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

Credit for Prior Learning, Training, and Industry Certifications

Gateway Community and Technical College awards credit for a variety of prior learning experiences, including academic coursework, standardized exams, military training, and industry certifications.

Types of Eligible Credit

Students may receive credit for:

  • Military training and coursework completed while on active duty
  • College-level coursework taken at other institutions, regardless of how it was funded (including courses not paid for with VA benefits)
  • Standardized exams, such as:
    • Advanced Placement (AP)
    • CLEP
    • DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)

Requirements for Exam-Based Credit

To receive credit for standardized exams:

  • You must achieve the minimum required score.
  • Credit is awarded only after the college receives an official score report or transcript.

For a list of eligible exams, minimum scores, and course equivalents, visit the Credit for Prior Learning page.

Military Training Credit

  • Credit for military training is evaluated based on recommendations from the American Council on Education.
  • These recommendations are available at the Military Evaluations website.
  • Final decisions regarding:
    • Credit awards
    • Course equivalencies
      are made by faculty subject matter experts, unless predefined equivalencies exist system-wide for specific Military Occupational Specialties (MOS).

Important Note: Transcript Access

When accessing the Joint Service Transcript link, you may encounter an “Insecure Connection” message. If this occurs:

  1. Click Advanced
  2. Select Confirm Security Exception

Additional guidance is available on the Credit for Prior Learning page.

Additional Support

To connect with a representative at your college for assistance with prior learning credit:

(Admissions > Incoming Transcripts and Transfer Credit)

Print Article