Programming Waiver Exams

Waiver Exams for Intro to Programming (C++) and Intro to Python

Students pursuing majors with programming requirements who have significant prior experience in C++ or Python may be eligible to waive an introductory programming course and, if applicable, enroll in an alternative or subsequent course.

Waiver exams may be taken any time prior to the add/drop deadline. Students are strongly encouraged to complete the exam a week before the deadline to allow sufficient time for grading and, if the exam is passed, to adjust their course registration and enroll in an alternative course.

Champlain College offers programming waiver exams for the following courses:

  • CSI 140 Introduction to Programming (C++)
  • CSI 160 Introduction to Python

Each waiver exam consists of assessment components designed to evaluate readiness for the course, including exams and/or practical programming or lab work. Students should plan accordingly, as some programming or lab components may take several hours to complete.

A passing score of 80% or higher is required. Successfully passing a waiver exam does not grant academic credit; instead, it allows the student to opt out of the corresponding introductory course, offering flexibility in course selection within their academic plan and, when applicable, enrollment in the next appropriate course in the sequence (for example, passing the CSI 140 waiver exam permits enrollment in CSI 240).

  • Determining whether you’re a good candidate for a waiver exam will depend on your program, which programming language is required, and whether you have significant experience in that specific programming language. If you only have experience in a different programming language than the one required for your program, taking the waiver exam is not recommended.

  • Introductory programming courses are required for the following programs:

    • Applied Mathematics
    • Computer Science & Innovation
    • Game Programming
    • Computer Networking & Cybersecurity
    • Digital Forensics
    • Game Design

  • Majors that require programming courses:

    • Applied Mathematics
      • CSI 140 Intro to Programming (C++) OR
      • CSI 160 Intro to Python
    • Computer Science & Innovation
      • CSI 140 Intro to Programming (C++)
    • Game Programming
      • CSI 140 Intro to Programming (C++)
    • Computer Networking & Cybersecurity
      • CSI 160 Intro to Python
    • Digital Forensics
      • CSI 160 Intro to Python
    • Game Design
      • CSI 140 Intro to Programming (C++) OR
      • CSI 160 Intro to Python

  • If your major requires an introductory programming course, and if you have significant experience in that specific programming language and would like to discuss registering for a waiver exam, please email Murat Gungor at mgungor@champlain.edu. Note, as mentioned above, because these waiver exams incorporate programming tasks, they will likely take you several hours to complete. They require language-specific knowledge and are not appropriate for students with experience in a programming language other than those required by your major.

Register by the First Day of Classes

Registration details provided below. Test due dates are set on a rolling basis based on the date the student is provided access to the exam.

The following MINORS also have programming requirements.

  • Computer Science
    • CSI 140 Intro to Programming (C++)
  • Game Programming
    • CSI 140 Intro to Programming (C++)
  • Data Analytics
    • CSI 160 Intro to Python

Fall Admitted Students

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Burlington, VT 05402

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