Prior Learning Credit Policy (PL)
Prior Learning Credit Policy Statement
A student may petition for credit to be awarded based on prior learning methods, which may include the following: credit by work/life experience, credit by exam, and/or non-credit to credit conversion. The total amount of credit earned by any credit for prior learning method that can be applied toward completion of a Career and Technical Certificate, Certificate of Technical Studies, Technical Diploma, or Associate Degree must meet the 25% in-residence credit hours.
Credit for Prior Learning evaluation is the process of earning credit for college-level learning acquired through various resources. Through Credit for Prior Learning evaluation, Central Louisiana Technical Community College offers students the opportunity to earn college credit for knowledge and skills attained through education, work and life experiences. CLTCC will accept up to 50% of non-traditional credits toward offered programs and AAS degrees. Such credit may include CLEP, AP, non-credit training (high school, military, other), challenge exams, licenses or certificates, and portfolios, which are described below. Students must be enrolled at CLTCC to request prior learning credit and submit a Prior Learning Credit form and all required documentation to the evaluator. A $15 fee will be charged per credit hour awarded. The length of time needed to evaluate prior learning credit varies. The fee may be waived if dictated by legislation or contractual agreement between entities. Additionally, fees are waived for US veterans and active-duty military.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students enrolled at Central Louisiana Technical Community College may receive credit for prior learning through the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). This nationally standardized testing program offers exams equivalent to final exams in introductory college freshman and sophomore courses.
Students must earn a minimum score of 50 or higher to receive credit. Credit is awarded when the CLEP examination score is reported on an official transcript from CLEP and sent directly by the CLEP transcript service to Student Services. Passing scores for subjects credited through CLEP are recorded with a “P” grade and the equivalent CLTCC course number and title and appropriate credit hours.
The number of semester credit hours earned from any testing service is limited to 50% of the total credits required for an award (degree, diploma, or certificate). To be awarded a credit of this type, students must follow the prior learning credit policy described above.
The following examinations are approved for CLTCC credit:
Advanced Placement Program (AP)
Students enrolled at Central Louisiana Technical Community College may receive credit for prior learning through the Advanced Placement (AP) program, by taking a related AP course in high school and earning a qualifying score on the AP Exam.
Students must earn the minimum score of 3 or higher to receive credit. Credit is awarded when the AP examination score is reported on an official transcript from The College Board and sent directly by The College Board to Student Services. Passing scores for subjects credited through AP are recorded with a “P” grade and the equivalent CLTCC course number and title, and appropriate credit hours.
The number of semester credit hours earned from any testing service is limited to 50% of the total credits required for an award (degree, diploma, or certificate). To be awarded credit of this type, students must follow the prior learning credit policy described above.
The following examinations are approved for CLTCC credit:
Non-Credit Training
Students may request credit for non-credit training, including high school courses and military training. A student who has received military training can receive credit for courses based on this training. Central Louisiana Technical Community College follows the American Council on Education’s (ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services (http://www.militaryguides.acenet.edu) in determining the value of learning acquired in military service when applicable to the service member’s program of study. To request credit for military training, the student must submit an official military transcript which includes the ACE recommended credit, to the Admissions Office for evaluation. The transcript will then be reviewed by the appropriate academic deans to determine what courses the student can receive credit for. Courses for which the student is granted credit must be listed in the current academic catalog.
Students may request credit for high school courses included in an approved crosswalk agreement. Courses may be counted for credit up to two years after date of high school graduation. Official high school transcripts must be sent to the Registrar for evaluation.
To be awarded credit of this type, students must follow the prior learning credit policy described above.
Credit by Examination (Challenge Exam)
CLTCC campuses permit students to take credit examinations to “test out” of specific courses. Only students with competencies gained through practical experience, extensive military or industry-based training, or completion of courses at institutions without articulation agreements with CLTCC may apply for a credit exam. Exams will be evaluated by faculty members of the applicable program. Students may attempt challenge exams only once per course and will not be eligible to challenge courses already attempted at CLTCC. To be awarded credit of this type, students must follow the prior learning credit policy described above.
License or Certificate
A student may receive credit for courses based on professional experience or substantial prior learning demonstrated by the attainment of a professional license or certification. A student must submit a copy of the license or certificate earned to a member of the faculty in the applicable program. Only credit applicable to a CLTCC program can be awarded. To be awarded credit of this type, students must follow the prior learning credit policy described above.
Dual Enrollment (DE)
Dual enrollment is accepted as prior learning credit at CLTCC if the credited course was acquired from a participating high school through CLTCC, or any of our State of Louisiana institutions of higher learning. DE courses taken and sponsored by other institutions may be subject to a case-by-case evaluation. No prior learning credit will be awarded for high school level courses as they do not meet the rigor or content requirements of CLTCC.
Portfolio*
A student may receive credit for courses based on professional experience or substantial prior learning by submitting a portfolio. Artifacts must provide evidence of experience or education relevant to the course for which the student is applying for credit. Portfolios will be evaluated by members of the faculty in the applicable program and reviewed by the Chief Academic Officer. To be awarded credit of this type, students must follow the prior learning credit policy described above.
(*see Prior Learning Assessment Guide)