Credit For Prior Learning

NHCC understands that learning can also take place outside of the classroom. Students who can demonstrate equivalent college-level knowledge and skills may receive college credit for prior learning from things such as:

• Work experience
• Seminars/Workshops/Training
• Non-credit college courses
• Independent study
• Military service
• Community activities
• Hobbies
• Volunteer activities  

Methods Used by NHCC to Assess Credit for Prior Learning

Standardized Testing
NHCC accepts credits earned through a variety of standardized examinations, including:

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP), equivalency examinations that demonstrate college-level achievement. NHCC offers CLEP exams through the Testing Center. More information about CLEP can be found at www.collegeboard.com/clep.
• Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES), a nationally recognized program that allows student to earn college credits for learning acquired outside of the traditional classroom. More information about DANTES can be found at  www.getcollegecredit.com. 
• Advanced Placement (AP), applies to secondary students only.
• International Baccalaureate (IB), applies to secondary students only.    

Credit by Examination
Provided that no CLEP exam exists, students may be able to a Credit by Examination for other courses. Exams may not be available for certain courses and students must follow these procedures: 

• Receive permission from the Adult Education and Training Department.
• Complete the Credit by Examination form. This form is available from the Admissions office, along with a $10/credit non-refundable fee.
• Finish the requirements as outlined by the assigned faculty member.
• Once the final exam is passed, pay the full tuition (minus the $10/credit deposit).
• A grade of passing grade ("P") will be recorded on the transcript after all the prior steps have been completed.  

Professional Courses/Examinations
To see what courses or examinations are eligible for academic credit, students can search the American Council on Education's College Credit Service website.

Portfolio Assessment
Portfolio Assessment is the process of defining, documenting, measuring, evaluating and granting credit for learning acquired through experience. NHCC follows the guidelines for prior learning by the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL). 

Students may also take PLA-1020, a one-credit Prior Learning Portfolio Development course, designed to assist them in assessing their learning and applying it to a portfolio: 

• Prior Learning Portfolio Handbook
• Evaluator Tips for Portfolios

View a current list of courses eligible for assessment (new ones are continuously being added). Accepted credit for prior learning transfer into your NHCC transcript. Students intending to transfer out should check with the receiving institutions about their acceptability of standardized examinations.