Prior Learning Assessment Program

Prior Learning Assessment Program

BCCC students may apply to the Coordinator, Experiential Learning, (215-968-8161 OR 215-968-8195) to earn equivalent college credit toward their associate degrees for relevant college level knowledge acquired through non-academic or nontraditional means. Such knowledge must be verifiable. Credit is granted for courses that pertain specifically to students’ programs of study.

Equivalent Bucks County Community College credit is not automatically accepted by transfer schools, and anyone planning to transfer should research this matter in advance with the transfer school(s) concerned.The Coordinator, Experiential Learning helps students select the best method to demonstrate the college equivalency of their knowledge, and guides them through the process.

Methods for Earning Academic Credit through Prior Learning Assessment

1. Courses Taken at Work BCCC awards credit for certain employer, union, or professional association courses which have been evaluated and recommended for credit by the American Council on Education’s (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service, and by the University of the State of New York’s National Program on Non-collegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI).
   
   
2. Credit through Testing A variety of examinations are used to demonstrate college level knowledge in particular subjects
   
   
   1. CREX - Credit through Departmental Examination
      
      BCCC students may challenge certain courses through departmental examinations, known as CREX exams. If a student has taken or is enrolled in the course for which s/he wants to take the CREX the student must ask permission of the department Assistant Academic Dean (AAD). For advice on preparing for these BCCC exams, students should contact the Assistant Academic Dean of the relevant BCCC department. For BCCC courses open to challenge by CREX exam.
      
      
   2. CLEP The College-Level Examination Program
      
      CLEP provides students the opportunity to demonstrate college-level knowledge through a program of nationally recognized exams sponsored by The College Board. CLEP examinations cover material taught in courses that most students take as requirements in the first two years of college. CLEP has a policy that candidates may not repeat a CLEP exam of the same title within six months. A grade of F earned in a class at BCCC, remains on the transcript and calculates into the GPA even if credit for that course is later earned through a CLEP exam.
      
      For BCCC courses open to challenge by CLEP exam see CREX exam.
      
      To confirm that the CLEP exam selected is the equivalent of the BCCC class for which equivalent credit is expected see www.bucks.edu/pla/clepequiv. html
      
      CLEP study guides for each examination are available in the BCCC Library and College Bookstore. CLEP Application forms are available www.bucks.edu/pla/clepapp.pdf or at the BCCC Testing Center.
      
      
   3. DANTES - Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Students Education Support Program
      
      The DANTES standardized subject tests were previously limited to the military. The program is now available to civilians. For BCCC courses open to challenge by Dantes exam see CREX exam.
      
      DANTES fact sheets outlining the topics covered by each test, a list of sample questions, and other useful information is available www.getcollegecredit.com/.
      
      DANTES Application forms are available www.bucks.edu/pla/dantesapp.pdf or at the BCCC Testing Center.
      
      
   4. NYU Foreign Language Proficiency
      
      New York University (NYU) offers proficiency examinations in over 50 languages for use at colleges and universities nationwide. These exams measure students’ abilities in three skill areas necessary for everyday communication: listening, reading, and writing. Students may be eligible to take an NYU Proficiency exam in lieu of foreign language coursework. Students should check with the Assistant Academic Dean of their department at BCCC to know whether the NYU exam will fulfill a program requirement.
      
      Application forms are available at BCCC at the BCCC Testing Center or from Coordinator, Experiential Learning.
      
      
3. Credit through Licenses and Certificates
   
   Various professional licenses, certificates and apprenticeship programs have been pre-assessed for equivalent BCCC credit. Examples of these are the ACT120 (Police Academy Basic Training), Fire Training School, Paramedic, EMT, Chef Apprentice, Machining Trades.
   
   See www.bucks.edu/pla/certificates.php.
   
   Students who have earned one or more of the licenses or certificates listed on this website must submit copies of the license(s) or certificate(s) to the Coordinator, Experiential Learning. In addition, official transcripts from the awarding agency of the course(s) completed must be sent to the Coordinator, Experiential Learning, in order for equivalent credit to be awarded.
   
   Students with Technical High School Certificates (such as NOCTI) may be eligible for BCCC equivalent credit. They should refer to the “How to” Guide for Technical High School Students and Guidance Counselors available at the Technical High Schools and from the Coordinator, Experiential Learning. See also information under the heading College Credit for Technical School Students on the previous page, and these webspaces and www.bucks.edu/pla/techhighschool.php.
   
   To have a non-credit course or certificate program reviewed for the potential of Bucks County Community College equivalent credit, a request for course or certificate program review should be submitted to the Coordinator, Experiential Learning (Tel: 215-968-8161. Fax: 215-968-8033) including supporting materials consisting of: BCCC Credit Equivalency Request Form available from Coordinator, Experiential Learning; the syllabus (or syllabi) of the course(s) or program including the learning outcomes or goals; a list of the references, resources and learning materials used by students
   
   
4. Credit Through Portfolio Assessment
   
   www.bucks.edu/pla/methods.php
   
   Portfolio assessment is open to currently enrolled students who wish to challenge a BCCC course by demonstrating and verifying college-level knowledge in the depth and breadth of the subject matter by preparing a portfolio according to certain predetermined guidelines. This option is usually available when no challenge examination exists.
   
   Students interested in pursuing this method of earning equivalent BCCC College credit are required to make an appointment to discuss this with the Coordinator, Experiential Learning.