Credit for Prior Learning

Overview

Credit for prior learning may be earned for eligible courses approved by the District for students who satisfactorily pass an authorized assessment. Authorized assessments may include the evaluation of approved external standardized examinations, and credit by examination. Details may be found at https://smccd.edu/creditforpriorlearning/index.php. Students may demonstrate proficiency in a course eligible for Credit for Prior Learning and receive college credit through the approved alternative methods for awarding credit listed below:

  • Achievement of a satisfactory score on an Advanced Placement (AP) examination
  • Achievement of a satisfactory score on a high-level International Baccalaureate (IB) examination
  • Achievement of a satisfactory score on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)
  • Satisfactory completion of an institutional examination, known as Credit by Examination, administered by the college in lieu of completion of an active course listed in the current college catalog

Determination of Eligibility for Credit for Prior Learning

  • The student must be in good standing in the District
  • The student must have previously earned credit or noncredit from the District or be currently registered in the District
  • Current students must have an education plan on file
  • The course is listed in the current SMCCCD Catalog
  • The student is not currently enrolled in the course to be challenged
  • Credit by Examination: The student is registered in the District and not currently enrolled in nor received credit for a more advanced course in the same subject (may be waived by department).

Credits acquired by examination do not satisfy unit load requirements for enrollment status for programs such as financial aid, athletics, veterans’ benefits, or for graduation residency requirements. Credits acquired by examination shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence required for an associate degree.

Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)

San Mateo Community College District may award three semester units in CSU GE Breadth Subarea C2 utilizing the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations. 

If you took a DLPT exam, please request your official Official Defense Language Institute Foreign Language (DLIFLC) Transcripts  sent to the Admissions and Records Office at your SMCCCD college.

NOTE: A Official Joint Services Transcripts (JST), Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) DLPT Examinee Results or DA Form 330 Language Proficiency Questionnaire may also be accepted as official documentation

Reference: California State University, https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/administration/codedmemos/Academic%20Affairs%20Coded%20Memos/ASA-2018-06-Attachment-4.pdf    , retrieved 4/12/2021

Credit by Examination (CBE)

A currently enrolled student in good standing may be permitted to take a test for credit in lieu of a course, because of previous training or instruction. By completing an examination approved by the faculty of the appropriate division, credit will be recorded. Testing is not allowed for a course for which credit has previously been granted or if credit has been earned in a more advanced course in the same sequence. Credit by Examination may not be used in order to improve a grade already received for a course. A maximum of 12.0 units toward an Associate Degree or 6 units toward a certificate may be earned through Credit by Examination, however, it may not be counted in determining the 12.0 semester units in residence. The student’s academic record shall be annotated to reflect that credit was earned by examination. A student may complete any course through Credit by Examination procedures only once.

To pursue the Credit by Examination option, obtain a Credit by Examination form from Admissions and Records. Admissions and Records approves eligibility. The student must submit the approved form to the division offering the course. If the course is available using the Credit by Examination option, a faculty member will arrange for the examination(s) to be administered and graded. All grades issued upon completion of Credit by Examination will be used in the calculation of the student's grade point average and for determining scholarship awards.