Prior Experiential Credit

Prior learning experience may be substituted as credit in some instances. Credit may be granted through standardized examination programs (e.g., CLEP, DANTES, APP), and/or an evaluation of an individual portfolio or an examination by an academic department of the University.

Generally, CCU awards credit for prior experiential learning as follows:

1. Prior learning credits are considered transfer credits and are subject to the institutional Transfer Credit policy. A maximum of 90 credits from a regionally accredited four-year college or university and extra-institutional sources may be applied toward the minimum 120 credits required for a Bachelor’s degree. Of these 90 credits, a maximum of 30 credits will be transferred in from a community/vocational/technical college or other extra-institutional sources.
2. Only individuals who have not participated in similarly scheduled course work are eligible to receive prior learning experience credit.
3. Credit by examination may be earned only once in a single subject. A similar subject test in another testing program will not earn additional credits.
4. Credit may be granted for specific courses, and/or for general prior learning experiences for which there is no course equivalent at CCU. The amount of credit to be allowed through examination or individual portfolio evaluation, the course(s) for which substitution, if any, is made, and the particular graduation requirements which may be satisfied will be determined by the Dean of the appropriate School. The maximum allowable amount of prior learning credit for specific courses and general prior learning combined is 30 credits.
5. Generally, a portfolio of evidence of extra-institutional learning is required for those interested in acquiring prior learning credits. Portfolios will be evaluated on the level of learning evidenced by leadership and community service experiences, professional work experiences, creative contributions to society, and completion of professional training.

In order to apply for prior learning credit, students may submit a completed Prior Experiential Learning Evaluation Request form to the Dean of the School in which their discipline resides.

Along with the form, students must also identify and attach:

a) An essay/narrative documenting life experiences relating to credit;
b) Indicate how your life experiences relate to specific course goals and descriptions;
c) Provide documentation (certifications, proof of seminars, course grades, letters, etc.) supporting the application for this life experience; and
d) A resume.

For additional information, contact the Registrar’s Office.