Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows students to earn academic credit after their prior learning is formally assessed. This includes structured training, professional experience, and standardized exams. The goal is to accelerate degree completion while reducing cost and duplication of effort.

St. Francis College recognizes several categories of prior learning:

• Professional Licenses and Certifications — Industry-recognized credentials may translate into course equivalencies.
• Exam-Based Credits — Students may earn credit through standardized exams, such as:
• CLEP; DSST; NYU Language Proficiency Exam; Other approved examinations
• Portfolio Assessment — Students can submit a portfolio demonstrating real-world learning, volunteer, or Community Service Experience. When learning outcomes align with academic expectations, these experiences may also count toward academic credit.

Credit by Portfolio Evaluation: 

SFC recognizes experiential learning and allows students to document it through a structured portfolio. Required elements include: Cover page, Table of contents, Executive summary, Chronological autobiography, Current résumé, Course competencies matrix, Learning narrative, Documentation, Appendices. 

Advanced Placement Course Equivalencies:

The Advanced Placement Course Equivalencies can be found here.

For more details, visit: Advanced Placement Course Equivalencies 

CLEP:

33 exams across 5 subject areas; 90-120 minutes; mostly multiple-choice

The CLEP Equivalency can be found here.

For more details, visit: College Level Examination Program (CLEP) 

DSST - DANTES Subject Standardized Test:

38 ACE-recommended exams available to everyone; funding available for active-duty military and their spouses.  

The DSST exam and credit equivalency can be found here.

For more information, visit: College Credit by Examination (DSST)

New York University Foreign Language Proficiency (NYUFLP):

Exams in 50+ languages awarding credit-equivalent points.

For more details, visit: New York University Foreign Language Proficiency (NYUFLP) 

Certification for Commonwealth students completely secretary education.

The Caribbean Examination council (CXC) CAPE Exams equivalency can be found here.

For more details, visit: Caribbean Examinations council (CXC) CAPE Exams

American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL):

Proficiency exams in 30+ languages, recognizes non-traditional learning. 

The ACTFL course credit equivalencies can be found here.

For more details, visit: American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL)

International Baccalaureate (IB):

Transfer credit for HL scores of 4+ with IB diploma.

For more details, visit: International Baccalaureate (IB)  

Military:

Military Training Course Equivalencies can be found here.

For more details, visit: Military Training Course Equivalencies 

Sophia:

ACE-recommended  Self-paced ACE-recommended courses; low-cost; includes test prep and teacher resources.

For more details, visit: Sophia

Sophia Learning Transfer Credit Policy:

Students who wish to transfer credit for coursework completed through Sophia Learning must obtain approval before enrolling in a course.

To be eligible for transfer credit, the proposed course must show equivalency to at least 70% of the learning outcomes of the corresponding St. Francis College course. Students who complete coursework without prior approval will not be eligible for transfer credit.

Approval Process Checklist:

☐ Consult with your Academic Advisor before proceeding.

☐ Obtain approval from Dr. John Edwards (Undergraduate Academic Dean) or Dr. Gayle (Graduate Academic Dean) for the proposed course.

☐ Gather the course syllabus for the approval process.

☐ If approved by the Academic Dean, proceed to the appropriate Department Chairperson and Ms. Sagine Relyea.

☐ Enroll in and successfully complete the approved course.

☐ Request that an official transcript be sent directly to the Registrar's Office.

☐ Transfer credit will be evaluated and processed upon receipt of the official transcript.

☐ Courses will be assessed by Ms. Sagine Relyea.

Straighterline:

ACE-recommended online courses guaranteed to transfer to 130+ partner schools.

For more details, visit: Straighterline 

Study.com:

ACE-recommended  60,000+ educational resources; online courses are eligible for college credit transfer

For more details, visit: Study.com

Excelsior University (UEXCEL):

We accept UEXCEL credits, contact your registrar, advisor, chairperson or Dean of Academic Affairs. 

For more details, visit: Excelsior University (UEXCEL)