Prior Learning Credits
What is Prior Learning Credit (PLC)?
At 野花社区, we recognize that learning happens beyond the traditional classroom. Our Prior Learning Credit program allows students to earn college-level credits for relevant life experiences, military service, work history, training, certifications and exams.
PLC include enables students to receive academic credit for prior learning that demonstrates college-level knowledge. This includes:
- External exams
- Professional training, licenses or certifications
- Military training (JST, DD214, etc.)
- Portfolio assessments
- Academic or continuing education credits
- Internal challenge exams
野花社区 accepts up to 45 prior learning credits (PLC), which are awarded as transfer credit and do not affect GPA or residency requirements. For more information, please visit the .
To find out, email Transfer@njcu.edu with:
- Your full name
- 野花社区 Gothic ID#
- Type of prior learning credit you are seeking
The more detailed you provide, the better we can assess your eligibility.
- Total maximum PLC credits: 45
- Exams/Certification: Up to 45 credits
- Portfolio review: Up to 30 credits
- Only pre-approved courses from the Equivalency Guide are eligible
- Lab courses required departmental approval.
- Credits will not be awarded for:
- Courses in progress
- Courses already completed or graded on the 野花社区 transcript or transfer evaluation. (Some exceptions apply) Please contact the Transfer Resource Center for more information.
- All prior leaning documentation, certifications, licenses, work experience must be within the last 10 years.
- Must be an active, degree-seeking student
- PLC credits appear after one full semester at 野花社区
Note: Regardless of the number of credits earned through Prior Learning Credits, a student is required to complete the General Education Program and major course requirements to graduate. Prior learning credits do not impact a student鈥檚 GPA and/or residency requirements.
Credit by Exam
College Level Examination Programs (CLEP) credits are granted for exams passed with a score of 50 or higher, although specific requirements may vary by exam. For detailed information about eligible courses and the minimum score requirements for each exam, please consult the CLEP Exam Equivalency Guide.
CLEP exams can be taken either online or in-person at a location of your choice.
Before registering for a CLEP Exam, it's important to contact the Transfer Resource Center at Transfer@njcu.edu. This step ensures that you are eligible for additional credits and verifies that the specific exam you wish to take aligns with your academic goals. All official scores must be requested from CollegeBoard and sent directly to 野花社区 for evaluation. Please allow 1-3 weeks for the delivery of scores. After completing an exam, email Transfer@njcu.edu with your full name, 野花社区 Gothic ID number, the exam you completed, and the date of the exam.
CLEP Voucher Opportunities:
STEP 1:
STEP 2:
Credits are granted for AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. For detailed insights into eligible courses and their respective minimum score requirements, please refer to the AP Exam Equivalency Guide.
To be eligible for credit evaluation, students must arrange for their official test scores to be sent from CollegeBoard.
For instructions on how to request your official scores, please visit Sending AP Scores.
ACTFL offers several versions of language proficiency exams, each designed to assess different levels of language skills. To understand the specific types of tests available and to decide which one aligns with your needs, please consult the ACTFL Information Sheet for detailed descriptions of each exam. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Types of ACTFL Exams:
There are multiple variations of each language test that a student can take to be awarded credits. Please see the ACTFL Information Sheet for descriptions of each type of examination. Pricing is subject to change.
- Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
- Oral Proficiency Interview by computer (OPIc)
- Writing Proficiency Test (WPT)
- Listening Proficiency Test (LPT)
- Reading Proficiency Test (RPT)
Registration Guide:
Please see the attached ACTFL Registration Guide on how to register for an exam. Please submit official scores to the Transfer Resource Center for consideration. Once a student completes the exam, please email Transfer@njcu.edu with your full name, 野花社区 Gothic ID#, which exam you took, and the date you took the exam.
Credit is awarded based on official examination results from the NYU Language Proficiency Exam Office.
Credit is awarded based on American Council on Education credit recommendations.
Courses completed on a Higher Level (HL) with a minimum score of 5 are eligible to be awarded transfer credit. Students must submit an official transcript for an evaluation to be completed.
Up to 30 credits can be awarded for A level exams successfully passed with a grade of C or above. Credit is not awarded for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level, Ordinary (O) level, or IGSCE exams. Students must submit an official transcript for an evaluation to be completed.
Other Prior Learning Credit Opportunities
Military Credit:
Students are required to submit a Joint Services transcript, or Form DD295, DD214. Credits allowed will be based on recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) and National College Credit Recommendation Services (National CCRS, formerly National PONSI) and will correspond to subject areas offered at the University.
Certifications for Credit:
Students looking to receive credit for certificate completion must provide certificates (CPA, Fire Academy, EMT, Police Academy, etc.) and any other documents to the Transfer Resource Center for review. These documents will be sent to the appropriate departments and/or dean鈥檚 office for assessment. A filled out Prior Learning Assessment Form must also be submitted. Credits earned from certifications range from 3 or more college-level credits.
Portfolio Assessment:
Students may be eligible for college-level credits for prior work and life experience. Students must compile together a portfolio which should contain, but not limited to, a student鈥檚 most up-to-date resume, any additional certifications that they hold, examples of work accomplished, as well as anything that may strengthen their position for assessment. This portfolio will be sent to the appropriate departments and/or dean鈥檚 office for assessment. A filled out Prior Learning Assessment Form must also be submitted.
NJ Plan:
New Jersey Prior Learning Assessment Network (NJ PLAN) is a consortium of New Jersey colleges and universities partnering to provide the opportunity for their students to earn credit toward their degrees through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). 野花社区 is a proud member of this organization and its initiatives. Please reach out to the 野花社区 Transfer Resource Center and for additional information.
For more information or assistance, military-affiliated students can contact 野花社区's Office of Military & Veterans Services at 201-200-3199 or visit their office in Gilligan Student Union, Room 127.