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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. All of this can reduce the time for earning your degree or certificate.
There are five basic ways of getting credit for what you know.
- Transfer credit
Upon entering the degree program, you will be asked to provide official transcripts from high school and all colleges that you have attended. These will be evaluated for the potential of transfer into this degree program.
- College Level Examination Program (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.
- Military Credits
BSC awards college credit for selected and successfully completed military training programs as outlined in the "Guide to Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed forces," prepared by the American Council on Education.
- Challenge Exam
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 Bismarck State College testing services. 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.
- Portfolio Assessment/SOC 292
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 know ledge 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: Prior Learning Assessment
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