How can I get course credits for what I already know?

This requires gathering all of your school, work, and living experience to see what credits you can get without having to take certain courses. You can also take examinations that earn credits in certain subjects.

There are five basic ways of getting credit for what you know. Here's what you need to do:

1. Transfer Credit
   Upon entering the degree program, you will be asked to provide official transcripts from your high school and all colleges that you have attended. These will be evaluated for the potential of transfer into this degree program.

2. Military Training Programs
   BSC awards college credit for selected and successfully completed military training programs as outlined in the "Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces," prepared by the American Council on Education. The number of credits awarded will be based on evaluation and recommendation of BSC Registrar's staff and the appropriate department chairperson. Credits awarded for completion of military training can be used only as elective credits towards an associate degree at Bismarck State College Eligible students must submit official documentation (dates, locations, course titles, identification numbers, and other supporting information) for evaluation.

3. Challenge Exams
   Students who believe they have knowledge comparable to what would be gained by successful completion of a particular course at the College may, in some cases, obtain credit for that course by passing a "challenge examination." Normally such examinations are standardized examinations available through the Bismarck State College testing center. In the absence of a standardized examination, a department may arrange for a special examination. Not every course may be challenged, but many are eligible.

4. Portfolio
   Bismarck State College recognizes that adults often come to school with a great deal of experience and knowledge gained outside a formal academic setting. Students may document the extent of their experiences and knowledge by building a portfolio. Those who are interested in exploring the possibility of earning college credit for what they already know will be asked to complete a credit course designed to guide students through the portfolio process. Click this link for more information: http://www.bismarckstate.edu/online/prior.asp.

5. CLEP
   Bismarck State College awards college credit for successful completion of CLEP examinations. Since CLEP policies vary from institution to institution, students are advised to review the CLEP policies of the institution they plan to transfer to before they write any CLEP exams. Visit this page for more information: http://www.bismarckstate.edu/student/assess/factsheet.pdf.

6. DSST (formerly DANTES)
   DSST exams are now available to any student wanting to find a way to advance his/her education, save time and money, or acquire a degree faster. In order to earn CLEP or DSST credits, students must meet the minimum score requirements set forth by the North Dakota University System or the institution they are attending. The 37 available DSST exams cover a variety of subjects found in undergraduate courses. All exams are multiple choice, given on computer, and have a 120 minute time limit. The cost for each exam is $80 with an additional $15 paid to BSC for a registration/administration fee. As with CLEP, DSST exams may be taken by eligible military personnel free of charge. For more information click this link: www.bismarckstate.edu/student/assess/

A maximum of 45 semester hours of non-traditional college credit (e.g., AP, CLEP, DSST, military training, BSC challenge test credit, portfolio development, prior learning, and courses covered under high school articulation agreements) may be applied to an associate's degree, diploma, or certificate at BSC. A maximum of 60 semester hours of non-traditional college credit may be applied to a bachelor of applied science degree at BSC.