Credit for Prior Learning

Students can receive college credit for demonstrating proficiency in certain courses through approved alternative methods such as exams like AP, IB, CLEP, JST, and institutional exams, as well as through evaluation of credentials, portfolios, and exams administered by approved agencies.

Read Board Policy 4235 on Credit for Prior Learning

Read Administrative Procedure 4235 on Credit for Prior Learning

Eligibility and Limitations

Determination of Eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning is based on the following:

• The student is currently registered in the college and in good standing;
• The course is listed in the college catalog;
• The unit value may not be greater than that listed for the course in the catalog;
• Students have not enrolled in, or completed, the same course or an advanced course at any college in the area in which credit for is requested (may be waived by department). 

Credits acquired via Credit by Examination are not applicable to unit load requirements such as Financial Aid, Selective Service deferment, and Veteran’s or Social Security benefits. 

 

Credits acquired via Credit by Examination shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence required for an Associate degree.

Prior Learning Assessment Grading Policy

• Grading shall be according to the regular grading system in accordance with Administrative Procedure 4230 Grading and Academic Record Symbols
• Students shall be offered a “Pass/No Pass” option, in accordance with Administrative Procedures 4232 Pass/No Pass Grading Option, if that option is ordinarily available for the course
• Students shall be given the opportunity to accept, decline, or appeal the grade assigned by the faculty, and in cases of Credit by Examination, pursuant to Administrative Policy 4230 Grading and Academic Record Symbols and Administrative Policy 4231 Grade Changes

Approved Alternative Methods

Ways you can earn college credits without taking the traditional course are called approved alternative methods.

 

Students may demonstrate proficiency in a course eligible for Credit for Prior Learning and receive college credit through the approved alternative methods for awarding credit listed below:  

• Achievement of a satisfactory score on an Advanced Placement (AP) examination  Achievement of a satisfactory score on a high-level International Baccalaureate (IB) examination
• Achievement of a satisfactory score on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)  Evaluation of Joint Service Transcripts (JST)
• Achievement of an examination administered by other agencies approved by the District  Evaluation of industry recognized credential documentation
• Evaluation of student-created portfolios  Satisfactory completion of an institutional examination, known as Credit by Examination, administered by the college in lieu of completion of an active course listed in the current college catalog

Advanced Placement (AP)

Credit is awarded for AP examinations passed with a score of 3 or above.  

• Credit may be applied to specific general education areas and in some cases fulfill major requirements.  
• General education credit awarded must meet the minimum standards outlined in the California Community College General Education AP List.  
• Elective units are granted for examinations that do not fit into general education areas and/or fulfill major requirements.  
• The District shall post its Advanced Placement Credit procedure on its public website.  
• The California Community Colleges (CCC) AP policy stipulates a minimum number of AP credits awarded per examination (AB 1985).  
• Grossmont and Cuyamaca Colleges will mirror the CSU GE Breadth AP credit list, which meets or exceeds the CCC AP Policy.  
• Official AP transcripts must be on file in the Records Office.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Achievement of a score that qualifies for credit on an International Baccalaureate (IB) Examination.

 

Official AP transcripts must be on file in the Records Office.

College Level Examination Program Examination (CLEP)

Achievement of a score that qualifies for credit on a College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Examination.

 

Official AP transcripts must be on file in the Records Office.

 

Credit for Military Service/Training

Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using Joint Service Transcripts shall receive credit as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE) Directory and approved by the appropriate discipline faculty of the college under the following circumstances: 

• The student shall complete the Credit for Prior Learning process as defined in the college catalog.
• Official transcripts must be on file in the Records Office. These may include: Joint Services Transcript (JST), Transcript (SMART), DANTES/USAFI, Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Transcripts (DLIFLC), DLPT Examinee Results, DD214 military records.
• Credit course equivalency shall be determined by the faculty of the appropriate disciplines.
• Additional verified military records will be reviewed by appropriate credit.

Industry Recognized Credentials

Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using industry recognized credential(s) shall receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee:

• The student shall complete the Credit for Prior Learning process as defined by in the college catalog.
• Credit Course equivalency will be determined by the appropriate discipline faculty after review and evaluation of the Industry Recognized Credential(s):
•  The student meets with the department chair or faculty designee to receive further instructions for industry recognized credential(s) assessment.
• The student submits all industry recognized credential documents to the department chair or faculty designee for assessment of prior learning.
• If the department chair or faculty designee determine the industry certification adequately measures mastery of the course content as set forth in the Course Outline of Record, the appropriate faculty shall assist the student in completing the Credit for Prior Learning Process as defined in the college catalog. 

Student Created Portfolio Assessment 

Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using a student created portfolio shall receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee:

• Credit for courses on the approved portfolio assessment list will be determined by use of an established rubric that is on file in the respective department.
• The student meets with the department chair or faculty designee to receive further instructions for student-created portfolio assessment
• The student submits all portfolio documents to the department chair or faculty designee for assessment of prior learning
• If the department chair or faculty designee determine the student-created portfolio adequately measures mastery of the course content as set forth in the Course Outline of Record, the appropriate faculty shall assist the student in completing the Credit for Prior Learning Process as defined in the college catalog.

Credit By Examination

Students interested in Credit by Exam shall receive credit upon satisfactory completion of an examination approved and conducted by the appropriate department chair or designee. The following conditions apply:  

• Courses that qualify for Credit by Exam shall be listed in the college catalog.