1.3. Award of Credit for Prior Learning - External Examination

1.3.1. Purpose

The KCTCS Senate endorses and adopts the awarding of college credit via external examinations, including Advanced Placement (AP), the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), General and Subject Examinations of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST), and International Baccalaureate (IB). A student shall be granted credit when satisfactory scores are submitted from one of these external examinations. Any cost for AP, CIE, CLEP, DSST, or IB shall be met by the student.

1.3.2. Types/Definitions

An examination, which is recognized by the institution as a valid assessment, prepared by an organization outside the faculty of the college.

1.3.3. Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) examinations, which are administered by the College Board, provide subject-based assessments following completion of college-level coursework in high school. College credit is awarded when acceptable scores are submitted. The AP program utilizes a five-point scale which corresponds to the student’s performance on the exam, which is typically administered in May (See Section VI Appendix B for guidelines for Advanced Placement and KCTCS course equivalencies):
• Extremely well qualified - 5
• Well qualified - 4
• Qualified - 3
• Possibly qualified - 2
• No recommendation - 1

1.3.4. Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) – AS & A Level Exams

Offered since 1951, Cambridge Assessment International Education administers this program as part of the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom. Cambridge International Advanced Subsidiary Levels (AS Levels) and Cambridge International Advanced Levels (A Levels) are subject-based qualifications in over 55 subjects which are recognized by public institutions in Kentucky. Students who submit a score of “E” on an assessment with recognized equivalency will be awarded credit for prior learning.

1.3.5. Subject Examination of College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides subject-based examinations which correspond to commonly taught undergraduate courses. CLEP examinations, which are overseen by the College Board, utilize a scaled scoring process. Scores range from 20 - 80. (See Section VI Appendix A for guidelines for CLEP and KCTCS course equivalencies.)

1.3.6. DSST Examinations (formerly DANTES Subject Standardized Tests)

DSST examinations are credit-by-examination tests originated by the United States Department of Defense's Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program. DSST utilizes a scaled scoring process with scores ranging from 200 to 500. DSST exams may be taken by either military personnel or civilians. (See Section VI Appendix F for additional guidance).

1.3.7. International Baccalaureate (IB)

Created in 1968, the International Baccalaureate provides a rigorous college-level curriculum to high school students. Like AP, following completion of IB courses students can take an IB examination. IB examinations utilize a seven-point scale (See Section VI Appendix E for Guidelines for International Baccalaureate and KCTCS course equivalencies.):
• Excellent - 7
• Very good - 6
• Good – 5
• Satisfactory - 4
• Mediocre – 3
• Poor – 2
• Very poor – 1
• No grades – N

1.3.8. Role of Faculty and Associated Procedures

The curriculum committee aligned with the subject of the relevant external examination shall review and determine the appropriate equivalency and level of course credit based on scores. The curriculum committee recommendations may result in a direct course equivalency, general education elective credit, and/or technical elective credit. Recommendations shall remain in compliance with applicable state statutes and regulations. The curriculum committee can modify their determinations as needed. When AP, CIE, CLEP, DSST, or IB implements a new examination, the curriculum committees shall establish guidance prior to the start of the next academic year.

1.3.9. Role of Administrative Staff and Associated Procedures

Students who have earned a satisfactory score on an external examination and wish to be awarded credit for prior learning must submit an official transcript or report from the administering organization to the college during their admission process or once the student completes the external examination. The student is responsible for the cost of the examination.

The registrar’s staff records all external examination scores into the student’s file and transcribes the appropriate academic credit when satisfactory performance is achieved. Course credit awarded via external examinations does not count towards the residency requirement.

KCTCS shall publish course equivalencies on an annual basis.