Credit for prior learning can be awarded only after the assessment of prior learning experiences and only for documented learning that demonstrates achievement of all terminal objectives for a specific course(s). Before receiving credit for a course, a student must meet enrollment requirements for the course. Students may not earn credit through non-traditional academic work for any course in which a grade has previously been received. Applicants must have official documents sent directly to the Office of Enrollment Services from the appropriate agency.
No more than 25 percent of the total credit required for any program may be awarded through non-traditional means. Credit awarded through non-traditional means is not applicable toward the minimum of 25 percent of semester credit hours that must be completed at Central Alabama Community College for graduation requirements. Acceptance of non-traditional academic credit by CACC does not guarantee that other institutions will accept such work. Students are responsible for verifying acceptable course work by contacting the respective transfer institution. Credit may not be awarded twice for the same learning.
Advanced Placement Test (AP)
Central Alabama Community College awards credit for advanced placement courses taken in high school with scores of three (3) or higher earned on the national examinations of the College Board Advanced Placement Program. Upon receipt of official results, Central Alabama Community College will grant credit based on state guidelines; however, this credit may or may not transfer to another institution.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP – sponsored by the College Board)
Central Alabama Community College will award credit for satisfactory performance on CLEP tests. CLEP is a national program of credit by examination that offers the student the opportunity to obtain recognition for college level achievement. Upon receipt of official results from a CLEP testing center, Central Alabama Community College will grant credit based on state guidelines and the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations. ACE recommendations may be found at ACE Credit Recommendations – CLEP College Board.
Credit for Experience in the Armed Services
Central Alabama Community College grants credit for appropriate educational experiences in the armed service in accordance with recommendations from the American Council on Education’s Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. Interested students may contact the Office of Enrollment Services.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a means for a student to receive college level credit for experiential learning that took place in a non-traditional learning environment, such as on-the-job training, military training, professional development seminars, volunteerism, and experience in-field. Awarding of credit through PLA relies heavily on aligning knowledge and skills gained through experience with learning outcomes found in traditional courses of higher education. Course credit earned from prior learning shall be noted on the student’s transcript as having been awarded through PLA.
Any student interested in obtaining PLA credit should contact the appropriate college faculty member or the Registrar and Academic Services Specialist in order to obtain the appropriate paperwork and advisement of the PLA process. The student will be responsible for any costs associated with granting of PLA credits. PLA for nursing classes is not permitted per State Board of Nursing policies.
Subject Proficiency Examinations
The College may award credit for some courses in the specialized portion of an Associate in Applied Science or Associate of Occupational Technology Degrees to a student who successfully completes specific course examinations. (The student must complete a prior learning assessment form prior to testing.) Official documentation of test results, appropriate approved for credit form, and appropriate credit approval must be filed in the Office of Student Services.