Because we recognize that not all learning takes place in a classroom, we include apprenticeships in Prior Learning Assessment and accelerated degree completion opportunities. Apprentices who successfully complete a U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Program can potentially earn credits toward a degree from Montco.
The course-based transfer credit applies equally to any student who:

• Completes a Registered Apprenticeship Program recognized by the United States Department of Labor, Office of Apprentice and
• Shows proof of competency/completion of the registered apprenticeship program via a Journeyman’s Card or similar credential.

• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  You have the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement in various undergraduate subject areas through any of the 24+ CLEP exams. Scores of 50 and higher receive credit which may be applicable toward your degree or certificate program. Montgomery County Community College is an official CLEP testing center.
• Advanced Placement (AP)
  If you took Advanced Placement (AP) exams in high school, you may be able to receive credit toward your degree or certificate program. Credits are awarded to AP scores of 3 or higher.
• DSST Credit-by-Exam Program
  You may be able use knowledge and experience acquired outside the classroom to qualify for college credit if you have taken any of the 30+ DSST exams offered in various subject areas. Exams are open to both military personnel and civilians. Minimum DSST scores of 400 (on most exams) will award credits which may be applicable toward your degree or certificate program.
• International Baccalaureate ® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)
  Did you participated in the International Baccalaureate ® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) in high school? If so, you may be able to receive college credit. DP higher level (HL) subject area exams, with scores ranging from 4–6, are accepted and may count toward your degree or certificate program.

We participate in the following national evaluations:

• American Council on Education (ACE)
• Military experience
• Students Occupationally and Academically Ready (SOAR)
• Industry certifications

In Individualized Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) faculty members evaluate non-traditional learning experiences to see how they compare to the objectives of existing academic credit courses and help decide whether they can be considered for college credit. For example, if you have experience as a supervisor in an industrial manufacturing firm, we will ask you to demonstrate what you have learned about production problem-solving, cost-effectiveness, supervision and labor problems, and how that learning can be related to the objectives of a college course. To be eligible for college credit, your prior learning experience must:

• Be equivalent to college-level learning.
• Be verified through objective measurements. You must be able to demonstrate to qualified evaluators that you possess the appropriate skills and/or knowledge.
• Be grounded in both theory and practice. College credit will not be awarded for application of a manual skill or a narrowly prescribed routine or procedure; you must have a demonstrated knowledge of the subject and understand why you do what you do.
• Have general applications outside of where you acquired the experience.

Depending on the subject, you may be able to receive college credit by taking a special exam. This exam costs the same as one credit at the current Montco tuition rate. You still must complete at least 30 traditional credit hours at Montco to receive a degree. Contact an advisor for more information.

Certain Montco programs allow you to create a portfolio to demonstrate that your knowledge is equivalent to what you would have learned in a comparable college course. The written component of the portfolio offers a way for you to highlight personal experience and support the claim that your knowledge is equivalent to the course you're challenging.

• Transferring credits to Montco
• Dual enrollment and/or dual credits
• Transfer non-credit course work

*The College will continue to offer PLA credit for the ESOP 101 and ESOP 102 courses for any interested students who have completed the materials.