Breadcrumb
Credit for Prior Learning
Assessing Prior Learning Credit
Prior Learning Assessment is the process used to award credit for prior learning outside of the traditional transfer of credit from one academic institution to another. Credit Assessment is evaluated by department chairs, deans, and administration to determine if credit should be awarded and what type of credit should be applied to a degree program (i.e., general education, free elective credit, program specific credit) depending on the nature of the prior learning.
The credit predictor tool provides an opportunity for you to assess just how much credit you may receive for your prior learning experience.
UCM accepts many forms of prior work both academic and work based for UCM credit hours.
Advanced Placement
The advanced placement program was created by the College Board for students in the United States and Canada to take college level courses while in high school. College credit for Advanced Placement (AP) courses is awarded based on the score received on the related AP examination. UCM accepts AP credit, however course equivalents are subject to change pending faculty review. Credit is applied only after a student has been admitted to UCM. Only tests taken within the past 10 years are considered for special credit review. Only official AP score reports (scores sent from The College Board directly to Testing Services) are considered for review. The College Board website provides a listing of the AP courses and exam requirements for UCM. However, for the most up-to-date information check out UCM's Testing Center webpage or contact:
testingservices@ucmo.edu
(660) 543-4919
CLEP/DANTES
CLEP and DANTES are considered Credit by examination much like AP credit. CLEP (the College-Level Examination Program®) offers 33 exams that cover intro-level college course material. With a passing score on one of the UCM accepted CLEP examinations, you could earn three or more college credits.
CLEP was created to help individuals with prior knowledge in a college course subject earn their degree efficiently and inexpensively. That prior learning could have taken place through advanced high school courses, independent reading and study, online courseware or textbooks, noncredit courses, or on-the-job training. (source: https://clep.collegeboard.org/earn-college-credit/clep-basics)
Only tests taken in the past 10 years are considered for special credit review. Transcripts must be sent directly from the College Board to UCM for credit to be considered. Please contact UCM's Testing Center website for more information on which specific CLEP and/or DANTES examinations are accepted or contact:
testingservices@ucmo.edu
(660) 543-4919
Military Service Credit
The American Council on Evaluations (ACE) has developed a military guide, which presents credit recommendations and detailed summaries for formal courses and occupations offered by all branches of the military. These credit recommendations appear on the service member’s Joint Services Transcript (JST). All recommendations are based on ACE reviews conducted by college and university faculty members who are actively teaching in the areas they review. The team assesses and validates whether the courses or occupations have the appropriate content, scope, and rigor for college credit recommendations. United States Air Force enlisted personnel's formal courses and occupation credit is located on the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF). Students with CCAF credit should have official transcripts sent to the Office of Admissions (WDE 1400, 660-543-4290). (Source: https://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Military-Guide-Online.aspx)
JST and CCAF transcripts are reviewed for transfer credit by the Military Veterans Success Center. Approval of transfer credit is determined by the school chairs and department faculty. Military service related credit is posted as transfer credit and does not count towards upper-level hours requirements. For specific questions are review of ACE evaluated credit contact:
Courtney Swoboda
cswoboda@ucmo.edu
(660) 543-8990
American Council on Education Credit
The American Council on Education (ACE) has worked for decades with companies, government agencies, and labor unions to connect workplace learning and training with college credit. This process is provided by the American Council on Education’s College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT®). Organizations contact ACE to have their organizations evaluated for college credit. (Source: https://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/College-Credit-Recommendation-Service-CREDIT.aspx)
UCM will evaluate this type of credit, and work with school chairs and faculty to determine the transferability of these credits. For more information about this type of transfer credit please contact:
Brenda Fuhr
fuhr@ucmo.edu
(660) 543-8252
Online and Learning Engagement
Straighterline
Straighterline offers American Council on Education (ACE) approved general education courses. Through our partnership you can review the classes pre-approved for credit transfer. If you have taken Straighterline courses in the past that are not already pre-approved, as an ACE school we will review the course information to determine if the course meets our course objectives. For more information on specific courses or review of Straighterline courses please contact:
Brenda Fuhr
fuhr@ucmo.edu
(660) 543-8252
Work Experience/ Certifications
In certain instances, colleges will evaluate official certifications (OSHA, COMPTIA Security +, FAA Private License, EMT, Paramedic and more), licenses, and diplomas granted to determine whether undergraduate credit may be awarded. Departments may also use evaluations and/or interviews to determine if the student experience outside of the traditional classroom has met specific course requirements to award transfer credit. This evaluation process can take a significant amount of time and UCM will not initiate this process until a student has been admitted and enrolled for classes with UCM. However, UCM will provide guidance on the process and conduct an informal evaluation prior to admission. For more information contact:
Brenda Fuhr
fuhr@ucmo.edu
(660) 543-8252
Contact
Brenda Fuhr
Manager, Student Transition & Engagement
MIC A111
Tel: (660) 543-8252
