Exam-Based Dual Credit

Exam Fee Subsidy Program

In reconciling a four-year, $12 billion state budget shortfall, over $4.89 million a year in support for dual credit programs was eliminated. Exam fee subsidies (AP, IB, and CI) and associated grants (Consolidated Equity & Sustainability – FP 154 & CI and IB subsidies – FP 686) will not be available for the 2025-27 school years. For more information, please refer to the 7/21/25 Dual Credit Updates Newsflash.

The College Board will continue to offer AP exams at a reduced cost for Free and Reduced Price Lunch (FRPL) eligible students, but the balance will not be subsidized. Currently, neither CI nor IB offer a discounted rate.

Contact Information

Dual Credit

Tim McClain

Dual Credit Program Supervisor
201-341-2955

Exam based dual credit allows a student to take an exam (AP, IB or CI) and apply to receive college credit with a score of 3 or better (for AP), a score of 4 or better (IB), and E or better (CI).

Advanced Placement

The Advanced Placement (AP) program allows students to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school. Students may earn college credit and/or advanced placement into upper-level college courses by taking AP exams. Many colleges and universities recognize AP courses when making admissions decisions.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement Brochure
Find an overview of the program, course list, who to contact and more.

Dual Credit Programs in Washington State
This WSAC resource contains information about specific dual credit programs in Washington state, including exam-based dual credit equivalencies at public four-year and community and technical colleges. More information about the dual credit policies at Washington colleges can be found at WSAC's College Credit in High School website.

College Board

The College Board helps students access post-secondary education and make the transition from high school to college.
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AP for Education Professionals ǀ AP Central

Start an AP Program or Course

How to Start an AP Course
From the College Board — seven steps from course selection to launch.

Advanced Placement FAQ

AP/IB/CI FAQ

Washington State AP Trend Data

Data and Reports

College Board Exams

Summary by High School
SAT, SAT Subject Tests, AP, PSAT/NMSQT

International Baccalaureate

The 35 IB World Schools in Washington state offer programming that develops young people's intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills to live, learn, and work in a connected, highly diverse world. These are rigorous courses of study, open to students aged 3 to 19 years.

The IB provides a world-class preparation for university and life beyond and IB students consistently demonstrate the critical thinking and research skills needed to excel in their university studies.

Many colleges and universities worldwide recognize IB courses as they make admissions decisions. Students who take IB exams have the chance to earn college credit or advanced placement, or both, within upper-level college courses.

See the International Baccalaureate website brochure for more information.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

International Baccalaureate website
Find an overview of the program, course list, who to contact, and more.

Dual Credit Programs in Washington State
This WSAC resource contains information about specific dual credit programs in Washington State, including exam-based dual credit equivalencies at public four-year and community and technical colleges. More information about the dual credit policies at Washington colleges can be found at WSAC's College Credit in High School website.

Start an IB Program

Become and IB School
Learn what it takes to offer IB programs at your school.

Professional Development
Prepare your teachers for the rigors of delivering an IB course.

IB FAQ

AP/IB/CI FAQ

Cambridge International

The Cambridge International (CI) program allows students to take rigorous college-level courses while still in high school. Students may earn college credit and/or advanced placement into upper-level college courses by taking CI exams. Many colleges and universities recognize CI courses when making admissions decisions.

Cambridge International

Cambridge International Website
Find an overview of the program, course list, who to contact, and more.

Dual Credit Programs in Washington State
This WSAC resource contains information about specific dual credit programs in Washington State, including exam-based dual credit equivalencies at public four-year and community and technical colleges. More information about the dual credit policies at Washington colleges can be found at WSAC's College Credit in High School website.

Start a CI Program

Program Essentials for School
Learn the different CI levels based on grade and age.

Cambridge Professional Development Qualifications
Prepare your teachers for the rigors of delivering a CI course.

CI FAQ

AP/IB/CI FAQ