Credit for Prior Learning

The KCTCS Senate endorses and adopts the awarding of college credit via external examinations, including Advanced Placement (AP), the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), General and Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST), and International Baccalaureate (IB). A student shall be granted credit when satisfactory scores are submitted from one of these external examinations. Any cost for AP, CIE, CLEP, DSST, or IB shall be met by the student.

See how coursework taken through an approved High School articulation agreement might transfer into existing programs of study.

See the KCTCS High School Articulation page for more information (new window).

Special Examinations (e.g., Challenge or STEP exams) are assessments developed and administered by the college to provide an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of course content and receive credit toward program requirements or course placement. 

Special examinations are course specific and charges are separate from regular tuition charges. A $20 non-refundable per course charge is required for a written assessment exam and a $40 non-refundable per course charge for a practical assessment exam. Special exam charges are payable in full at the time the exam is scheduled.

Students enrolled in or accepted for admission to BCTC may be given a faculty-developed special examination for credit or course placement, provided the examination is approved by program- or discipline-specific faculty and the Chief Academic Officer or their designee. Credit will be awarded upon enrollment if the student passes the exam according to the established standard.

All special examinations are a one time attempt.

A student may receive course credit equivalency based on workplace learning and alternative educational experiences and/or military training and experience following program- or discipline-specific faculty endorsement of recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE).

View A Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Service (ACE Guide) (new window)

To begin the process of receiving credit for formal military training and experience, it is recommended that you visit your veterans services coordinator at your local college first. Your coordinator can evaluate your transcripts and work with the local staff to ensure you receive appropriate credit.  

To begin the process of having your transcript reviewed:

• Register at the Joint Services Transcript (JST) website for an account (new window)
• Click on the "Transcripts" link and view, print or save your unofficial transcript
• Click on "Official Transcript Request" and complete the form to have your official transcripts sent your college

Military service credit in career-technical areas that is over 10 years old and is to be applied toward graduation in the career-technical field must be approved by the appropriate division dean.

KCTCS awards academic credit for industry-recognized third-party certifications when these credentials lead to mastery of course competencies.

KCTCS accepts credit for licensure, registries, industry exams, or industry certifications as approved by the KCTCS Curriculum Committees and Faculty Senate.

See the industry certifications and professional licensures chart on the KCTCS Prior Learning Industry Credentials and Licensures page (new window) that shows those currently accepted at KCTCS and the maximum credit that can be awarded for each. Requirements for awarding prior learning credit through industry-based credentials vary by discipline, and you should be aware of the particular requirements for your program area. Please speak with your advisor about the options available.

What is Portfolio Assessment Credit?

A portfolio is a collection of information gathered by the student and presented in an organized format to demonstrate the practical learning that has occurred. A portfolio can include: documentation such as certificates of training, work samples, awards and honors, job description, performance evaluations, samples of artwork, evidence of self-directed learning, and resumes.

How can I earn Portfolio Assessment Credit?

Each course for which portfolio credit is requested must be in the system curriculum and must be a part of the student's certificate or degree requirements.

If you are interested in pursuing a portfolio for credit, you should follow the steps below:

• Complete the Self-Assessment to determine where prior learning competencies might exist
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    Provide your email address to receive the Self-Assessment form.

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• Consult with your academic advisor. Examine the course offerings in the KCTCS catalog for your potential portfolio. In consultation with your advisor, determine how portfolio credit may fit within degree requirements.
• Once you and your advisor have agreed to proceed, request that the advisor, or the assigned faculty member, signs the Application for Assessment and Authenticity Statement and pay the non-refundable portfolio fee to the college Business Office.
• Work with the faculty to prepare your portfolio using the format provided in the Student Portfolio Development Handbook then submit the completed portfolio and Credit Request Portfolio Assessment form to your assigned faculty member for review.
• The portfolio will be evaluated by the faculty or a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to determine if the student has provided sufficient documentation to demonstrate the required learning outcomes and/or met the competencies of the course. 

Is There a Cost for Portfolio Assessment Credit?

Yes. A non-refundable fee per 3-credit course is payable to the college, and the fee will be paid by student. Please see your college Business Office for the current fee and deadline for payment.

KCTCS awards academic credit via college-approved Local Memorandums of Agreement (MOA) with a for-profit, non-profit, or governmental institution which leads to mastery of course competencies.