Credit for Prior Learning/Advanced Standing Guide

Thomas Nelson Community is committed to lifelong learning that provides students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the academic integrity of academic programs. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) policies are consistent with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) principles and with Virginia Community College System (VCCS) policy. 

The information provided describes the mechanisms for obtaining credit for prior learning at Thomas Nelson. The term “credit for prior learning” generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways. Credit for Prior Learning is the process of awarding credit for competency in subject matter that has been achieved through previous academic study, experiential learning or occupational experience.

This may include, but is not limited to, credit for external advanced placement such as the Advanced Placement Program (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and International Baccalaureate (IB), credit for non-traditional professional certifications, and credit for educational/training programs (military, industry, state and federal government). This guide also provides procedures for granting various kinds of credit earned at other colleges and universities in this country and abroad.

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) exams are administered by the College Board to high school students enrolled in “AP” designated courses throughout the United States. Each exam has a course guide that provides an overview of the course including learning objectives and concept outlines. Exam scores range from 1-5 with 5 being the highest. For a complete description of Advanced Placement exams, visit the website at https://aphighered.collegeboard.org.

Thomas Nelson Community College awards advanced standing credit for Advanced Placement (AP) exams in accordance with Virginia Community College System (VCCS) policy (section 5.6.5.1) , which sets the minimum acceptable exam score at three (3) on AP exams. Credit may be awarded differently for scores that exceed the minimum. Faculty within the subject area review the learning objectives for Advanced Placement exams and determine equivalent courses offered at the College. Credits are awarded as follows:

Students seeking credit for AP Exams should complete the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the Request for Transfer Evaluation form to Enrollment Services, Griffin Hall, Room 208 (Hampton campus) or Student Services, Room 117 (Historic Triangle campus). 
2. Review the options for requesting official scores reports on the AP College Board website.
3. Request that the official reports be mailed to the one of the addresses included on the Request for Transfer Evaluation Form.
4. Students will be notified by a representative from Enrollment Services (Hampton campus) or Student Services (Historic Triangle campus) when the process is complete.

Cambridge International (A/AS Level) Program

Cambridge International exams commonly known as A levels or AS levels, are administered by the University of Cambridge and completed by students in the United Kingdom and international education programs in 160 countries. Each exam has a syllabus that provides an overview of the course including learning objectives and content outlines. Exam scores range from A-E with A being the highest. For a complete description of Cambridge International exams, visit the Cambridge Assessment International Education website: www.cambridgeinternational.org/. 

Thomas Nelson Community College awards advanced standing credit for Cambridge International exams in accordance with Virginia Community College System (VCCS) policy (section 5.6.5.1), which accepts “C” as the minimum acceptable exam score. Credit may be awarded differently for the AS level as compared to the A level exam. Faculty within the subject area review the learning objectives for Cambridge International exams and determine equivalent courses offered at the College. Credits are awarded as follows:

^{*Credit awarded once student enrolls in and completes a laboratory section with a grade of “C” or higher.}

Students seeking credit for Cambridge International Exams should complete the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the Request for Transfer Evaluation form to Enrollment Services, Griffin Hall, Room 208 (Hampton campus) or Student Services, Room 117 (Historic Triangle campus). 
2. Download, complete and submit the Priority Results Information form available on the Cambridge International Exams website.
3. Request that an official score report be mailed to one of the campus addresses included on the Request for Transfer Evaluation form. 
4. Students will be notified by a representative from Enrollment Services (Hampton campus) or Student Services (Historic Triangle campus) when the process is complete.

College Level Exam Program (CLEP)

The College Level Exam Program (CLEP) is administered by the College Board and offers subject level examinations to allow students to document their existing knowledge for 100 and 200 level collegiate courses. A fact sheet is published for each exam that provides a description of the exam content, required knowledge and skills, and study materials. For a complete description of CLEP offerings, visit the College Board exam website: clep.collegeboard.org/exams.

Thomas Nelson Community College awards advanced standing credit for CLEP exams in accordance with Virginia Community College System (VCCS) policy (section 5.6.5.1), which sets 50 as the minimum acceptable exam score. Credit may be awarded differently for scores that exceed the minimum. Faculty within the subject area review the learning objectives for CLEP exams and determine equivalent courses offered at the College. Credits are awarded as follows: 

¹Credit awarded once a student enrolls in and completes a laboratory section with a grade of “C” or better.
²The College Composition Modular exam includes two essays that must be graded by the College. This may prolong the time to receive a decision on awarding of credit. 
³Students who complete the College Composition Modular exam within 18 months of requesting transfer credit evaluation need to request that the College Board send the essays to Thomas Nelson. Students who completed the exam more than 18 months prior to requesting transfer credit evaluations or who previously had their essays sent to other institutions will need to take the optional essay portion of the exam and have those essays sent to Thomas Nelson.

Students seeking credit for CLEP should complete the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the Request for Transfer Evaluation form to Enrollment Services, Griffin Hall, Room 208 (Hampton campus) or Student Services, Room 117,(Historic Triangle campus). 
2. Review the options for requesting official score reports on the CLEP College Board website.
3. Request that an official score report be mailed to one of the campus addresses included on the Request for Transfer Evaluation form. 
4. Students will be notified by a representative from Enrollment Services (Hampton campus) or Student Services (Historic Triangle campus) when the process is complete. 

DSST (DANTES) Program

DSST, also known as DANTES, offers subject level examinations. DANTES is the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support, which promotes educational opportunities for service members and veterans. These exams are available to anyone seeking college credit in a non-traditional format. DSST A fact sheet is published for each exam that provides a description of the exam content, sample questions, references, and scoring information. DSST exams use scaled scores and each test has a different scale. Visit the DSST exams website getcollegecredit.com/testprep/#courses for a complete description.

Thomas Nelson Community College awards advanced standing credit for DSST exams in accordance with the minimum recommended scores provided by the American Council on Education (ACE) for courses that have equivalencies at the College. Faculty within the subject area review the learning objectives for DSST exams and determine equivalent courses offered at the College. Credits are awarded as follows:

¹Credit awarded when a student enrolls in and completes a laboratory section with a grade of “C” or better.

Students seeking credit for DSST exams should complete the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the Request for Transfer Evaluation form to Enrollment Services, Griffin Hall, Room 208 (Hampton campus) or Student Services, Room 117 (Historic Triangle campus). 
2. Review the options for requesting official score reports on the DSST website.
3. Request that official score reports be mailed to one of the campus addresses included on the Request for Transfer Evaluation form. 
4. Students will be notified by a representative from Enrollment Services (Hampton campus) or Student Services (Historic Triangle campus) when the process is complete.

International Baccalaureate (IB) Program 

International Baccalaureate (IB)  exams are completed by high school students enrolled in “IB” courses in schools approved to offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The coursework is typically completed during the junior and senior years of high school. The courses occur at two levels, “SL” and “HL” which refer to “standard level” and “higher level” respectively. The standard level “SL” may only require one complete year of coursework; the higher level “HL” course is of more depth and complexity and typically requires two complete years of coursework. Each IB course has a subject outline and detailed course guide. Exam scores range from 1-7 with seven being the highest. For a complete description of International Baccalaureate (IB) exams, visit the website at https://ibo.org. 

Thomas Nelson Community College awards advanced standing credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) exams in accordance with Virginia Community College System (VCCS) policy, which sets the minimum acceptable exam score at five (5) for these exams. Credit may be awarded differently for scores that exceed the minimum. Faculty within the subject area review the learning objectives for International Baccalaureate (IB) exams and determine equivalent courses offered at the College. Credits are awarded as follows: 

Students seeking credit for IB exams should complete the following steps:

1. Complete and submit the Request for Transfer Evaluation form to Enrollment Services, Griffin Hall, Room 208 (Hampton campus) or Student Services, Room 117 (Historic Triangle campus). 
2. Review the options for requesting official score reports on the CLEP College Board website.
3. Request that an official score report be mailed to one of the campus addresses included on the Request for Transfer Evaluation form. 
4. Students will be notified by a representative from Enrollment Services (Hampton campus) or Student Services (Historic Triangle campus) when the process is complete.

Credit for Certification or Licensure

Credit may be awarded when a student holds an industry certification or professional license that is deemed equivalent to a course or series of courses within a program offered at Thomas Nelson Community College.  Students must be enrolled in a program at the College for which the course is required and, in most cases, have earned at least six (6) credits in the program before applying to receive advanced standing credit for certification or licensure.

Students seeking credit for Certification or Licensure should complete the following steps: 

1. Review the certification and licensure list for the appropriate academic division to determine if the certification or license held is applicable to their program of study. 
2. Complete and submit the Request for Transfer Evaluation form to Enrollment Services, Griffin Hall, Room 208 (Hampton campus) or Student Services, Room 117, (Historic Triangle campus).
3. Enrollment Services will confirm the student is enrolled in a program at the College for which the courses are required, attach a degree progress report, and forward along with a Transcript Evaluation Form to the academic division dean or designee for review and approval. 
4. Students will be notified by a representative from Enrollment Services (Hampton campus) or Student Services (Historic Triangle campus) when the process is complete.

Arts, Business, Humanities and Social Science Division
Division Advising Center: Hampton Campus, Hampton III, Room 725; Phone: 757-825-2883; email: abhs@tncc.edu

Credit for Certification is offered in the following programs:

Accounting (203) AAS  
Management (212) AAS  

Required Documentation and Special Conditions for Credit for Certification and Licensure

Public Safety, Allied Health and Human Services Division
Division Advising Center: Hampton Campus, Hampton III, Room 747; Phone 757-825-2993; email: psahhs@tncc.edu

Credit for certification and licensure is offered in the following programs:

Required Documentation and Special Conditions for Credit for Certification and Licensure

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Division
Division Advising Center: Hampton Campus, Hastings Hall, Room 321; Phone 757-825-2898; e-mail stemoffice@tncc.edu

Credit for certification is offered in the following programs:​

Required Documentation and Special Conditions for Credit for Certification or Licensure

¹A copy of the unexpired certificate or certification card (front and back) indicating student name and date of certification. Must see Program Head for documentation review and have divisional approval. 
²Students must have documentation of successful completion of VA State Police Academy or a Regional and Independent Certified Training Academy. Must see Program Head for documentation review and have divisional approval.
³Students must have documentation of successful completion of VA State Police Academy. Must see Program Head for documentation review and have divisional approval. 
⁴Based on experiential learning/work experience, must see Program Head to provide documentation review to receive credit, and have Divisional Approval. 
⁵Based on experiential learning/work experience, must have CDA or equivalent, or take course challenge exam, and receive a passing grade of 70%, to receive credit. Must see Program Head to provide documentation review and have Divisional Approval. 
⁶Based on experiential learning/work experience, wave requirement to take ITE 120 in CSC. Must see Program Head for documentation review and have Divisional Approval. 
⁷Advanced standing credit for EMS 111 & 120 may not be used to satisfy the requirements for the EMT career studies certificate. 
⁸Students presenting Emergency Medical Services (EMS) certifications will be required to provide copies of their certifications to Enrollment Services, as well as to the Fire and EMS Education Department prior to enrollment. 
⁹Students entering the Emergency Medical Services Education Program with current EMS certifications must meet the Fire and EMS Education Department’s current policies and procedures for advanced standing entry and course credit award. For additional information regarding the current Department policies and procedures, please contact the Health Professions Division via email at healthprofessions@tncc.edu. 
¹⁰The maximum credit a student with no related occupational experience may receive for ASE certifications is 17 credits. When the student qualifies for credit in more than four courses, the selection of courses for credit is at the discretion of the automotive program head. For the automotive technician with practical work experience, up to 30 credits are available with ASE Master Automotive Recertified with the above documentation AND proof of employment in the automotive field (i.e., letter from employer verified by automotive program chair). 
¹¹Currently certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT-Basic) will be required to complete six (6) credits required for the associate degree in Emergency Medical Services prior to being awarded advanced standing credit for EMT-Basic certification. Advanced standing credit for EMS 111 & 120 cannot be used to fulfill the requirements for the EMT-Basic career studies certificate.  
¹²Based on experiential learning/work experience, see Program Head and receive divisional approval. Students enroll in IND 198 to develop a portfolio to determine how much academic credit to be awarded up to 23 credits toward the degree.

Credit by Challenge Examination

Challenge examinations are available for selected courses offered at Thomas Nelson Community College. A challenge examination provides the student with an opportunity to demonstrate mastery of course learning objectives based on previous learning experiences. Students must be enrolled in a curriculum at the College for which the course is required and, in most cases, have earned at least six (6) credits in the program before applying to receive advanced standing credit. A passing score on the examination will result in credit being awarded for the selected course.

Visual arts challenge exams are completed in the form of a portfolio review.  A satisfactory review of the portfolio will result in credit being awarded for the selected course(s).

NOTE: Students may not complete a challenge examination for a course in which they have previously enrolled or audited within the Virginia Community College System.

Arts, Business, Humanities and Social Science Division
Division Office Location: Hampton Campus, Hampton III, Room 725; Phone 757-825-2799; email: abhs@tncc.edu

Visual Arts portfolio reviews are offered by for the following courses:

• ART 121 Drawing I & ART 223 Life Drawing
• ART 131-132 Two-Dimensional Design & Three-Dimensional Design
• ART 283 Computer Graphics I
• PHT 164 Introduction to Digital Photography

Students are encouraged to submit visual arts portfolios for review as soon as they enroll in a curriculum in which the above course are required.

Public Safety, Allied Health and Human Services Division
Challenge examinations are not currently offered by this academic division.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Division
Challenge examinations are not currently offered by this academic division.

Students seeking credit by Challenge Examinations should complete the following steps.

1. Review the challenge examinations offered to determine if an examination is available for their program of study.
2. Secure and complete the Challenge Examination Form. The form can be obtained from the appropriate academic division office or on the College website.
3. Submit the Challenge Examination Form to the appropriate academic division office.  A separate form is required for each challenge examination. The division dean or designee will confirm enrollment in the curriculum for which the course is required, confirm the student has not previously been enrolled in or audited the course, and notify the designated faculty member of a request for challenge examination or visual arts portfolio review.
4. The designated faculty member will contact the student to make an appointment for the challenge examination or visual arts portfolio review.
5. Upon completion of the challenge examination or visual arts portfolio review, the designated faculty member will record the results and submit the results to Enrollment Services, Griffin Hall, Room 208 (Hampton campus) or Student Services, Room 117 (Historic Triangle campus). Credit for the appropriate course(s) is documented on the academic transcript.
6. The student will be notified by a representative from Enrollment Services (Hampton campus) or Student Services (Historic Triangle campus) when the process is complete.

Workforce Development Non-Credit to Credit Crosswalk
Division Office Location: Hampton Campus, 600 Butler Farm Road; Phone 757-825-4070; email: wfdinq@tncc.edu
Division Office Location: Williamsburg, 4135 Ironbound Road, Second Floor; Phone 757-345-2855; email: wfdinq@tncc.edu

¹Introduction to Computer Applications and Concepts (NOTE: Student must successfully complete all 10 WFD courses before credit is awarded). 
²Workforce students complete both Level I and Level II courses to receive credit.