<p>I believe it only counts towards the credit limit if you take it at the END of the semester (December or May).
[MIT</a> Schedules Office - Advanced Standing Exams](<a href=“Homepage | MIT Registrar”>Homepage | MIT Registrar)
From the site:</p>
<p>“If you are a first-year student and take the exam in December or May the credit earned will count toward the freshman 54- or 57- credit limit for the term.”</p>