Prior Learning and Work Experience Credit

This method offers students an opportunity to demonstrate on an individual basis their knowledge of a course and, if successful, to be awarded credit.

This method offers students an opportunity to demonstrate on an individual basis their knowledge of a course and, if successful, to be awarded credit. The student must demonstrate mastery of a course through examination. Students who would like to take a departmental proficiency evaluation should first contact Enrollment Services. In all cases, decisions concerning the methods used and the decisions regarding awarding of credit on the basis of proficiency belong to the department. The student may earn no more than 50% of proficiency credit in the curriculum leading to a degree. Fees for proficiency courses at Black Hawk College include a $10 per credit hour tuition charge which is nonrefundable and a $1 per course recording fee. Special fees will be assessed for certain courses requiring additional evaluative materials.

Students may attempt to earn credit for college-level lifelong or experiential learning through the writing and submission of a Prior Learning Portfolio (PLP).

Students may attempt to earn credit for college-level lifelong or experiential learning through the writing and submission of a Prior Learning Portfolio (PLP). To use this option, a student must complete LIB 240. A student may only submit a PLP for courses approved by departments. A current list of courses is maintained in the Advising Center and with the ALS degree advisor(s). A maximum of nine credit hours may be earned toward any degree.

Black Hawk College participates by awarding credit based upon CLEP scores according to the established college policies given below.

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national testing service that provides students an opportunity to demonstrate college-level learning from experiences outside the classroom. Black Hawk College participates by awarding credit based upon CLEP scores according to the established college policies given below. Black Hawk College grants institutional credit based upon CLEP scores only to students who are currently enrolled or who have earned college credit at the college. Transferability of CLEP credit is subject to the policies of the transfer school. All CLEP examinations are in addition to, not a replacement of, other forms of proficiency examinations, including departmental proficiency examinations. No grades are assigned for credit received through CLEP. Students who would like to complete Black Hawk College credit on the basis of CLEP scores should contact Enrollment Services for specific details and equivalencies.

College Level Examination Program Equivalencies (PDF)

Students who have participated in the high school Advanced Placement (AP) program may be eligible to receive credit and advanced placement.

Veterans are eligible to receive credit for health and physical education and military training. 

Health and Physical Education Credit
To receive this credit, applicants must submit to the Registrar their DD Form 214 (Armed Forces of the United States Report of Transfer or Discharge). Veterans are eligible to receive credit for Health 102 (two credit hours) and for physical education (four credit hours) provided that the military service was of more than one year’s duration. There is no charge for recording this credit on the transcript.

DSST and USAFI
Guidelines for the acceptance of DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST), previously known as just DANTES, and United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) are available from the Enrollment Services Office.

Military Training School
Military training school experiences will be evaluated by personnel in the appropriate department, and credit will be awarded only if there are existing college courses which parallel the military training received, otherwise elective credits will be awarded toward an associate degree as long as credits are college level. Evaluation will be based upon the American Council on Education’s (ACE) “The Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services” as listed on an official Joint Services Transcript. Students with military training experience should first contact the Enrollment Services Office and request an official Joint Services Transcript be sent to Black Hawk College. There is no charge for evaluating transfer credit from a Joint Services Transcript.

These agreements enable students who have completed particular high school courses to receive credit for specified college courses.

The college has a number of articulation agreements with area high schools. These agreements enable students who have completed particular high school courses to receive credit for specified college courses. For information about Career and Technical Education (CTE) courses and requirements for articulated credit, contact the CTE Transition Coordinator at 309-796-5160.

The State Seal of Biliteracy, codified in Illinois Public Act 099-0600, provides recognition to high school students who have demonstrated proficiency in speaking, reading and writing in one or more languages in addition to English. Upon request from enrolled students with a State Seal of Biliteracy on their official/final high school transcript, Black Hawk College will award college credit equal to two years of foreign language credit in courses that are offered at the college.

Credit will be granted toward electives and students may work with the appropriate academic department to determine whether or not an IB assessment may transfer as credit toward a specific Black Hawk College course.

Beginning with the 2017-2018 academic year, subject scores of 4 or higher for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme subjects shall be accepted for credit to satisfy degree requirements. Credit will be granted toward electives and students may work with the appropriate academic department to determine whether or not an IB assessment may transfer as credit toward a specific Black Hawk College course.

Through partnership with MTI, Black Hawk College accepts credits from select MTI certificates toward an AAS degree in Health Information Management or General Occupational and Technical Studies (GOTS).

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