Methods for Demonstrating Prior Learning

Advanced Placement (AP) Exams

  • Students may earn credit for College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Exams with scores of 3, 4, or 5 (unless otherwise noted below). AP credit can be used to meet institutional requirements for Chaffey College (general education and/or major requirements), and transfer requirements for the CSUs, UCs, CSU GE Breadth, and IGETC. Course credit and units granted at Chaffey College may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution. The actual AP transfer credit awarded is determined by the CSU and UC. Credit for external exams at CSUs and UCs varies by campus, but minimum acceptance standards are updated and published periodically. For CSUs and CSU GE Breadth applicability, see the “CSU Systemwide Credit for External Examinations” policy found within the CSU Policy Library. For UCs, visit the AP & Exam credits webpage. For IGETC, view the “Standards, Policies, and Procedures Manual” online.
  • To see which courses are eligible for AP credit, please check the Advanced Placement (AP) Exams: Course Equivalencies and General Education Credit.

 

International Baccalaureate (IB) Tests

  • Students may earn credit for International Baccalaureate (IB) tests. IB credit can be used to meet CSU GE, IGETC and A.A. general education requirements (GE). Minimum test scores may be different for CSU GE and IGETC. Chaffey accepts the IB test score and awards unit credit in accordance with the CSU. Students must have the College Board send IB exam results to the Admissions Office for use on GE patterns. Course credit and units granted at Chaffey College may differ from course credit and units granted by another college or transfer institution.To see what credit can be granted for IB Tests, please check the Chaffey College General Education/CSU GE/IGETC Credit for IB Tests.

 

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Exams

  • Students may earn credit for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. CLEP credit can be used to meet CSU GE and Chaffey College A.A. general education (GE). UC does not award units for CLEP credit. Students must have the College Board send CLEP results to the Admissions Office for use on the A.A. or CSU GE patterns. Course credit and units granted at Chaffey College may differ from course credit and units granted by another college or transfer institution.
  • To see what credit can be granted for CLEP Exams, please check the Chaffey College General Education / CSU GE Credit for CLEP Tests.


Credit by Examination

  • Department faculty assess a student’s mastery of course material and assign a grade based on their assessment. A passing grade ("C" or better/70% or higher) qualifies the student for credit by examination.

 

Military Training/Joint Services Transcripts/DANTES/DSST

  • Military Training: The various forms of education and training provided to military personnel during their service. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including technical skills, leadership development, military tactics, and more. 
  • JST: An official transcript that documents military training and experiences, as well as recommendations for college credit equivalency. It consolidates information from all branches of the military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard) into a single document that can be used for educational and career advancement purposes.
  • DANTES: DANTES is an organization within the Department of Defense (DoD) that provides support for military members pursuing education and training outside of traditional academic settings.
  • DSST: DSST exams are standardized tests offered by DANTES that allow military personnel and civilians to earn college credit for knowledge acquired through non-traditional means, such as military training, independent study, or work experience.

 

Industry Training/Industry Credentials

  • Industry training and credentials refer to the training programs and certifications that individuals pursue to acquire the specific knowledge, skills, and qualifications required for a particular industry or profession. These credentials are typically recognized by employers within the industry as evidence of an individual's competency and readiness to perform specific job roles or tasks.

 

Student-created Portfolios

  • Collection of work assembled by a student to showcase their achievements, skills, and learning experiences. It typically includes a variety of artifacts such as essays, projects, artwork, presentations, certificates, and other evidence of accomplishments. Portfolios may also include showcasing work from the following experiences:
    • State/federal Government Training
    • Apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, or other industry-based experiential learning
    • Validated volunteer and civic activities (e.g. Peace Corps)