How Do I Get Credit For CLEP, AP and Previous Work Experience?
Virginia Western Community College may award advanced standing credit to students who demonstrate academic competencies acquired from previous education/testing, training, experience, and on-campus credit-by-exam. These include:
- CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
- AP (Advanced Placement)
- IBO (International Baccalaureate)
- Military Training
- Police Academies
- Firefighter Certificates
- CPS (Certified Professional Secretary)
- Computer Aided Drafting Credit (DRF 201)
- Early Childhood Development Credit
Curriculum Placed Students Only
To be eligible to apply for advanced standing credit, a student must be admitted to Virginia Western and officially placed in a program of study.
Advanced Standing / Graduation Requirements
There is no limit to the number of credits that may be awarded through advanced credit, but credit achieved through advanced standing may not be used to fulfill the graduation residency requirement. A minimum of 25% of the credit required in the graduation curriculum must be earned at Virginia Western.
General Information
Credit awarded for CLEP, AP, departmental challenge exams, and credit for work experience may satisfy VWCC program of study requirements, but will not necessarily transfer to another institution. Students desiring to transfer credit awarded via these methods should contact their college of interest and determine its policy. However, appropriate credit, when awarded, will be listed on the student’s official VWCC transcript.
Students desiring to earn college credit through one of the above advanced standing methods should
contact the Admissions, Counseling, or Records Offices. Students
wishing to take a locally developed departmental exam should contact the
appropriate division office in which the course is taught.
| Department | Phone number |
|---|---|
| Records Office | 540-857-7236 |
| Admissions Office | 540-857-7231 |
| Counseling Office | 540-857-7237 |
CLEP (College Level Examination Program)
CLEP is a national program of credit-by-examination that offers students the opportunity to attain college credit for prior academic achievement. Virginia Western accepts most of the CLEP offered exams, and uses the American Council on Education recommended minimum score of 50 for awarding CLEP credit. An official copy of the CLEP transcript must be submitted to the VWCC Records Office in order to obtain credit. Unofficial or student copies of transcripts will not be accepted for credit. CLEP examinatins are not offered through Virginia Western. CLEP tests may be taken locally by contacting the Roanoke Higher Education Center at 540-767-6090.
Obtaining CLEP Transcripts
If you did not indicate recipient institution at the time of the CLEP exam and you want to request your CLEP scores, you can do so by ordering an official transcript via the official CLEP web site. The transcript is a cumulative score report of all the CLEP exams the student has taken and the scores earned in the last 20 years. Simply download the Transcript Request Form and mail the completed form with the required payment to CLEP to the address on the form. You may also call (800) 257-9558 if ordering with a credit card. Please provide your name (at testing time), date of birth, social security number, exam title(s), test date, testing location/center, and where you want your scores to be sent.
| Subject Exam | Required Score | VWCC Course | Credits Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Literature | 50 | ENG 241-242 | 6 |
| Freshman College Composition** | 50 | ENG 111-112 | 6 |
| English Literature | 50 | ENG 243-244 | 6 |
| Humanities | 50 | HUM 201-202 | 6 |
| Algebra-Trigonometry | 50 | MTH 166 | 5 |
| Biology | 50 | BIO 101-102 | 8 |
| Chemistry | 50 | CHM 111-112 | 8 |
| Calculus with Elementary Functions | 50 | MTH 271-272 | 6 |
| College Mathematics | 50 | MTH 151 | 3 |
| Pre-Calculus (with Trig.) | 50 | MTH 163 | 3 |
| French, Level 1 | 50 | FRE 101-102 | 8 |
| French, Level 2 | 62 | FRE 101-102 FRE 201-202 |
14 |
| German, Level 1 | 50 | GER 101-102 | 8 |
| German, Level 2 | 63 | GER 101-102 GER 201-202 |
14 |
| Spanish, Level 1 | 50 | SPA 101-102 |
8 |
| Spanish, Level 2 | 66 | SPA 101-102 SPA 101-102 |
14 |
| American Government | 50 | PLS 211 | 3 |
| U.S. History I, Early Colonization to 1877 | 50 | HIS 121 | 3 |
| U.S. History II, 1865 to the Present | 50 | HIS 122 | 3 |
| Human Growth and Development | 50 | PSY 235 | 3 |
| Macroeconomics | 50 | ECO 201 | 3 |
| Microeconomics | 50 | ECO 202 | 3 |
| Psychology, Introductory | 50 | PSY 200 | 3 |
| Sociology, Introductory | 50 | SOC 200 | 3 |
| Western Civilization I, Ancient Near East to 1648 | 50 | HIS 101 | 3 |
| Western Civilization II, 1648 to the Present | 50 | HIS 102 | 3 |
| Accounting, Principles of | 50 | ACC 211-212 | 6 |
| Business Law, Intro | 50 | BUS 241 | 3 |
| Information Systems & Computer Applications | 50 | ITE 115 | 3 |
| Management, Principles | 50 | BUS 200 | 3 |
| Marketing, Principles | 50 | MKT 100 | 3 |
**Freshman College Composition (without essay) is the appropriate CLEP exam for AA, AS, and AAS degrees at Virginia Western. If you are seeking credit for ENG 111-112, please be sure to take the Freshman College Composition, not the English Composition exam. Virginia Western does not accept the English Composition CLEP exam.
AP (Advanced Placement)
Many area high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) or honors courses to their students giving them the opportunity to complete college level work while attending high school. A minimum Advanced Placement score of 3 or 4 (depending on the course) is required for credit at Virginia Western. An official copy of the AP transcript must be submitted to the VWCC Records Office in order to obtain credit. Unofficial, student copies, or high school transcripts noting the AP credit will not be accepted for credit at the college.
Obtaining AP Transcripts
Students can order an AP official transcript by contacting AP Services:
AP Services
P.O. Box 6671
Princeton, NJ 08541-6671
Phone: (609) 771-7300 or (888) 225-5427
Once received, credit may be awarded in the following disciplines:
| Subject Exam | Minimum Score | VWCC Course | Credits Earned |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art Studio | 3 | ART 131-132 | 6 |
| Art History | 3 | ART 101-102 | 6 |
| Biology | 3 | BIO 101-102 | 8 |
| Calculus AB | 3 | MTH 271 | 3 |
| Calculus BC | 3 | MTH 271 | 3 |
| Calculus BC | 4-5 | MTH 271-272 | 6 |
| Chemistry | 3 | CHM 111-112 | 8 |
| Computer Science A | 3 | CSC 201 | 4 |
| Computer Science B | 3 | CSC 201-202 | 8 |
| English Language and Composition | 3 | ENG 111-112 | 6 |
| English Literature and Composition | 3 | ENG 111-112 | 6 |
| French Language | 3 | FRE 101-102 | 8 |
| French Literature | 3 | FRE 201-202 | 6 |
| German Language | 3 | GER 101-102 | 8 |
| Government and Politics | 3 | PLS 211-212 | 6 |
| History, U.S. | 3 | HIS 121-122 | 6 |
| Macroeconomics | 3 | ECO 201 | 3 |
| Microeconomics | 3 | ECO 202 | 3 |
| Physics | 3 | PHY 201-202 | 8 |
| Psychology, Intro | 3 | PSY 200 | 3 |
| Spanish Language | 3 | SPA 101-102 | 8 |
| Spanish Literature | 3 | SPA 201-202 | 6 |
| Statistics | 3 | MTH 157 | 3 |
IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization)
Students who have completed the Standard Level certificate with a score of 4 to 7 in the International Baccalaureate program may be granted advanced standing credit for a variety of courses.
Students requesting IB credit must have an official transcript sent from the International Baccalaureate
Organization to the VWCC Records Office in order to be considered for
credit. You can contact the IB Organization at:
International Baccalaureate Organization
475 Riverside Drive, 2nd Floor
New York, NY 10115
(212) 646-4464
How to Order IB Transcripts
| Exam | Score of 4 or 5 | Score of 6 or 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Art Design | ART 131 (3 credits) | ART 131-132 (6 credits) |
| Biology | BIO 101 (4 credits) | BIO 101-102 (8 credits) |
| Chemistry | CHM 111 (4 credits) | CHM 111-112 (8 credits) |
| Computing Studies | CSC 201 (4 credits) | CSC 201-202 (8 credits) |
| Economics | ECO 202 (3 credits) | ECO 201–202 (6 credits) |
| English A1 | ENG 111 (3 credits) | ENG 111-112 (6 credits) |
| English B | ENG 111 (3 credits) | ENG 111 (3 credits) |
| French A1 or B | FRE 101-102 (8 credits) | FRE 201-202 (6 credits) |
| German A1 or B | GER 101-102 (8 credits) | GER 201-202 (6 credits) |
| Geography | GEO 210 (3 credits) | GEO 200-210 (6 credits) |
| History | HIS 101 (3 credits) | HIS 101-102 (6 credits) |
| History of the Americas | HIS 121 (3 credits) | HIS 121–122 (6 credits) |
| Mathematical Methods | MTH 166 (5 credits) | MTH 166 and MTH 271 (8 credits) |
| Mathematical Studies | MTH 151 (3 credits) | MTH 151-152 (6 credits) |
| Philosophy | PHI 101 (3 credits) | PHI 101-102 (6 credits) |
| Physics | PHY 201 (4 credits) | PHY 201-202 (8 credits) |
| Psychology | PSY 200 (3 credits) | PSY 200 and PSY 230 (6 credits) |
| Social Anthropology | SOC 211 (3 credits) | SOC 211-212 (6 credits) |
| Spanish A1 or B | SPA 101-102 (8 credits) | SPA 201-202 (6 credits) |
| Visual Arts | Art 101 (3 credits) | ART 101 (3 credits) |
Credit for Military Training
A student’s military
training, courses, and occupational specialty can all be considered for
college credit. As a participating member of Servicemembers Opportunity
Colleges (SOC), Virginia Western follows the American Council on Education’s
(ACE) Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed
Services in determining the value of learning acquired in military
service when applicable to the service member’s program of study.
Military service credit in the occupational/technical areas (i.e., Engineering)
may require approval by the appropriate division dean prior to award.
In order to receive credit for your military
training, the student must submit a military transcript which includes
the ACE recommended credit, and initiate a request for evaluation
to the VWCC Records Office. Note: If the student submits
only the DD214 and no military transcript, only credit for HLT 110 will
be awarded. Students who have completed basic training,
regardless of the date of military experience, may receive credit for
HLT 110.
Each branch of the service
has its own transcript request service. Depending on the branch
in which you served, a transcript can be requested from the following
agencies:
| Air Force |
|---|
| CCAF/DFRS - 130 West Maxwell Blvd, Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6613 |
| Army |
| Visit the AARTS Website or contact: AARTS - Operations Center, 415 McPherson Ave, Ft Leavenworth, KS 66027-1373, FAX: (913) 684-2011, or DSN 552-2011 |
| Navy or Marine |
| Visit, call, fax or e-mail your local Navy College Office or Marine Corps Education Center. Provide your name, SSN, date of birth and full home address. They can either print it and provide it to you on a walk-in basis or order it from the Navy College Center to be mailed to you. You may also call, fax or send an e-mail to the Navy College Center. Provide your name, SSN, date of birth, and full home address. The Navy College Center will mail the unofficial transcript to you. |
| Coast Guard |
| Transcript request form - download PDF - and mail to: US Coast Guard Institute 5900 SW 64th Street , Room 228 Oklahoma City, OK 73169-6999 |
Police Academy Certificates
Per the Articulation Agreement between the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, students who have satisfactorily documented successful completion of the VA State Police Academy or a Regional and Independent Certified Training Academy shall be awarded the following credit. Appropriate documentation is required and must be submitted to the Administration of Justice Department Head or to the Dean of Social Sciences.
Credit for the courses listed below is not transferable.
| Entry Level Law Enforcement Officer Certificate - Credits Allowed - 15: (VA State Police Academy) (Regional and Independent Certified Training Academy) |
||
|---|---|---|
| ADJ 110 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 credits |
| ADJ 115 | Patrol Operations | 3 credits |
| ADJ 211 | Criminal Law, Evidence and Procedure | 3 credits |
| ADJ 236 | Criminal Investigation | 3 credits |
| PED 137 | Martial Arts | 2 credits |
| PED 101 | Fundamentals of Physical Activity | 1 credit |
Firefighter Certificates
Virginia Western may grant the following credit for the completion of firefighting
training programs when a student has successfully documented that they have
graduated and have been awarded the appropriate certificate. Once
the appropriate documentation is submitted, credit may be granted in the
following courses.
| Firefighter II Certificate - Credits Allowed: 3 | ||
|---|---|---|
| FST 105 | Fire Suppression Operations | 3 credits |
| Hazardous Materials Certificate - Credits Allowed: 3 | ||
| FST 111 | Hazardous Materials Response | 3 credits |
| Fire Officer I Certificate - Credits Allowed: 3 | ||
| FST 140 | Fire Officer I | 3 credits | Fire Officer II Certificate - Credits Allowed: 3 |
| FST 240 | Fire Administration | 3 credits |
| Fire Instructor I Certificate - Credits Allowed: 3 | ||
| SPD 100 (or FST 136) | Principles of Public Speaking | 3 credits |
| Emergency Medical Technician Certificate - Credits Allowed: 6 | ||
| EMS 112 | Emergency Medical Technology I | 3 credits |
| EMS 113 | Emergency Medical Technology II | 3 credits |
Certified Professional Secretary (CPS)
The CPS examination is developed and administered by the Institute of Certifying Secretaries. The exam tests secretarial skills, with emphasis on judgment, understanding, and administrative ability gained through education and on-the-job experience. The CPS rating is attained by passing the National Certified Professional Secretary (NCPS) Examination, a one day, three part examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, Virginia Western may award a student credit in the following courses, provided that appropriate CPS documentation is submitted to the Dean of Business and Engineering:
| Certified Professional Secretary - Credits Allowed: 22 | ||
|---|---|---|
| AST 205 | Business Communications | 3 credits |
| AST 243 | Office Administration I | 3 credits |
| BUS 200 | Principles of Management | 3 credits |
| BUS 205 | Human Resource Management | 3 credits |
| BUS 241 | Business Law | 3 credits |
| ECO 201 | Principles of Macroeconomics | 3 credits |
| ACC 211 | Principles of Accounting | 3 credits |
| ACC 213 | Principles of Accounting (lab) | 1 credit |
Computer Aided Drafting (DRF 201) Credit
The division of Business, Engineering and Technology at Virginia Western Community College may award credit to students who complete a minimum of one year of high school work in Computer Aided Drafting in order to satisfy the requirements of DRF 201 (Computer Aided Drafting). To receive credit for DRF 201, the student must:
- Demonstrate proficiency in two dimensional computer aided drafting by completing DRF 202, Computer Aided Drafting and Design II at Virginia Western Community College with a final grade of “B” or better in the course, and
- Provide a high school transcript which indicates that the student was enrolled in computer aided drafting for a minimum of one year and earned a grade of “B” or better in the course(s).
- If a student has met the above criteria and wishes to be awarded credit for DRF 201, they must submit appropriate documentation (i.e., transcripts, certificates) to the Dean of Business, Engineering and Technology at Virginia Western. The department head for Drafting will have the final approval for the award of credit.
Early Childhood Development Program Exemptions
Students enrolled in the Early Childhood Development curriculum at VWCC may earn advanced standing credit for CHD 122 and CHD 265 when specific conditions are met. To be awarded credit for these courses, the student must have successfully completed CHD 121 and CHD 165, earning a minimum grade of C in both courses, and must also meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Student must have completed at least two years of a childhood development program at Roanoke City/County, Botetourt County, or Franklin County high school, with at least a “C” average, or
- Student must have worked at an Early Head Start (EHS) or Head Start (HS) for at least three to five years. EHS and HS students may also be eligible for special consideration in CHD 165 course requirements, or
- Student must have worked in the early childhood development field for at least ten years.
- Students enrolled in the Early Childhood Development curriculum are never exempt from CHD 121 or CHD 165.
If a student has met the above criteria and wishes to be awarded credit for CHD 122 and CHD 265, they must submit appropriate documentation (i.e., transcripts, certificates) to the Dean of the Social Sciences division at Virginia Western
VWCC Credit-by-Exam
In disciplines whEre no CLEP or AP exam is accepted by Virginia Western, locally developed department "challenge" exams may be a means of earning college credit for prior learning by demonstrating satisfactory academic competency in a particular subject.
In order to be eligible for credit-by-exam, the student must be admistted to the college in a program of study, and the request must be made with at least two weeks' prior notice of the requested exam date. Departmental exams are not available for all courses taught at the college. Ordinarily, departmental examinations will be administered only during the last two weeks of the semester in which the course is taught. Requests for department exams must be submitted to the appropriate division office.
Each departmental exam may be taken only one time for a course, and the student must attain a grade of "C" or better in order to receive credit for the exam. An exam may not be used to remove grades of "I", "F", "X", or "W", or to improve a grade already earned. In addition, a student may not challenge a lower level course in a subject which he or she has previously earned credit. Credits awarded by challenge examination may apply toward graduation requirements and will become part of the student's permanent record. However, the grade4 earned on the exam will not be calculated into the student's cumulative GPA. The grade earned on a department exam will be recorded on the student's official transcript.
Previous Completion / Work Experience Credit
The purpose of the Virginia Western policy on non-traditional credits is to award credit or advanced standing to students with documented experience related to specific course work offered at Virginia Western.
Students may be awarded college credit if they can demonstrate previous educational study or training/work experience that entitles them to credit for specific courses applicable to their program of study. Documentation for special training or experience must be submitted with the request for credit and will be retained in the student's file. The supporting documentation must include samples of work or projects completed to assist the division in credit determination.
Students wishing to be awarded previous completion credit for a specific course should contact the appropriate division office in which the course is taught (i.e., a request for credit for First Aid must be submitted to the Health Technology division.)
Virginia Western reserves the right to place a time limit on prior learning experiences for which advanced standing may be granted. The college has a time limit for accepting credit for technical courses taken previously at Virginia Western or other institutions. The division dean, in consultation with the registrar, will determine if courses taken more than five years previously can be used in your current program of study.
