Testing Center: Prior Learning Assessment
Earn Credit for What You Already Know
Prior Learning Assessments give you the opportunity to save time and money by earning college credit, advancing to higher-level classes, fulfilling graduations requirements, and completing a degree sooner and for far less money. GCCC provides pathways to PLA credit through CLEP (College-Level Examination Program), AP (Advanced Placement), departmental challenge and military credit.
CLEP (College-Level Exam Program)
CLEP is a series of thirty-four examinations of academic knowledge covering courses in composition and literature, foreign languages, history and social sciences, science and math, and business. CLEP examinations are primarily multiple-choice tests of approximately 90 minutes in length. A portion of all the language tests involves listening to a native speaker and requires the use of headphones.
GCCC follows the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations by granting credit for scores of 50 and above. If you submit your results to GCCC, a grade of "CR" for CLEP credit will appear on your transcript after successful completion of 12 hours of GCCC credit.
CLEP acceptance varies by institution. Visit the CLEP homepage https://clep.collegeboard.org/ ("See Which Colleges Accept CLEP") to determine CLEP eligibility at other institutions.
The Testing Center proctors CLEP tests by appointment. The cost per CLEP exam is $89 paid by credit when you register online (https://clep.collegeboard.org/). A $15 proctoring fee (payable to GCCC cash, check or charge) is due when you take your test.
Call 620-276-9654 or email rafaela.arana@gcccks.edu to schedule a date and time.
The following website has study materials that contain descriptions of the exams, sample questions and answers, and test-taking tips (www.collegeboard.com/clepprep). You can sign up for free, online CLEP courses here, too, through Modern States' "Freshman Year for Free" program.
Active duty military personnel (National Guard and Reserve included) are eligible for DANTES-funded CLEP exams. One attempt per exam title is covered. Qualified students are responsible for payment of the $15 proctoring fee per test.
All CLEP exam registrations come with one free score send (must be used when you register). For a $20 fee, you can order additional CLEP transcripts at https://clep.collegeboard.org/earn-college-credit/your-score.
AP (Advanced Placement)
GCCC credit will be granted for students presenting scores of 3, 4 or 5 on the College Entrance Examination Board Advanced Placement Tests (CEEB-AP). Scores are recorded on the students transcript as follows: 3 receives "CR," 4 receives "B," and 5 receives "A."
To request a score report be sent to GCCC, go to https://apscore.collegeboard.org/scores/score-reporting/.
Departmental Challenge
In courses where a comprehensive examination is available, credit will be granted if a satisfactory level of achievement is demonstrated (with competencies of at least a C grade). Exams may be a combination of written, oral or practical skills. The fee to place the credit on your transcript is equal to the current per-credit tuition charges. If a comparable CLEP exam exists, however, Departmental Challenge is not allowed.
Military Credit
Students who have previously served in any branch of the U.S. Military Services may receive credit for their military training, education and experience. All military evaluations utilize the recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE). Credit will be granted only for training that parallels a discipline area offered at GCCC. In addition to program requirements, credit can fulfill elective hour requirements. For example, individuals who have successfully completed Basic Training are awarded 4 credit hours in physical education.
Students desiring credit should request a joint services transcript (Army, Marine Corps, Navy or Coast Guard) or a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript be sent to GCCC. If no transcript is available, the student may submit a DD214.
Credit Policy
Students cannot receive credit by examination to repeat or to replace a previously earned course grade listed on their transcript, nor may they receive credit for a lower level course than one previously enrolled and shown on the transcript.