H.R. 6973: Creating Opportunities to Use Received Student Exam Credit Act

This legislation, named the Creating Opportunities to Use Received Student Exam Credit Act (or COURSE Credit Act), aims to enhance transparency regarding the treatment of Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) course credits in higher education institutions. Here’s a summary of its key provisions:

Data Collection and Reporting

The Secretary of Education will be responsible for collecting and annually reporting information about how colleges and universities treat AP and IB course credits. This information will be made available on the College Scorecard website, or any similar successor site.

Coordination with Stakeholders

While collecting this data, the Secretary must work together with relevant stakeholders both inside and outside the Department of Education, which includes a technical review panel responsible for managing data related to higher education.

Information to be Reported

The information that institutions must report will include:

• Credit Awarding: Whether the institution offers credits toward degree completion for AP or IB exam scores.
• Credit Limits and Requirements: If credits are awarded, details about:
  • The maximum number of credits that can be awarded for a specific program of study.
  • The minimum score needed on an AP or IB exam to qualify for credit, including whether this score varies based on the exam subject or the student’s degree program.
  • The nature of the credit provided (such as full course credit, elective credit, or course exemption) and any differences in requirements based on degree program.
• Additional Policies: Any other relevant information concerning the institution’s policies on AP and IB credits as determined by the Secretary of Education.

Institutional Disclosure Requirements

The bill also amends existing requirements under the Higher Education Act, mandating that all institutions participating in federal educational programs must publicly disclose their policies regarding the treatment of AP and IB course credits. This information must be prominently displayed on the institution’s website and should include:

• An explanation of whether the institution provides credits for AP or IB exam scores.
• If credits are awarded, the same details as noted above regarding credit limits, minimum scores, and types of credits must be specified.
• Any other relevant policies regarding the treatment of these course credits.

Updates to Information

Institutions are required to keep the disclosed information up to date to ensure accuracy and relevancy, making sure that prospective and current students have access to the most current policies regarding AP and IB credit acceptance.

Relevant Companies