Does KCTCS award credit for prior learning, training, or industry certifications?

Credit for Prior Learning, Training, and Industry Certifications

KCTCS awards credit for a variety of prior learning experiences, training programs, and industry-recognized certifications.

Eligible sources of credit may include:

  • Military training and learning acquired while on active duty
  • Coursework completed at other educational institutions, regardless of whether VA benefits were used
  • Nationally recognized examinations
  • Industry certifications and training programs approved for credit evaluation

Credit Through National Examinations

Students may earn college credit by achieving qualifying scores on approved examinations, including:

  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • CLEP
  • DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)

To receive credit:

  • The student must meet the minimum score requirement for the exam.
  • An official score report or transcript must be submitted.
  • Credit is awarded based on approved course equivalencies and institutional guidelines.

For a list of accepted exams, required scores, and course equivalencies, visit the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) page.

Credit for Military Training

Students may receive credit for formal military training based on recommendations published by the American Council on Education (ACE) through the Military Evaluations website.

Credit recommendations are reviewed and evaluated by faculty subject matter experts and the college. While ACE recommendations are considered, the final determination of course equivalencies and awarded credit rests with the institution unless system-wide equivalencies have already been established for specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

Community College of the Air Force

Students who attended the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) must submit an official transcript to the Admissions Office to complete their admission file.

Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy

Students who served in the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, or Navy should:

  1. Request an official Joint Services Transcript (JST) through the JST website.
  2. Work with a VA Coordinator to complete the military credit form.
  3. Have their transcript reviewed by the Registrar's Office and faculty to determine applicable transfer credit.

Joint Services Transcript Website Note

When accessing the JST website, some users may receive an "Insecure Connection" message.

If this occurs:

  1. Select Advanced.
  2. Choose Confirm Security Exception.

Additional Assistance

For help with Credit for Prior Learning, military credit evaluations, or industry certification credit, visit the CPL Contacts page to find the appropriate contact for your college.

(Admissions > Incoming Transcripts and Transfer Credit)

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