Credit for Prior Learning

Each year the College has entering students who may have already acquired some of the skills, knowledge, and competencies for the courses or programs they are interested in. We encourage you to review the following policies for awarding credit for prior learning to determine if any of them can benefit you.

POLICY ON CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING

The College recognizes that skills and knowledge may be gained in ways other than through formal classroom or laboratory learning. Students must be officially enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program before receiving credit for prior learning. A minimum of 25 percent of core course requirements must be taken through NWTC. Information on where the proper forms can be obtained is listed below with the specific type of Credit for Prior Learning.

1. Credit by Secondary School Written Agreement
2. Credit for Youth Apprenticeship Program
3. Credit for Youth Options Program
4. Credit for Journey Level Apprenticeship Training
5. Credit By NWTC Exam

6. Credit by National Exam
7. Credit for Work or Life Experience
8. Transfer of Credit From Other Colleges
9. Transfer of Credit TO Other Colleges

1. CREDIT BY SECONDARY SCHOOL WRITTEN AGREEMENT

Students may request credit for prior learning through written agreements between NWTC and accredited high schools in the District. NWTC also honors credit for prior learning agreements between secondary schools and other technical colleges in Wisconsin. View the high school transfer agreements. Students may be awarded credit under the following conditions:

• The student presents appropriate documentation of successful completion of the course(s);
• and the student achieved at least a B in course(s).

2. CREDIT FOR YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM

A student who has completed a state approved youth apprenticeship program may be awarded credit for a specific technical college course(s) under the following conditions:

The student presents appropriate documentation of successful completion of the youth apprenticeship program; and the student achieved at least a B in youth apprenticeship course(s).

3. CREDIT FOR YOUTH OPTIONS PROGRAM

A student may receive prior learning credit for having participated in the Youth Options program while attending a Wisconsin public high school. It is the policy of the College to allow a high school student to enroll in any post secondary course for which the student meets the course admission requirements and the following Youth Options eligibility requirements. An individual must:

• Be enrolled in a public high school in Wisconsin and have completed the 10th grade
• Be in good academic standing and meet course entry requirements
• Have an acceptable disciplinary record
• Have the written approval of his or her parent or guardian

4. CREDIT FOR PRIOR LEARNING FOR JOURNEY LEVEL APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Apprentices who have completed their training and obtained journey level status are eligible for 32 credits for prior learning toward an associate degree. For information, contact the Admissions Office.

5. CREDIT BY NWTC EXAM

(Forms available at the Welcome Center or designated staff on the Marinette or Sturgeon Bay Campus.)

ENROLLED in a class: This exam must be taken within the first 2 weeks of the class start date.  Student is to remain in the class until credit by exam score is accepted or declined.  Student must accept/decline the grade within 7 – 14 days after taking the exam.

NOT ENROLLED in a class: This can be taken at any time in the school year if available. Fee is 50% of the tuition per credit.  This fee in nonrefundable

A student may be granted credit for a specific technical college course(s) by demonstrating competency based on methods determined by the appropriate academic team. The assessment may consist of a performance exam, practical exam, portfolio or a combination of methods chosen by the academic team. Only one credit by exam per catalog number can be taken per school year (i.e. 2007 - 2008 school year = June 1, 2007 - May 31, 2008.)

This procedure does not apply to standards, qualifications or license required by an agency outside the college.

6. CREDIT BY NATIONAL EXAM

A student may be granted credit for a Northeast Wisconsin Technical College course(s) by receiving a minimally acceptable score on an examination with nationally recognized standards. National exams include, but are not limited to, the College Board Advanced Placement (AP) exams, the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), and nationally recognized exams in specific occupational areas.

• In granting credit, the College considers the achievement of an acceptable score on the examination and the applicability of the knowledge, skills, and competencies measured by the examination as it relates to the educational program in which the student is enrolled.
• For AP exams, a student must receive a score of three or above to be eligible for the awarding of credit for the completion of the appropriate college course(s).

7. CREDIT FOR WORK/ LIFE EXPERIENCE

(Forms available at the Division)

Students may be granted credit for previous work, life, and military experiences that are comparable in content and level with specific NWTC courses. Portfolio documentation will be required and assistance in developing a portfolio is available through the Green Bay campus Communication Skills Lab or the Basic Skills Lab located in your community.

8. TRANSFER OF CREDIT FROM OTHER COLLEGES OR UNIVERSITIES

To transfer credits from other colleges or universities to NWTC, students must be accepted into an accredited program. Students must provide the NWTC Program Enrollment Office with their official transcripts and records of educational assessments. The NWTC Program Enrollment Office reviews all requests for transfer of credit. The Program Enrollment Office may grant credit if the course content being transferred is equivalent, and if satisfactory grades (C- or better) were received. View current transfer agreements.

9. Transfer of Credit to other colleges or universities

APPEAL PROCEDURE

Decisions involving the granting of prior learning credit may be appealed. All appeals must be in writing and addressed to the Office of the Vice President of Student Services at the Green Bay campus.

Application/program questions: email or
call 1-888-385-6982