Types of Credit for Prior Learning
SUNY Schenectady is committed to providing students with robust and relevant educational opportunities. Students bring with them a variety of experiences and prior learning experiences that rise to college-level learning.
Many SUNY Schenectady students may have gained knowledge from sources that are not covered in traditional classrooms through standardized examinations, non-collegiate sponsored learning or outside of a student's college matriculation. This includes college-level learning a student may have engaged in which occurs outside the classroom or in an experiential setting. The learning demonstrates, and is equivalent to, the rigors of SUNY Schenectady course work as determined by subject matter experts/faculty at SUNY Schenectady.
Estimate Your Potential Credits
Methods by Which Students can Receive Credit
Credit by Exam
Credit may be awarded to students who earn an appropriate grade in any of the following exams: Excelsior College exams, Advanced Placement exams offered through the College Board, International Baccalaureate Exams, College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES/DSST exams and other exams reviewed for college credit by the American Council of Education (ACE). In some cases, SUNY Schenectady course work or other demonstration of skills may be required before credit is granted. Students may obtain credit for these courses by successfully completing the exam (provided the academic divisions have comprehensive examinations available).
Once successful attainment of the required grade is verified, it will be reflected in the transcript by showing the credit earned, but no letter grade will be given, nor will this credit affect a student’s GPA (Grade Point Average). Students must complete a minimum of 30 credits at SUNY Schenectady to earn a degree from the College. There is a limit of 30 transfer credits, this includes Prior Learning Assessment, for an associate degree. Lower limits exist for certificates and vary based on the number of credits in the certificate program, but all certificates have a 15-credit residency requirement
Articulated Credit
Articulated credit is earned via industry licensures, credentials, and certification. Students are encouraged to present any credentials they have earned to the appropriate SUNY Schenectady representative.
If determined eligible, credit will be awarded to the student’s SUNY Schenectady transcript as CR. Credentials will be evaluated based on the college’s transfer policies. (EMT, BHT, CCMA, Brewing/Distilling)
Veterans, Military Service
Credit for military or other training programs may be earned through any of the following means: military course work, non-collegiate institution sponsored courses/workshops as recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE), via the enhanced Military Guide course work approved by the New York State Education Department (National College Credit Recommendation Service [NCCRS]). Credits from accredited military-affiliated institutions must be accepted and applied accordingly when they satisfy local program degree requirements, in the same way as other transfer credits. Veterans can upload a JST to the ACE site to get an idea of where they may have credits earned. Students are encouraged to work with the SUNY Schenectady Veterans Resource Office and submit a request for PLA using the resources noted above. The appropriate evaluator will recommend a number of credits to be awarded if the training program offered through military qualifies as college-level learning.
For consideration of credit for military service, submit an official military transcript along with the request for evaluation available online to Academic Affairs. Transcripts can be requested at Joint Services Transcript along with copy of the DD214.
Credit by Evaluated Programs
For credits earned through other experiences, such as professional and industry certifications and licenses or other credentials, non-credit and Workforce Development and Community Education studies, and non-credit micro-credentials a student may be granted credit for courses if the course has been evaluated and recommended for course credit by the American Council of Education (ACE) or by internal review/portfolio assessment.
Credit through portfolio assessment is granted through an evaluation process. Individuals who have gained college-level learning through work or other experiences may demonstrate that knowledge through various methods (performance, oral, or written). These credits are not considered SUNY Schenectady residency credits but will be treated as prior learning credit.
To demonstrate learning done out of the classroom, students can create a portfolio targeting the specific course outcomes of a needed class. SUNY Schenectady will utilize the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) guidelines for individual portfolio development and assessment.