Credits for Prior Learning Procedure

The College recognizes that students may request work-based learning course credit for prior learning using apprenticeships, certifications and licensures, courses listed in high school to community college articulation agreements, military education and training, standardized examinations, challenge examinations, portfolio assessments, and public safety training prefix courses consistent with College policy and State Board of Community College code 1D SBCCC 800.2.

To ensure optimum management and student opportunities, students must follow the below procedures to request a prior learning assessment:

1. The student must be admitted as a full-time or part-time student at the College and meet all requirements for the program in which course credit for prior learning is being sought.
2. The student must make application to the College for prior learning through the Office of Admissions, Records, Registration, and Testing and provide any documentation that supports their application.
3. The appropriate Division Chair/Director will be the point of contact for questions concerning prior learning assessments.
4. An instructor will evaluate the student’s knowledge, skills, and experience in the program field to determine if the student should be considered for prior learning assessment credit.
5. Upon completion of evaluations, the student will be informed of recommendations for award of credit or course work needed.
6. All documentation of the prior learning assessment process, including evaluation results, must be maintained in the student’s file by the Office of Admissions, Records, Registration, and Testing and other College officials as necessary.

Academic departments determine the specific procedures they utilize to grant course credit, course waivers, or prerequisite overrides and determine the scores or outcomes required for such consideration.

Students who wish to receive credit for prior learning must consult with the Director of Admissions, Records, Registration, and Testing in the Office of Student Services. Such requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, May 9, 2022
Amended November 13, 2023