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Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by Examination

AP

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement Program (AP) sponsored by the College Board offers secondary school students the opportunity to participate in challenging college-level course work while still in high school. Students who earn the specified score(s) as outlined on the KVCC AP Matrix will receive credit for the equivalent KVCC course(s). The AP score(s) should be requested by the student as part of the admissions process or at the time the exam is taken and sent directly to the KVCC Admissions Office for review and transcription.

 American Council on Education’s (ACE) College Credit Evaluation

The American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service connects workplace learning with colleges and universities. ACE does this by helping students earn academic credit for formal training taken outside traditional degree programs. Please note that ACE recommendations do not guarantee credit – learning outcomes must match KVCC-specific courses. For more information, visit the ACE website.

Challenge Examination

Challenge Exams

When no other national exam exists, KVCC may offer challenge exams to students with specific knowledge for courses which have been approved by the Dean of Academic Affairs and the Department Chair for the department that specifically offers the course(s).  Students seeking permission to take exams must use the Prior Learning Assessment Request form; the Challenge Exam fee is $100 per course. Payment of the Challenge Exam fee does not guarantee the award of credit, and is non-refundable. In addition, lab fees and/or material costs for these assessments may apply.

Credit for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) 

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a widely trusted program that offers over 30 exams that can earn you credit for what you already know with a qualifying score of 50 or greater. Students can purchase a CLEP exam on the CLEP website and then choose a location to take the exam.

  • For more detailed information about CLEP exams, visit the CLEP website.
  • To have KVCC consider your CLEP scores for credit, you’ll need to request that the College Board send an official score report to our Admissions Office.

DSST

DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)

The DSST program offers 38 examinations in a wide range of college-level academic, technical and business subjects.  These exams originated with the Department of Defense but are open to all learns.  Students who earn the specified score(s) as outlined on the KVCC PLA Matrix will receive credit for the equivalent KVCC course(s). The DSST score(s) should be requested by the student as part of the admissions process or at the time the exam is taken and sent directly to the KVCC Admissions Office for review and transcription. Click Here for more information.

IB

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate program includes a set of courses and exams offered at the high school level – much the same as AP credits.  Students who earn the specified score(s) as outlined on the KVCC PLA Matrix will receive credit for the equivalent KVCC course(s). The IB score(s) should be requested by the student as part of the admissions process or at the time the exam is taken and sent directly to the KVCC Admissions Office for review and transcription. Click Here for more information.