Prior Learning Assessment

Students enrolled at Kishwaukee College may receive college credit for previous experience and learning by one or a combination of the methods listed below.

However, in no instance may a student use any combination of non-traditional learning credits toward more than 75% of the credits required for a degree (A.A./A.S./A.A.S.) or 50% of the credits required for a certificate program. In addition, only 50% of the credits required for any degree may consist of life experience credits. Credit will not be awarded for any non-traditional learning credits which duplicate accredited college coursework already completed.

Credit hours granted through non-traditional learning evaluation (e.g., CLEP, proficiency examination, etc.) may not be applied to meet residency requirements for graduation.

Credit will not be recorded on a student’s official academic record until the student has completed the residency requirements for the degree or certificate program(s) being pursued.

Fees are not charged for NTL credit awarded for learning completed prior to entering Kishwaukee College, except for the proficiency evaluation methods, which involve more extensive administration, evaluation, and recording time on the part of the institution.

Also exempt from fee payment are the evaluations of credit based on outside formal instruction including, but not limited to, unaccredited schools, business colleges, police academies, and/or recommendations of the American Council on Education. Such evaluation is part of the admissions process and is performed by the Student Services Office.

The evaluation of credit for military experience and training is performed by the Student Services Office. Students should submit an official Joint Services Transcript (JST).

• Military credit is evaluated upon receipt of a Joint Services Transcript (JST).
• Students who have basic training on their JST will receive 4 credits of Physical Education Elective.
• Military credit will be evaluated as it applies to a student’s degree program. Credit may be awarded as electives, or articulated as Kishwaukee College courses. Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) coursework which is career and technical in nature may be referred for consideration to the department of the program the student is enrolled in for possible articulation.
• Kishwaukee College uses the ACE Course guide to determine articulation where applicable http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx

A number of occupational programs may award credit in their programs to students who have completed approved training programs, or who have obtained previous certification of training from recognized state agencies.

If academic credit is granted, students enter these programs with advanced standing status. Acceptance of previous certification training leading to advanced standing credit is determined by the Registrar and the appropriate academic dean.

Students who have taken the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement tests should have official copies of their AP test results sent to the Student Services Office. Credit is awarded to students who have received scores of three or above.

Kishwaukee College recognizes IB achievement by awarding credits that may be counted towards the number of courses required for graduation up to the maximum of non-traditional learning credits. The official International Baccalaureate transcript is required in order to award credit. Please see Kishwaukee College website - Transferring Credit to Kishwaukee College.

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides the student an opportunity to receive credit towards Kishwaukee College’s degree and/or course requirements. Kishwaukee College awards credit based on CLEP scores as follows:

CLEP credit will NOT be awarded for any area/course in which credit had previously been earned/awarded; nor will CLEP credit be awarded for any course previously attempted and not completed.

For an evaluation of potential credit through CLEP, the Student Services Office must receive an official examination report for any tests completed. For further information on CLEP registration procedures or credit policies, contact the Student Services Office.

Students who feel they have already obtained knowledge and skills equivalent to courses offered by Kishwaukee College may request a proficiency evaluation to demonstrate their knowledge level. Such requests are typically based on learning acquired during job experiences and/or private study done over a period of time.

Students who are successful in passing a proficiency evaluation receive credit for the course, and the credit hours earned count toward graduation requirements on the same basis as if the credit had been earned through traditional classroom learning. A performance evaluation of a “C” or higher grade is required for granting proficiency credit; however, no grade or grade points are assigned for the course in which a student receives proficiency credit. An official record is not maintained, nor is course credit granted for proficiency evaluation for grades less than “C”.

If a student does not pass a proficiency exam, he or she will not be permitted to attempt the same proficiency examination a second time.

Proficiency evaluation is not available for removal of “D” or “F” grades received in regular courses. Credit will not be given by proficiency evaluation for courses which duplicate accredited college work already completed.

Proficiency evaluations must be completed in the proper course sequence for each discipline. Once students have received credit for a particular course, either through completion via enrollment or proficiency evaluation, they may not apply for or receive credit for a lower-level course in that same sequence unless approved by the appropriate academic dean.

All other graduation requirements must also be satisfied. The administration of proficiency evaluations is under the direction of the respective division in which the courses are offered for which students wish to receive proficiency credit.

A $15 per credit hour non-refundable fee is charged for the evaluation of each proficiency examination or portfolio reviewed by an instructor. A Proficiency Evaluation form is available in the Student Services Office. It must be completed and all fees paid in the Business Office prior to commencement of the proficiency examination.

There are two methods of Departmental Proficiency Evaluation. Due to the non-comparative nature of every individual’s experiences and accomplishments, it is the college policy that students desiring proficiency credit(s) will demonstrate their knowledge via a proficiency examination rather than a portfolio of life experiences as long as an examination is available.

1. A proficiency examination specifying the student’s knowledge of the course material. To initiate proficiency examination consideration, students should contact the Student Services Office.
2. A portfolio of life experiences presented as evidence that the student possesses college equivalent knowledge or skills demanded by the course.

Students must consult with the Office of Instruction before pursuing portfolio development to ensure that a qualified instructor is available. If no qualified instructor can be located, life experience credit for this course will not be granted.