Pine Technical College
Policy and Procedure
Policy Number: 231 Date: 9-18-06
Revision Date: n/a
Division/Department: Student Services Authors:
Kathy Arola, Robert Baker, Nancy Mach, Mary Jo Mettler, Laureen Williams
Subject: College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit
Authorities:
M.S. 120B.131, MnSCU Board Policys 3.17, 3.21, and 3.33
Purpose: In keeping with MnSCU policy 3.33, PTC may grant
credit based on student performance on College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
examinations.
Definitions:
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP): CLEP is a testing program
designed to measure prior learning. A student may earn college credits by
achieving a specified level of performance on a CLEP examination.
CLEP Examinations:
CLEP examinations are designed to assess student mastery of introductory
(lower division) college course material in particular subject areas.
American Council on Education (ACE): ACE is the major coordinating body
for all the nation's higher education institutions and seeks to provide
leadership and a unifying voice on key higher education issues and to influence
public policy through advocacy, research, and program initiatives. ACE provides
recommendations for granting college and university credit for CLEP
examinations.
Policy:
Pine Technical College grants credit for scores CLEP examinations
according to the following procedure.
Procedure: Part 1. Minimum Examination Scores.
Pine Technical College grants college credit to students who earn a score of 50
or higher on CLEP examinations, with the exception of Level 2 foreign-language
examinations, for which a minimum score of 63 for German language, 62 for French
language, and 66 for Spanish language is required. These scores conform with
recommendations made by the American Council on Education (ACE) and comply with
M.S. 120B.131 pertaining to eligible high school students.
Part 2. Equivalent Course Credit.
Pine Technical College grants equivalent course credit for a specific that
covers substantially similar material. Equivalent course credits may be applied
to certificate, diploma and/or degree programs as either a required course or as
an elective course. The equivalent course table is located in the curricuum
folder on the network shared drive.
Part 3. Elective Course Credit.
Pine Technical College grants lower division elective course credit for each
CLEP examination that is not substantially similar to an existing course
offered. Elective course credits may be applied to certificate, diploma and/or
degree programs as an elective course.
Part 4. Credit Limit.
Pine Technical College does not limit the total number of credits a student may
earn through CLEP examinations so long as the total of earned credits does not
contradict the intent of MnSCU Board Policy 3.17 and PTC's Residency Policy 219
(Graduation Requirements) that establishes the number of credits taught by the
faculty recommending the awarding of the diploma or degree.
Part 5. Transfer of Credit.
A student who transfers to another institution within the Minnesota State
Colleges and Universities system will have credits granted for CLEP examinations
evaluated in accordance with MnSUC Board Policy 3.21 Undergraduate Credit
Transfer.
Part 6. Implementation.
Subpart A. Date of implementation. This procedure applies to CLEP examination
scores submitted on or after July 1, 2005, in accordance with M.S. 120B.131.
Student Responsibility
1. A student must arrange for an official report of CLEP examination scores to
be sent from the College Board to the college in order to receive credit.
2. As per Policy 209R Grade and Credit System, the grade ‘CR’ is given for a
credit course in which student elects to test out or submit experience
documentation based on standard class assessment. The grade of ‘CR’ is not
computed in the GPA.
Subpart B. College responsibility.
1. The list of available CLEP examinations.
2. A list of courses determined to be equivalent to each CLEP examination and
the number of credits granted for each examination. The equivalent course table
is located in the curriculum folder on the network shared drive.
3. The minimum score level required for granting course credit as established
above.
4. The Registrar or Transfer Specialist completes and records the transfer
request from the Transfer Evaluation Form.
5. There is not a limit on course credits granted based on CLEP examination
score. Students are informed via Pine Technical College's web site and the
student handbook.
Responsibilities:
Dissemination:
Reviewed by Leadership Team: 10/30/06
Reviewed by Faculty Shared Governance: 10/25/06
Approved: Date: 10/25/06
Robert L. Musgrove, Ph.D.