Clicky

Select Page

Alternate Credit Options

Within the limits stated below, Post University provides an opportunity for students to demonstrate college-level proficiency in certain subjects where learning has occurred in non-traditional ways, such as advanced placement courses, on-the-job training, standardized examinations, or work experience. Students earn course credits by examination or portfolio, but no grade is assigned. The maximum number of credits that may be earned through any combination of CLEP, DANTES, or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is 15 credits toward an associate degree and 30 credits toward a baccalaureate degree.

Advanced Placement – Non-Graduate Programs
Post University recognizes advanced standing for superior secondary school performance as indicated by scores of 5, 4, or 3 on the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations. The Advising Office makes decisions regarding the acceptance of AP examinations for advanced standing credit. A maximum of 15 credits may be earned through AP examinations.

Standardized Examinations – Non-Graduate Programs
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers examinations in courses, mostly at the introductory level. Students may earn three credits per exam passed. DANTES affords students the option to take examinations in introductory and upper-level courses, including technological areas. Examinees receive three college credits per exam based on a pass or fail formula score. The CLEP and DANTES examinations are not administered by Post University. For information concerning sites and dates, consult the College Board website (www.collegeboard.org). The official score report must be sent to Post University for credit to be granted. A maximum of 15 credits (total) may be earned through CLEP and DANTES examinations.

Upon taking the examination, the student should direct the College Entrance Exam Board (CEEB) to refer the test score report to:

Office of the Registrar
Post University 800 Country Club Road
Waterbury, CT 06723-2540
Telephone: 203.596.4615 Fax: 203.841.1152
Email: [email protected]

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) – Undergraduate Programs
Post University offers eligible, matriculated undergraduate students an opportunity to earn college credit for prior work experience, or the completion of select licensure examinations. Students should discuss possible opportunities with their advisor. Students must have five (5) years of professional experience in a chosen field to enroll in the Prior Learning Assessment course. Students who enroll and pass the portfolio preparatory course then submit a portfolio for the course they are challenging through PLA. Portfolios are evaluated by faculty who are subject matter experts in the given field. Students may earn a maximum of 30 credits towards a bachelor’s degree or 15 credits towards an associate’s degree. Interested students should discuss PLA options with their advisor and send an email to the PLA Administrator ([email protected]) for additional information. There are certain courses and subject areas that are not eligible for portfolio credit. Please consult the PLA Administrator or Academic Advising to review any restrictions. Students should consult with the Registrar’s Office regarding licensure examinations.

Credit by Exam – RN to BSN programs at American Sentinel College 
American Sentinel College allows undergraduate students to earn general education credit hours through showing proficiency in three various humanity specific test-out courses. Students seeking their bachelor’s degree are required to complete 30 general education credit hours and these credit by exams are available for students who have not met that requirement. Humanities by exam options give students six months to pass the exam and receive credit at a cost of $125 per exam. Student can select and take one, or more of the following test-out Humanities exams to fulfill their Humanities general education requirements:

  • Culture and Values:  A Survey of the Humanities. An exploration from the beginning of civilization to present of some of the world’s most significant examples of art, music, philosophy, and literature.
  • Gardner’s Art through the Ages: A Concise Global History. An introduction to art history, discussed in full historical and cultural context.
  • Worlds of Music: An interactive, comprehensive exploration of music fundamentals in a worldwide context.

Students are provided an ebook; the content is available for 180 days from the receipt of the material and a 125-item examination may be taken at any time during that period. Proficiency credit will be marked as such on the student’s transcript but will not be included in the GPA or rate of progress calculations. Credit is awarded when a 70% or higher is earned. Proficiency credit will be included in the timeframe measurement calculation. Students are limited to taking 3 Humanities Proficiency Tests or test-outs; unless otherwise approved by the dean or provost.

Prior Learning Assessment Credit – RN to BSN
RN to BSN students will be awarded 60 credits as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) credits in recognition of having completed a registered nurse program and passing the National Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Verification of valid RN licensure will be required to receive PLA credit.

Alternate Credit Options – Graduate Programs
The Office of the Registrar administers the Alternate Credit Options Policy. Questions regarding the credit policy, regulations, and procedures should be directed to this office. In the case of questions regarding the viability of documentation, the final decision will be made after consultation with the Provost’s office. For graduate programs, the Dean of the school or Program Chair the program to which the prospective student is applying, will make the final decision as to the awarding of credit.

Accepting Transfer Credit for Prior Field Practicum Experiences
Post University graduate programs do not accept transfer credits for field practicum at the graduate level with the exception of programs offered by American Sentinel College. American Sentinel College reviews clinical or practicum experience hours completed during courses approved for transfer credit and determines transferability on a case-by-case basis. Courses approved for transfer credit that have clinical or practicum hour requirements must be made up in a practicum workroom if they are not transferred in during evaluation. Doctor of Nursing Practice applicants who provide evidence of clinical or practicum hours from an MSN or other nursing -specific degree will have the potential to transfer a percentage of those hours (maximum 400 hours) towards the 1000 practice experience hours required to graduate from the DNP program.

Policy on Accepting Portfolio, Life Experience, and Undergraduate Credit
Post University certificate, doctoral, graduate, and non-degree seeking programs do not accept portfolio and/or life experience for credit. Undergraduate coursework will not be considered for graduate-level credit.

Policy on Accepting Transfer Credit for Capstone Courses
Post University undergraduate, certificate, graduate and doctoral programs do not accept transfer credit or course substitutions for capstone courses.

Professional Training/Certification Credit
Proficiency credit for certain courses may be granted to students who hold current specific industry-recognized professional certifications. Such certifications will be reviewed by the provost, dean or a designee for proficiency credit. Where available, the ACE College Credit Recommendation Service (www.acenet.edu) should be used to assess such certifications or training. Evaluation and supporting documentation should be retained in the student’s academic file.

Get College Credits for Work and Life Experiences

Find out more about Post's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program.