Credit for Prior Learning Options

We accept several external test scores in exchange for CCBC credit, some of which can be taken on-campus at our Testing and Assessment Center. Assessment costs vary by vendor and facility, but they range from $90-$190.

•  The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP): A widely-used college testing systems, CLEP exams are offered year-round! Submit CLEP scores ahead of time or schedule an exam at CCBC.
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST): Similar to CLEP, DSST has a wider selection of exams in psychology and social sciences. Submit DSST scores ahead of time or schedule an exam at CCBC.
• Advanced Placement (AP): Once you complete an AP course, you can take an AP exam. These exams generally take place in May and are administered at your high school or another testing facility. 
• International Baccalaureate (IB): IB exams are a smart options for international students who have completed the Diploma Program. IB exams are administered at your high school or another testing facility.
• The Cambridge Assessment: These international exams help you earn college credit for what you have learned in high school. They are administered at your high school or another testing facility.

Please Note: Military members, their dependant and civil service employees may be eligible for an exam fee waiver. 

The process to receive credit for external assessment will vary on the chosen assessment, timeline of completion and course equivalency. Here's what to generally expect:

1. Apply to CCBC and select a program of study. If you have since changed your program of study, be sure to update your student record. 
2. Submit official documentation of all prior learning, including transcripts and exam scores, to the Registrar's Office.
3. Once admitted, complete our Transfer Evaluation form. If your exam has a CCBC course equivalency that is required for your program, we will apply those credits toward your degree. This process takes a few weeks. 

Complete a departmental or portfolio assessment for CCBC credit. Assessment fees are 50% of the in-county tuition rate and typically range from $0-$125. 

• Departmental Assessment: Like a mid-term or final exam, a specific academic department will administer an exam to evaluate your knowledge in a certain area of study.
• Portfolio Assessment: A subject matter faculty expert will help you plan, compile and then evaluate a written portfolio of your knowledge and experiences. If you tend to perform better with written assignments, this is the best option for you! 

Note: If you are a CCBC Continuing Education student enrolled in a Workforce Certificate program, you may be eligible for an assessment fee waiver!

1. Apply to CCBC and select a program of study. If you have since changed your program of study, be sure to update your student record. 
2. Submit your official college transcripts to the registrar.
3. Complete a degree audit through DegreeWorks.
4. Pay the assessment fee (50% of the in-county tuition rate) and arrange to take the test at one of our testing centers. This fee is waived for current and former CCBC Continuing Education students who wish to apply their workforce certificate to a related degree program!

1. Apply to CCBC and select a program of study. If you have since changed your program of study, be sure to update your student record. 
2. Submit your official college transcripts to the registrar.
3. Complete a degree audit through DegreeWorks.
4. Email priorlearning@ccbcmd.edu. We'll be in touch with next steps and arrange for you to meet with a faculty member, also referred to as a subject matter faculty expert.

Completing your portfolio

When you meet with a subject matter faculty expert, you'll work together on content, timeline and objectives. You'll then need to spend some time on your own to compile and write your portfolio. You may include letters of recommendation, reflective essays and work samples.

Your subject matter faculty expert will grade your portfolio and submit the proper paperwork which will take a few weeks to process. You'll need a 70% or higher to pass.

Credit by industry credential is a good fit for you if you have completed credentials like a certification or an apprenticeship. If you are currently enrolled in a CCBC Continuing Workforce Certificate program, you can also easily earn college credit for your work and apply them to a related degree program! 

CCBC faculty will evaluate credentials like certifications and licenses to determine how many college credits you should receive! 

1. Apply to CCBC and select a program of study. If you have since changed your program of study, be sure to update your student record. 
2. Submit your official college transcripts to the registrar's office.
3. Email priorlearning@ccbcmd.edu. We'll review your program of study and connect you with a faculty member who can evaluate and process your request.

This option is ideal for military students who have college-level experience with aviation, business, criminal justice and transportation, among many other military-related fields. Our faculty typically use the following documents to evaluate for course credit:

• JST or CCAF transcripts
• ACE recommendations
• Occupational exhibits

Get started

1. Apply to CCBC and select a program of study. If you have since changed your program of study, be sure to update your student record. 
2. Submit official documentation of all prior learning including college and/or military transcripts to the Registrar's Office. View JST submission instructions.
3. Complete our Transfer Evaluation form. If your exam has a CCBC course equivalency that is required for your program, we will apply those credits toward your degree. This process takes a few weeks.

Please note: If you are notified (via student email address) that we did not find an equivalency and you think this is a mistake, please contact us at priorlearning@ccbcmd.edu.