Challenge Exams
We offer challenge exams for two of our introductory programming courses.
CSCI 102
Fundamentals of Computation
CSCI 102
Fundamental concepts of algorithmic thinking as a primer to programming. Introduction to C++.
CSCI 103
Introduction to Programming
CSCI 103
Basic datatypes, assignments, control statements, input/output, functions, arrays, structures, recursion, dynamic memory, file handling. Programming in C/C++.
Eligibility
CSCI 102 - If you have prior knowledge of introductory programming in Java or C++, you are eligible to take the CSCI 102 challenge exam. Students who have a score of 4 or 5 on AP Computer Science A do not need to complete the CSCI 102 challenge exam.
CSCI 103 - If you have taken a semester length introductory programming course at a transfer institution in C++ before matriculating in to USC, and it covered all of the following topics in detail, you are eligible to take the CSCI 103 challenge exam: basic datatypes, assignments, control statements (if, switch, for, while), input/output (printf, scanf, cin, cout), functions, arrays, linked lists, structures, recursion, dynamic memory, and file handling. Students are not permitted to use USC course work to become eligible for the CSCI 103 Challenge Exam. Students are not eligible to take their computer science or engineering course work in transfer after matriculating to USC.
Exam Request Form
- Students who have previously attempted or are currently registered in CSCI 102 or CSCI 103 are not eligible to take the challenge exam.
- Students who have previously taken the challenge exam cannot retake the exam
- Passing a course challenge exam does not guarantee D-Clearance/registration in courses. Students must follow the D-Clearance instructions provided here.
- The Thomas Lord Department of Computer Science takes academic integrity violations seriously. Using outside tools like ChatGPT to gain an unfair academic advantage is prohibited. Utilizing outside tools will result in students automatically failing the Challenge Exam and being reported to the Office of Academic Integrity. Students will not be able to retake the Challenge Exam. No exceptions.
Only request an exam if you are prepared and ready to take it. DO NOT submit duplicate requests. If you have already taken the exam DO NOT submit a request to retake the exam.
To register for the exam, students should review the eligibility criteria, ensure they meet all required prerequisites, and complete the registration form available HERE by 4:00 PM PDT on August 21st, 2025.
The final Summer 2025 Computer Science Challenge Exam will take place in person on
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- Date: Friday, August 22nd, 2025
- Time: 1:00-3:00 pm PDT
- Location: To be provided after submission of the challenge exam registration form.
This exam is for students who are seeking to waive CSCI 102/103 for Fall 2025 registration. We strongly encourage you to take this opportunity to complete the exam.
OSAS Students with Approved Testing Accommodations:
Students who are registered with OSAS and who want to use their approved testing accommodations must plan to take the exam with the OSAS Testing Center. Students must contact the OSAS Testing Center (osastestingservices@usc.edu) at least one week before the exam date to make testing arrangements. Email notifications made to the OSAS Testing Center less than one week in advance of the exam date are reviewed based on space and timing.