Assessment of Prior Learning/Credit by Examination

You can earn college credit for knowledge and skills you already possess. Credit can be earned by taking a nationally recognized exam, challenging a course (credit by institutional exam), and applying for credit for professional credentials or military courses. You cannot receive more than 30 semester credit hours through these programs (except for credit by institutional exam). To receive credit you must:

• Be enrolled and complete at least one college credit course at ACC
• Pass specific examinations or portfolio
• Provide official documentation of exam scores to ACC

Nationally recognized exams

The following national recognized exams can earn you ACC credit. Exams are available at Austin Community College's Business Assessment Center, located in the Highland Business Center.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP exams let you obtain credits without enrolling in the related course. Each test requires payment of a registration service fee and an examination fee.

• Five General Examinations cover college mathematics, English composition, humanities, natural science or social sciences/history.
• Subject Examinations cover 29 subjects.

Advanced Placement (AP) Program

AP courses help you accelerate your college career while attending high school. Tests are given at the end of the classes.

Certified  Professional Secretary

College credit is available to students who have earned passing scores on the Certified Professional Secretary exam.

Challenging a course - credit by institutional exam

You can take a special institutional exam under limited circumstances if you believe other experiences gave you the required knowledge for a course.

• Available at the discretion of the department
• Course challenge forms may be obtained at Admissions and Records
• You must register and pay for the course before completing the exam

Professional credentials/military courses

Professional Administrator Credential and CDA Credential (Child Development Associate Credential)

Students who hold the PAC or the CDA should contact the Child Development Department for information on receiving college credit for these credentials.

Military courses

Military courses fall under the general transfer credit policies published in the ACC catalog.