Policy:

Clarkson College recognizes that valid learning experiences are not restricted to the formal classroom. Many individuals attain college-equivalent knowledge and skills through a variety of means. The Advanced Standing Credit policy of Clarkson College awards college credit for non-traditional learning in cases where such credit is appropriate.

Students who have received an “I,” “F” or “NP” in a Clarkson College course cannot earn Advanced Standing credit for that course. Credit is granted after the student earns a satisfactory score on an examination (per those outlined in the procedure) or a satisfactory evaluation of the portfolio on the first attempt. If unsuccessful, the student must enroll and complete the course. Advanced Standing credits will not apply to the residency requirements.

Procedure:

Methods of Earning Advanced Standing Credit

Students must contact their Academic Advisor and Course Director to request Advanced Standing Credit via the methods outlined below. The Course Director will review the steps needed to complete the advanced standing credit per the chosen method with the student.

The Registrar’s Office will record the credit when official transcripts, certifications, or advanced standing validation forms have been received. Students will be given appropriate course credits designated by a “P/NP” on the transcript.

1. Standardized Testing: (No Tuition or Fees Charged to Student):

Standardized tests that have demonstrated reliability and validity may be considered for Advanced Standing Credit, as determined by the Course Director and Registrar. These standardized tests may include:

• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) except for English Composition I or II, Core courses, and science courses that require a lab component.
• Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations (See Appendix A).
• Post Primary Certificate (American Registry of Radiologic Technologists ARRT)
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
• Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification
• Health Information Management Certification(s)

Other standardized tests may be considered if approved by the Program Director and Registrar.

Required: Official transcript and or required documentation provided by the student and processed by the Registrar.

2. Prior Learning Validation by Portfolio (50% Tuition Charged)

Individuals seeking a degree may have prior experiences that qualify them to receive course credit through the portfolio method. The credit granted may be substituted for program requirements or elective credits and is not granted for courses in which a standardized exam is available. The Course Director/advisor/instructor will assist the student in completing the portfolio process. Portfolio documentation will include appropriate and acceptable evidence of equivalent knowledge. Each Academic Program will determine the maximum number of credit hours that may be granted through life/work experiences. Each Academic Program will also determine the specific courses that may be fulfilled via credit by learning through validation by portfolio. Students must request portfolio credit from the Course Director. All portfolios must be completed at least one semester prior to graduation.

Required: The Advanced Standing Registration Form is completed by the Course Director and submitted to the Registrar by the last date of registration for the semester. Upon completion of the course, the Advanced Standing Grade Validation Form will be completed by the Course Director and submitted to the Registrar. 

3. Validation Credit by Transition Course completion (Tuition & Fees Charged for transition course)

Credit for prior learning may be granted for courses by validation via satisfactory completion of a transition course(s).

Each Academic Program will determine the transition course(s) and the maximum number of validation credits that may be granted through prior learning.

For example, undergraduate nursing students (LPN-BSN and RN-BSN options) will receive validation credit upon successful completion of the transition courses identified on the degree plan.

4. Credit by Internal Examination (50% Tuition Charged to Student)

Currently enrolled students may feel prepared to demonstrate that they have attained the knowledge and/or skills required through prior learning experience to pass a particular course. As an alternative to enrolling in the course, students may elect to take an internal proficiency examination that tests for mastery of the course material. If a student scores satisfactorily on the examination, the student may be awarded credit for the course. The credit granted may be substituted for program requirements or elective credits and is not granted for courses in which a standardized exam is available. Each Academic Program will determine which, if any, courses may be fulfilled via credit through internal examination. Students must request and complete an internal examination with the course program director, no later than one semester prior to graduation. Students must complete the examination no later than the last day of registration for the semester to facilitate course enrollment if unsuccessful.

Required: The Advanced Standing Registration Form (Appendix C) is completed by the Course Director and submitted to the Registrar by the last date of registration for the semester. Upon completion of the exam, the Advanced Standing Grade Validation Form (Appendix D) will be completed by the Course Director and submitted to the Registrar.

5) Credit for previous work/life experience(s) (no tuition charged)

Students may receive college credit for work and life experiences, allowing them to leverage their real-world skills and knowledge. Common areas of life experience that may be eligible include professional work experience (years of employment, job responsibilities, and skills acquired), military service (military training and experience), and certifications and training (professional certifications, workshops, or non-college courses related to your field of study).

Students are required to meet with the Program Director to discuss and evaluate non-traditional learning experiences. To earn these credits, students typically need to provide documentation, such as resumes, licenses, or certifications, etc.

Required: Advanced Standing Grade Validation Form will be completed by the Program Director and submitted to the Registrar.

Appendix A: Advanced Placement (AP) Credit (see below)
Appendix B: Advanced Standing (AS) Course Registration Form - internal use only
Appendix C: Advanced Standing Request Form (Internal Exam) - internal use only
Appendix D: Advanced Standing Grade Validation Form - internal use only

Appendix A: Advanced Placement (AP) Credit