College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Policy

Opportunities for Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) vary from program to program and are subject to faculty review.  For a current list of programs offering PLA, contact the Assessment office or the Credential Evaluator , Registration and Records Center, in Building 18.

Advanced Placement

Credit for advanced placement will be granted to high school seniors earning scores of three (3) or higher on the Educational Testing Service Advanced Placement Tests.  Those departments which grant advanced placement credits will develop procedures for their respective disciplines.  A grade of “S” will be awarded in all courses where credit is granted, and the number of credits granted will be noted on the transcript.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

A student who tested in an IB subject while in high school may request college credit based on the higher level IB exam.  Tacoma Community College will evaluate each student’s record individually, on a departmental basis, for credit and advance placement.

College Level Examination Program/DANTES

Tacoma Community College participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and grants credit toward the Associate in General Studies Degree for CLEP scores in general or subject area examinations at or above the 50^th percentile.  A maximum of 30 CLEP credits may be applied toward elective requirements in the Associate of General Studies Degree.  Credit is granted for subject area examinations when approved by the appropriate department. 

Course Challenge

A student enrolled for five or more credit hours may earn additional credit hours in some courses by a challenge examination, provided by the department/discipline has developed a challenge examination.  Students who successfully challenge a course will receive an “S” grade.

Portfolio

Portfolio assessment option may be available in some departments.

Purpose

Tacoma Community College serves a diverse community of learners, many of whom have acquired a wealth of previous learning through life experiences including work, training, and independent study.  These adults come to the college ready to demonstrate what they already know and can do.  Prior Learning Assessment provides students with opportunities to obtain credit for some of these life experiences.

To Whom Does This Policy Apply

All individuals registered for classes at Tacoma Community College.

References

Previous Board Policy Manual Section 4.1030 Advanced Placement

Previous Board Policy Manual Section 4.5050 Course Challenge

Previous Board Policy Manual Section 4.5060 College Level Examination Program

Definitions

None

Procedure

None