2026 Dearborn Public Schools Test Out Policy

The Michigan Merit Curriculum Law allows students to attempt to earn credit for a course without taking it through the “Test Out” process. If a student can pass an exam equivalent in rigor to a final exam for the course, they can earn credit for that course.

Specifically, Michigan Merit Curriculum Law, Section 380.1278(a)(4)(c), states

“a school district or public school academy shall also grant a student credit if the student earns a qualifying score, as determined by the department, on the assessments developed or selected for the subject area by the department or the student earns a qualifying score, as determined by the school district or public school academy, on 1 or more assessments developed or selected by the school district or public school academy that measure a student’s understanding of the subject area content expectations or guidelines that apply to the credit.”

More information about this law and the state’s policies can be found at the Michigan Department of Education’s Testing Out page.

Dearborn has developed a Test Out policy that complies with the Michigan Merit Curriculum Law. The following explains how to sign up for Test Outs, what to expect, and how credit is earned.

Signing up for Test Outs

Test Outs occur at certain times throughout the school year. The Dearborn Schools Test Out calendar can be found here. Students sign up through their school counselor, not independently. This allows the counselor the opportunity to discuss the student’s reasons and goals for Testing Out, as well as review their schedule. Information about signing up will be distributed two weeks before each Test Out session. Please refer to the calendar above. If a student has not received the information, please contact the school counselor for assistance.

The Format for Test Out exams

Most Test Out exams are multiple-choice exams, written to be similar to the final exam taken in the course. Depending on the course, students may also be required to write an essay, participate in an interview, or provide an oral response. The district does not provide study guides for Test Outs. Students should review the essential standards for each course. A test for a semester course is 90 minutes. A full-year course will require two 90-minute exams to earn credit. A typical Test Out session will last up to 3 ½ hours if a student is attempting to earn credit for both semesters.

The following table shows the format for a Test Out session. If the session starts at 3:30, students should arrive no later than 3:15 and expect to leave between 6:30 and 7:00. If students finish their exams early, they may leave.

Check In	15-30 minutes before the test
Exam 1	90 minutes
Break (if taking a second exam)	10 minutes
Exam 2	90 minutes
Materials check-in	10 minutes

Tests are administered at the student’s school or at the Administrative Services Center (ASC), located at 1800 Audette Street, Dearborn, MI 48824. Please see the above calendar for times and locations

Earning Credit for Test Outs

A grade of C+ or better is required to earn credit. Dearborn defines a C+ as a 78% or better on the Test Out exam.

When students earn credit through Test Outs, a pass grade (G) is recorded on their transcript. Please note that grades of G do not contribute to the GPA.

Additional Notes about Test Outs

There is no fee for taking a Test Out
Foreign Language Test Outs are cumulative. A student may earn more than one year of credit for a higher-level exam. For example, if a student passes an Arabic Level 3 exam, they can also earn credit for Arabic 1 and 2. Core classes (Math, Language Arts, etc.) need to be taken individually
If a student does not pass a Test Out, they are ineligible to take that same Test Out for the remainder of the school year.
Test Outs are not intended to be a second chance for students who fail a course during the semester.

Student Conduct During Test Outs

Students need to comply with the following guidelines during the Test Out session. Failure to do so can prompt their removal from the Test Out process and invalidate their score. Students will be asked to review and agree to these terms before their Test Out session.

Be on time

Students should arrive at the Test Out session 15 minutes early to register
Test Outs begin promptly at the scheduled time.
Any student more than 15 minutes late will not be admitted. Students not admitted into the Test Out session for tardiness will need to sign up for the next available Test Out session. Make-up sessions will not be available.

No Talking or Disruption

Remain silent once the test begins
If you have a question or need help, raise your hand
Do not make noises, gestures, or attempt to communicate with others.

Stay Seated

Stay in your assigned seat unless permitted to move
Only one person may leave the room at a time (if permitted)

No Electronic Devices

Phones, smart watches, earbuds, or any electronic devices must be:
– Powered off or on Do Not Disturb
– Placed face down away from you (in a bag, box, or designated area)
Accessing devices during the test may result in test disqualification

Use Only Approved Materials

Only approved calculators, pens, pencils, and scratch paper may be used
No outside notes, books, or unauthorized aids

Time Awareness

Be aware of time limits. You will receive warnings (if applicable) as the test nears completion
When time is up, stop writing immediately

Test Integrity

Do not copy, share, or discuss test content
If caught cheating or attempting to cheat, the test will be invalidated

After the Test

Remain quiet until all students are finished
Do not use your phone or talk until everyone is dismissed

Test-Outs