FAQ's: Credit for Prior Learning

Do all academic departments participate?

No, the decision to use these options is up to each academic department.

What departments don't allow prior learning credit?

Art, Social Work, and Teacher Education do not use prior learning credit options for their courses. Other departments may limit which courses can be challenged and may choose to use one, but not all, of the prior learning credit options available. Consult with an advisor in the Center or contact the department directly for information.

Does prior learning credit affect my GPA?

Because a grade is not assigned, your GPA is not impacted by credit awarded through any of the prior learning credit options.

Does prior learning credit count for residency credit requirements?

No, because residency credit indicates learning sponsored and supervised only by faculty at Metro State.

Does prior learning credit from other colleges transfer into Metro?

Generally, prior learning credit through portfolio or departmental exam earned at another institution does not transfer. A department chair must specifically request the credit as transfer credit for it to apply to a degree at MSCD.

To have CLEP examinations considered for credit, please have a score report sent to MSCD, Office of Admissions, for evaluation. Although you may have already earned credit for a CLEP exam at another institution, their guidelines may be different than Metro's.

Does prior learning credit affect my chances to be admitted to graduate school?

Generally, no. Graduates of Metro with prior learning credit on their transcripts have gone on to many different graduate and professional schools. If you are concerned about a specific graduate school program, we recommend you check with that college or university.

What does prior learning credit cost?

For portfolio assessment and departmental credit examination, the cost is ½ of the regular tuition per credit hour. Student fees are not charged as a part of the cost for prior learning credit. For 2003-2004, the cost is $42.10 per credit hour.

For portfolio assessment, we highly recommend you take a one credit hour workshop, EDS 2680-1, the Portfolio Development Workshop that will enable you to create the best portfolio possible with the best chance of success.

The cost of CLEP examinations may vary depending upon where you take the exams. The Community College of Denver currently charges $80.00 per examination. There is no charge to have your scores evaluated for credit at Metro. There is also no charge for credit awarded based on the published guides from the American Council on Education.