Initial credit can be obtained from online courses that are optional, and students who take these classes typically do so for the purpose of advancing their course progression, taking the required classes for a new school district a student has moved to, or taking up the extra classes which a student wasn’t able to enroll for during regular class periods as a result of time constraints or for other reasons.

However, it is not a remedial class for students who failed a course; instead, it is a less rigid alternative targeted at students for whom this would be their first time taking those courses. The process of obtaining initial credit is usually associated with virtual assignments and discussions, while tests are delivered by a proctor and are in-person in the presence of a proctor. Final grades obtained during these courses count towards a student’s degree (and is noted in the official transcript), regardless of whether it was passed or even completed.