I |
| 55 multiple choice questions; scientific calculator permitted | |
| MATH 112 | Technical Math II |
| 45 multiple choice questions; scientific calculator permitted | |
| MATH 115 | Business Mathematics |
| 50 problems to solve; standard calculator permitted; tables provided | |
| OADM 142 | Intermediate Keyboarding |
| 82 multiple choice, short answer, matching, and fill in the blank questions; two 5-minute timed writings (55 words a minute with good accuracy) | |
| PHYS 103 | Technical Physics/Applied Electronics |
| 115 true/false, and multiple choice questions; standard calculator permitted | |
| PLMB 101 | Plumbing Technology I |
| WELD 159 | Basic Welding |
| WELD 161 | GMAW (MIG Welding I) |
| WELD 162 | GTAW (TIG Welding I) |
| WELD 163 | SMAW (Stick Welding I) |