Students with previous academic training, on-the-job experiences, military training, and other past learning activities can translate their acquired knowledge into college credit through the various following options. A maximum of 25 percent of a degree or certificate may be awarded using Prior Learning options.
Advanced Placement/College Board Test
Proficiency credit may be awarded for specific scores of advanced placement classes taken in high school. Official scores must be sent to the Director of Enrollment and Records. Students must earn 6 hours of HCC credit before Advance Placement credits are applied to their transcript.
Credit Granted for AP Examination Scores by Course
| AP Course | Score | HCC Course | Credits Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Gov. & Politics | 3 | POL 152 | 3 |
| Art/Drawing | 3 | ART 113 | 3 |
| Art History | 3 | ART 215 | 3 |
| Biology | 3 | BIOL 110 | 4 |
| Biology | 4 or 5 | BIOL 208 & BIOL 209 | 8 |
| Calculus AB | 3 | MATH 172 | 4 |
| Calculus AB | 4 or 5 | MATH 250 | 5 |
| Calculus BC | 3 | MATH 250 | 5 |
| Calculus BC | 4 or 5 | MATH 250 & 255 | 10 |
| Chemistry | 3 | CHEM 120 | 4 |
| Chemistry | 4 | CHEM 123 | 5 |
| Chemistry | 5 | CHEM 123 & CHEM 124 | 10 |
| Computer Science | 3 | INFT 190 | 3 |
| English Language/Literature | 3 | ENG 1XX (Elective) | 3 |
| Physics 1 | 3 | PHYS 140 | 4 |
| Physics 1 | 4 or 5 | PHYS 141 | 4 |
| Physics 2 | 3 | PHYS 140 | 4 |
| Physics 2 | 4 or 5 | PHYS 142 | 4 |
| Physics C Mechanics | 3 | PHYS 141 | 4 |
| Physics C Mechanics | 4 or 5 | PHYS 143 | 4 |
| Physics C Elect. & Mag. | 3 or 4 or 5 | PHYS 142 | 4 |
| Psychology | 3 | PSYCH 161 | 3 |
| Statistics | 3 | MATH 134 | 3 |
| U.S. History | 3 | HIST 143 | 3 |
| U.S. History | 4 or 5 | HIST 143 & 144 |
CLEP Exams
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) gives students the opportunity to receive college credit by earning qualifying scores on a wide variety of subject examinations. Credit can be earned by demonstrating knowledge previously gained through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits or internships. CLEP tests are administered in the Testing Center, located in the Student/Conference Center on the Highland campus during fall, spring and summer semesters. Contact Carolyn Petsche, CLEP test administrator, at 815. 599.3577 for more information. For information regarding CLEP course equivalencies, speak to a student advisor at 815.599.3573. To find out more about CLEP examinations and to access review materials, visit www.collegeboard.org/CLEP.
Credit Granted for CLEP Examinations by Exam
| CLEP Exam | Required Score | Credits Granted | Equivalent Score |
| American Literature | 50 | 6 | ENGL 225 or 226 |
| Fresh Eng Com | 50 | 3 | ENGL 121 |
| Humanities | 50 | 3 | HUM 104 |
| German Lang | 50 | 8 | GERM 151 or 152 |
| Spanish Lang | 50 | 8 | SPAN 155 or 156 |
| American Govt | 50 | 3 | POL 152 |
| Human Growth/Dev | 50 | 3 | PSY 262 |
| Intro to Ed Psych | 50 | 3 | PSY 261 |
| Intro PSY | 50 | 3 | PSY 161 |
| Intro Sociology | 50 | 3 | SOC 171 |
| Micro Econ | 50 | 3 | ECON 112 |
| Macro Econ | 50 | 3 | ECON 111 |
| Hist US 1 | 50 | 3 | HIST 143 |
| Hist US 2 | 50 | 3 | HIST 144 |
| West Civ 1 | 50 | 3 | HIST 141 |
| West Civ 2 | 50 | 3 | HIST 142 |
| Biology | 50 | 4 | BIO 110 |
| Pre Calc | 50 | 5 | MATH 170 |
| Calculus | 50 | 5 | MATH 250 |
| College Alg | 50 | 4 | MATH 166 |
| College Math | 50 | 4 | MATH 132 |
| Financial Act | 50 | 4 | ACCT 213 |
| Intro Bus Law | 50 | 3 | BUS 223 |
| Info Sys/Comp Ap | 50 | 3 | INFT 180 |
| Pric Mgmt | 50 | 3 | BUS 249 |
IB Diploma Programme (DP)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme subject tests may be used to fulfill HCC course requirements in a variety of areas. Download a guide to assessment to learn more about your IB diploma and college admission.
It is the student’s responsibility to request examination scores to be sent to the Director of Enrollment and Records. Credit will be designated with a “PR” test credit on the student’s transcript. No credit by examination will be recorded on a student’s transcript until the student has earned at least six (6) semester hours in regular classes at Highland Community College.
Credit by Proficiency
Students can earn up to 25 percent of the credit hours required for an HCC degree or certificate by successfully completing proficiency tests. Proficiency tests are best suited for students with considerable academic and life experiences.
To take proficiency tests at Highland, a student must first be formally admitted to the College. Students are also encouraged to meet with an HCC advisor or instructor for an assessment of their qualifications before taking proficiency exams. Students must pay a non-refundable administrative fee of $25 and non-refundable tuition of a $25/credit hour before taking the test. The tests may include a written or oral exam, portfolio review, history of on-the-job experiences, or any combination of the above.
Following successful completion of proficiency tests, credit will be granted and will appear on the student’s official HCC transcript. Proficiency credit carries no grade value and does not affect a student’s grade-point average. It cannot be used to fulfill the residency requirements of HCC degrees. Students should check with their transfer institution regarding their policies for proficiency credit.
Proficiency credit earned at other accredited institutions will be accepted at Highland providing the course for which the test was taken is equivalent to an HCC course and as long as the institution recorded the credit on a student’s official transcript.
Interested students should contact the Office of Admissions and Records for details at 815.599.3414.
Military Experience
College-level credit will be awarded to veterans based upon recommendations listed in the most recent Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services or evaluation of the student’s SMART transcripts which are available online. If requested, up to four semester hours of physical education activity credit will be awarded to veterans whose DD214 verifies at least one year of “active duty” or more upon request. Contact the Office of Admissions and Records at 815.599.3414 for more information.
PEP (Proficiency Examination Program)
PEP credit will be allowed for specific nursing courses only. Students must make arrangements with the Director of Nursing for testing and test specifics.