Abstract
This article evaluates alternative pathways for certifying communication competence in higher education by comparing a credit by exam option with a no credit oral English test out procedure at one university. It describes prerequisites, testing center logistics, audience analysis protocols, and persuasive speech performance requirements that mirror the basic speech communication course. Success rate data reveal high completion among deadline driven candidates, while motivational lapses hinder others. Resource analysis notes intensive faculty oversight for credit by exam and judge availability demands for test out, informing scalability considerations. The discussion situates these screening mechanisms within rising institutional accountability and basic course enrollment pressures, highlighting public speaking, interpersonal skill, and audience adaptation criteria used for assessment. By outlining implementation guidelines, evaluation rubrics, and administrative costs, this article provides a transferable model for departments seeking to validate learning outcomes, conserve instructional capacity, and integrate speech communication assessment into broader credentialing structures.
Recommended Citation
Buerkel-Rothfuss, Nancy L.
(1990)
"Communication Competence: A 'Test Out' Procedure,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 72, Article 11.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol72/iss1/11
