Approved by the Board of Trustees of Rockland Community College on August 21, 1986. Amended on January 25, 2018. Amended on February 27, 2023 and name changed from Advanced Standing Policy to Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Policy.

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:

  • College credits awarded from colleges or universities
  • Standardized Tests such as AP, CLEP, DANTES, IB, etc.…
  • Institutional Challenge Exams
  • Industry Credentials
  • Apprenticeship Training
  • Armed Forces Training
  • Portfolio Evaluation

Students are encouraged to consult with an academic advisor regarding the use of Credit for Prior Learning in their educational planning.

Standardized Test

  1. Advanced Placement Program (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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. International Baccalaureate (IB)
    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.
  5. 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.

Transfer to Rockland Community College

Rockland Community College (RCC) welcomes students who have completed coursework at other accredited institutions and who wish to continue their studies at RCC. Accredited institutions are those that have been accredited by agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of education as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered (https://www2.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred/accreditation_pg3.html#RegionalInstitutional). Students seeking credit from non-accredited institutions may request an evaluation of their credential through the College’s Prior Learning Assessment process. If students are transferring from another accredited college, Records & Registration will evaluate their credits based on the credential they intend to pursue at RCC upon receipt of an official transcript. When necessary, Records & Registration will collaborate with the appropriate Program Director or designee.

At least half the number of credits required for the credential must be completed at RCC, except for the LPN to RN Express Program and the Automotive Technology degree for those students with the Automotive Service Excellence Certification A1-A8.

The maximum number of credits transferable to RCC for an Associate’s degree is 32 credits, with the exception of Automotive Service Excellence Certification A1-A8. The maximum number of credits transferable to RCC for a certificate is 15 credits. Transfer credits toward an RCC micro-credential may be acceptable provided that the micro-credential includes three or more courses.

Certain courses may be ineligible for transfer due to time limitations. Courses for which a student has earned a grade of a “C” or better may be accepted for transfer. Developmental, review, or remedial courses are not transferable, but may be used for placement purposes. A course for which credit is not awarded at the original institution cannot be transferred for credit at RCC. 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.

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 (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;
  • Student may earn up to 32 credits toward and 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 Office of Placement and Assessment for applicable fees associated with the credits for prior learning.

Institutional Challenge Exams

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.

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.

Military Educational 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.

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.

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.

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.