Advanced Standing and Non-Traditional Credit Options

BCC students may receive credit for educational experiences outside the traditional college setting. Students interested in qualifying for any of the options described below should consult the department, faculty member or other advisor overseeing the testing or assessing of the educational experience. To be eligible, students must be matriculated (accepted in a program of study). Most options require payment of tuition and fees for the credits earned.

Students may not account for more than one half of their pro- gram’s graduation requirements with credits earned by transfer, examination, prior learning experiences or any combination of these.

In addition, students must make sure that the official transcripts and scores necessary for determining advanced standing are sent to the Admissions Office.

Challenge exams

Challenge exams allow students to receive credit, but no grade, for selected BCC courses listed in the BCC catalog. Students pass an exam that shows proficiency in the subject matter of the course. Students file this documentation in the Registrar’s Office. The faculty member who offers the course and the department chair must approve the granting of credit. Students must have declared their major. Application forms for challenge exams are available from the Registrar’s Office.

National standardized tests

Credit is also granted for certain scores on national standardized tests. Students must score 3 or above on an Advanced Placement exam designed to assess college-level work at a secondary school. Check with high school guidance counselors for scheduling.

Students taking the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) test of the College Entrance Examination Board (CEEB) must score within the nationally recognized norms to earn credit. Credit will be given for CLEP exams with a passing score of 50 (the recommended national cut score).

Scores of 47 percent or above are required for tests of the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support pro- gram (DANTES).

Check with the Assessment and Testing Center at 413-236-1655 or 413-236-1656 for scheduling and requirements. In some