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223 - Credit for Prior Learning in Non-Credit/Experiential/Credit by Exam

Responsible Office: Academic Affairs
Responsible Officer:  Vice President of Academic Affairs
Reference: System Policy 3.35, Procedure 3.35.1

PART 1.  POLICY 

The College may grant course credit on the basis of proficiency acquired through learning experiences other than formal education.  Students passing a nationally recognized examination, a college course challenge examination, a college course competency demonstration or portfolio review, or that have acquired Military training or service that meets the standards of the American Council on Education (ACE), or the equivalent shall be granted college credit. 

The following is a list of nationally recognized examinations that are acceptable for college credit transfer: (See Registrar for minimum scores required)

  • Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations
  • College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

College course challenge examinations, competency demonstrations, and portfolio reviews must be completed within the add/drop period of the specific course if the student is registered for that course.  Students shall have one (1) opportunity to complete and pass the CPL assessment.  Credits earned through this method are not considered residency credits.  A per-credit fee is assessed for internal CPL assessment.  

CPL internal assessment types may include, but are not limited to:

  • Credit by Exam
  • Prior Learning Portfolio Assessment
  • Individualized Subject-Area Assessment
  • Competency-Based Assessment

Students should contact the department faculty to discuss opportunities for Credit for Prior Learning. 

Students with Military training or service shall receive credit in accordance with Minnesota Statute 197.775, Subdivision 2, if the training or service course meets the standards of the American Council on Education (ACE) or the equivalent.

Students looking for other credit for prior learning opportunities may go to www.minnstate.edu.

Approved: October 6, 1999
Reviewed: February 7, 2011, April 2021
Revised: February 15, 2000; June 30, 2004; October 8, 2008; December 28, 2010; October 31, 2013; April 2021