Credit for Prior Learning

Students who are seeking credit on the basis of professional experience, technical training, examination scores or courses from institutions without regional accreditation may be eligible for credit for prior learning. Both transfer students and traditionally matriculated students may apply for credit for prior learning (CPL).

CPL credits are carefully reviewed and, pending approval, may be accepted in four categories. These are:

1. Tested Credit for Prior Learning: including CLEP, Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, DANTES, and Credit by Examination. A transcripting fee will be charged.
2. Technical and Professional Training Reviewed by Academic Bodies:  ACE (American Council on Education) and NCCRS (National College Credit Recommendation Service) credit recommendations are accepted as credit for prior learning. A transcripting fee will be charged.
3. Technical and Professional Training Needing Faculty Review:  Technical and professional training programs which have not been reviewed by ACE or PONSI require faculty review. Students must complete the Technical and Professional Training Worksheet and provide all required documentation. A fee will be charged.
4. Life Learning Paper:  Students wishing to document a learning experience which they believe provides equivalent knowledge to that in a college course may write a life learning paper for faculty review. Discussion with a faculty advisor needs to occur as the first step in this process. A fee will be charged.

The number of CPL credits which can be accepted from the various categories is limited. The total number of CPL credits transferable toward a baccalaureate degree may not exceed 63 credit hours. Students are advised to discuss CPL credit options with a faculty or professional advisor prior to initiating the process.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Immaculata participates in the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Matriculated students may gain credit for certain Immaculata courses through acceptable performance in either the General Examinations or the Subject Examinations.

The University will grant a maximum of 24 credit hours in the General Examinations and from three to six credits in the various Subject Examinations, provided that the required score has been achieved and that Subject Examinations have been approved for acceptance by Immaculata. Credits for examinations successfully completed will be transcripted upon receipt of official CLEP scores. A grade of P is given; credits earned through CLEP transfer are not computed in the GPA. Ordinarily, a student may not retake a CLEP within three months of an unsuccessful attempt or a failed course in a corresponding subject. For information concerning examination areas acceptable for credit, students should inquire at the Center for Undergraduate Advising. A fee will be charged for the CLEP examination as well as for the transcription of CLEP credits.

Credit by Examination

Matriculated students who have acquired substantial knowledge in certain subject areas may request verification of that knowledge by examination and subsequently receive credit. Credit by examination may be earned in those courses specifically designated by individual departments/divisions. Each individual department/division will create its respective examination.

Application to receive credit for an Immaculata course may be made with the Registrar during the fall, spring, and summer registration periods. Exams will be administered and evaluated by Immaculata full-time faculty before or during the first three weeks of the fall, spring, or summer semesters. No course in which the student has previously been registered for credit or audit may be challenged under this program.

Ordinarily a student may attempt only one challenge examination per semester and may not challenge any more than a total of 50% of the curriculum in any given field. A student may not re-challenge a failed challenge examination. Full instructions for registering for a challenge exam may be obtained from the Registrar’s office or a professional advisor. A fee will be charged for challenge exams.