Students should be advised that different colleges use different policies on the acceptance of credit for prior learning (CPL). Rockland Community College cannot guarantee the transferability of prior learning credit that has been awarded.
Rockland Community College recognizes that learning takes place in a variety of situations and circumstances. The College uses several methods to grant college credit to students with a wide variety of educational experiences. Any student enrolled at Rockland Community College who has or would like to participate in the following programs may be eligible:
Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor regarding the use of Credit for Prior Learning in their educational planning.
Advanced Placement (AP)
The College may grant credit to students who have successfully participated in the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students who earn satisfactory scores on the appropriate examinations may be granted credit. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)
DANTES Subject Standardized Test credit is awarded on a case-by-case basis. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
International Transcripts
Students who have attended a college or university outside of the U.S. may be eligible for transfer credit. All foreign college and university transcripts must be evaluated by an accredited evaluation company to be considered for transfer credit. Students may submit a course-by-course evaluation through one of the following options:
- IFCS (Institute of Foreign Credential Services) - RCC applicants can use the code DISNY to receive a discount on their evaluation
- ANY NACES (National Association of Credential Evaluation Services) accredited credential service
Credit is recorded on the student's transcript and identified with "TRC" instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
Armed Forces Service Credit
A maximum of three physical education credits may be granted to veterans who have served at least six months in the Armed Forces. The College my grant credit for some courses offered by the Armed Forces. These courses are reviewed by the Records and Registration Office when the appropriate transcripts are submitted. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
Industry Credentials
Students must provide documentation of any industry certifications to the Office of Placement and Assessment. Evidence of evaluation may also be required (e.g., exam scores). Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
International Baccalaureate
International Baccalaureate will be awarded on a case-by-case basis. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
Military Education and Training
Military educational and training credit may be awarded based on credit recommendation for military training schools or ACE occupational credit recommendations. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
Institutional Challenge Exam
Institutional examinations are equivalent to the comprehensive final exam of the course. Examinations may be written, oral, demonstration, or a combination of all three. Examinations are evaluated by the Program Director, School Dean, faculty member or designated subject matter expert. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
College - Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Rockland Community College participates in the College Level Examination Program. Students who earn satisfactory scores on the appropriate examinations may be granted credit. Qualifying scores and the number of credits granted are determined by the individual academic disciplines. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “TRC” instead of a grade. Transfer credits are not used in the computation of the grade point average at RCC.
Portfolio Evaluation
Students may request credit for a course(s) that does not have an established method for granting credit for prior learning. In these instances, students may submit a portfolio of work for review by the academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
Apprenticeship Training
Students who have completed apprenticeship training or are presently enrolled in an established apprenticeship program may request an evaluation of his/her training. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.
Prior Learning Assessment
Prior learning assessment provides RCC students with the potential to earn credit for college level learning acquired outside of a traditional academic environment. Prior learning assessment is conducted through an evaluation process by the academic disciplines. RCC’s acceptance policy is as follows:
- Students must be registered for six (6) credits or more at RCC before applying for Prior Learning credits
- Approved Prior Learning credits will be approved after the last day to drop without a grade identified on the College's Academic Calendar for each term
- Students must earn a minimum of 50% of the credits required for a degree or certificate program directly through RCC coursework
- Students may earn up to 32 credits toward an Associate degree or 15 credits toward a certificate at RCC. Credits toward an RCC micro-credential may be acceptable provided that the micro-credential has three or more courses
- Prior Learning credits will be recorded on the student's transcript and identified with a grade of "CPL"
- Students should consult with the Office of Placement and Assessment for applicable fees associated with the credits for prior learning
Credit from Non-Credit Training
Examples include non-credit training through RCC’s Economic Mobility and Workforce Innovation Department or from other colleges and universities non-credit department. Credits will be assessed by the appropriate academic discipline. Credit is recorded on the student’s transcript and identified with “CPL” instead of a grade.