Credit for Prior Learning

KCTCS colleges recognize that valid college-level learning experiences occur outside the traditional classroom setting. Colleges will assist students in recognizing appropriate external experiences and applying them toward a KCTCS credential. Colleges reserve the right to validate student competence through the variety of mechanisms described in this section.

1. Advanced Placement (AP) Program
   KRS 164.098 requires Kentucky Institutions to award credit for scores of 3 or higher on the Advanced Placement Tests. KCTCS colleges participate in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Interested students should have their official examination results sent to the Admissions Office of their local KCTCS College. Students are responsible for providing a transcript of AP credits earned.
   
   
2. Articulation Agreements
   Articulation agreements provide a mechanism to accept and award credit for courses that will transfer toward a credential. Articulation agreements specify the terms and conditions for courses taken at other institutions that will apply to a KCTCS credential, and/or the terms and conditions for courses taken at KCTCS that will apply to credentials or degree programs at other institutions. In either case, the award of applicable credit to the credential is subject to the specific terms of each agreement and all requirements specified in the agreement must be met before credit can be awarded. For information about articulation agreements for KCTCS credentials, contact the college Student Records Office.
3. College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
   KCTCS colleges accept the General and Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The Subject Examinations cover specific material which is common to courses in many colleges and universities. The level of proficiency to earn credit through CLEP is approximately equivalent to that required to earn a “C” in the course. Students are responsible for providing a transcript of CLEP credits earned.
   
   
4. Military Service Experience
   A student may receive course credit in recognition of collegiate-level credit completed through DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests). To receive course credit for successful DSST exams, the student must have received a minimum standard score of 46. Credit will be given only upon receipt of an official DSST score report or transcript. A student may receive course credit where appropriate and equivalent courses are available for formal military training as recommended in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services (ACE Guide), published by the American Council on Education (ACE).
   
   
5. Special Exam: STEP (Special Technical Education Proficiency) or Challenge
   Institutionally developed and administered exams provide an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of course content and receive credit toward program requirements. The student must be accepted for admission and enrolled in the college and apply for the exam through the Student Records Office. For more information, see “Tuition and Charges.” A STEP test is a method for students to earn credit in technical courses by assessing learning acquired through non-college experiences. Challenge exams provide students the opportunity to test out of courses that are not required for the program but are prerequisites for the higher-level required program courses.
   
   
6. Portfolio - Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
   Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio students may contact any KCTCS college for information regarding applications for college credit via portfolio. For more information, see “Tuition and Charges.”
   
   
7. Non-Classroom Learning Experiences

• • Work-Based Learning Experiences
    
    Many of the diploma and degree programs offered through the colleges have Work-Based Learning included in the curriculum. Work-Based Learning refers to the programs that offer academic credit for degree-related work experience during a specific semester. The experiences and credit awarded vary according to the program’s requirements. These experiences must be planned and supervised by the college and the employer to ensure that the work experience contributes to the student’s education and career objective. The cornerstone of Work-Based Learning is Cooperative Education. Other programs that are considered part of Work-Based Learning are Internships, Practicums and Experiential Learning. These courses afford the student a unique opportunity to integrate formal classroom training with supervised work experience.
    
    
  • Service-Learning
    
    Students have the opportunity to enroll in service-learning programs which are designed to integrate community service with academic instruction as it focuses on critical and reflective thinking and civic responsibility. Service-learning programs involve students in organized community service that addresses local needs, while developing academic skill, sense of civic responsibility and commitment to the community. 

STANDARDS FOR AWARDING CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

KCTCS Colleges utilize credit for learning experiences in industry, business and government as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). The recommendations for awarding credit appear in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs, published by the ACE. KCTCS Colleges utilize best practices and standards provided through the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) when awarding credit for prior learning.

1. KCTCS does not offer courses that are an exact equivalent for the AP subject offered. Appropriate General Education or technical elective credit is awarded in these cases.
2. Upon presentation of documentation of appropriate laboratory experience, credit will also be given for the laboratory portions of these courses.

AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION

Students may receive credit for learning experiences in industry, business and government as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). The recommendations for awarding credit appear in The National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs, published by the ACE.

ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS

Articulation agreements provide a mechanism to accept and award credit for courses that will transfer toward a credential. Articulation agreements specify the terms and conditions for courses taken at other institutions that will apply to a KCTCS credential, and/or the terms and conditions for courses taken at KCTCS that will apply to credentials or degree programs at other institutions. In either case, the award of applicable credit to the credential is subject to the specific terms of each agreement and all requirements specified in the agreement must be met before credit can be awarded. For information about articulation agreements for KCTCS credentials, contact the college Student Records Office.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

KCTCS colleges accept the General and Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). The Subject Examinations cover specific material which is common to courses in many colleges and universities. The level of proficiency to earn credit through CLEP is approximately equivalent to that required to earn a “C” in the course.

 

1. Upon presentation of documentation of appropriate laboratory experience, credit will also be given for the laboratory associated with this course, PHY 202 College Physics I Laboratory (1 credit hours).

INDUSTRY STANDARD CERTIFICATION EXAMINATIONS

Military Service Experience

A student may receive course credit in recognition of collegiate-level credit completed through DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests). To receive course credit for successful DSST exams, the student must have received a minimum standard score of 46. Credit will be given only upon receipt of an official DSST score report or transcript. A student may receive course credit where appropriate and equivalent courses are available for formal military training as recommended in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services (ACE Guide), published by the American Council on Education.

Special Exam: STEP or Challenge

Institutionally developed and administered exams provide an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of course content and receive credit toward program requirements. The student must be accepted for admission and enrolled in the college and apply for the exam through the Student Records Office. For more information, see “Tuition and Charges.”

Credit for Prior Learning Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio students may contact Carla Branham, Registrar at cbranham0022@kctcs.edu or by calling 606/889-4827.