Credit for Prior Learning
Curriculum credit may be awarded to students when prior learning through certification, exams, and similar course work has been completed. Below are the available opportunities for students to receive credit for prior learning.
Transfer of Credit to RichmondCC
Students may transfer credit earned at other post-secondary institutions provided: (1) a grade of "C" or above was attained; (2) subject, content, and length of course are comparable; and (3) the courses were completed at a regionally accredited post-secondary institution. While there is no specific time limit on transferability of credit, time may be a factor in awarding credit in courses where technological or societal changes affect the applicability. The registrar and appropriate instructors will review official transcripts and determine which courses may transfer. Students will be informed of their transfer credit by the end of their first term of enrollment. No transfer credit is permitted for courses completed by proficiency at other institutions.
The Richmond Community College (RichmondCC) transcript and student record will show courses accepted for transfer credit. These courses will not count in the student's grade point average. Transfer students must earn at least 25% of the total credit hours for the degree, diploma, or certificate as students at RichmondCC. Some programs have special restrictions on transfer credits. Those restrictions are located in the Program and Course Catalog.
Academic credit earned at RichmondCC can be used toward multiple curricula programs when the same course is needed for each program. Grades earned will be used in computing the program grade point average for each program.
Military Training
Credit may be awarded to students for educational experience in the armed services. Documentation of experience must be submitted to the Registrar who will consult with the appropriate department chair/program coordinator, if needed, before granting credit. Students should submit a Joint Services Transcript to the Admissions Office. Military service experiences are evaluated using ACE Guide recommendations. The grade “MT” on the academic record will indicate credit earned for military educational experience. Credit hours will be assigned for such credit; however, no quality points will be assigned.
Certifications and Licensures
Students may receive credit for holding certain certifications or licensures. Students interested in such credit must have the proof of certification or licensure listed below submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Once received, the Registrar will evaluate and award credit accordingly to enrolled students. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded.
Nurse Aide 1
Curriculum Course: NAS-101
To receive this credit, students must hold an unexpired certification and be listed on the NC Nursing Registry. Request for this credit must be made to the RichmondCC Registrar.
Nurse Aide 2
Curriculum Course: NAS-102
To receive this credit, students must hold an unexpired certification and be listed on the NC Nursing Registry. Request for this credit must be made to the RichmondCC Registrar.
LPN (Licensed Practical Nurse) Advanced Placement
Curriculum Course: NUR-111
The advanced placement option is designed for the LPN who is returning to college to earn an Associate Degree Nursing (ADN). Admission into the ADN program is not guaranteed. The LPN applicant desiring advanced placement must meet all admission requirements of the ADN program. The LPN desiring advanced placement may enter the ADN program in NUR 112 in the spring semester provided space is available and stated pre-requisites are met.
To receive credit, the student must
- hold a current and unrestricted license as a LPN
- meet all the admissions requirements of the ADN program
- have a minimum 2.5 college GPA
- pass a fundamentals theory and medication competency exam with a score of 80 or above
- complete with a B or higher (80% competency level) BIO 165 and PSY 150. If BIO 165 and BIO 166 is greater than five (5) years old at the time of admission, the applicant must complete BIO 163 or retake BIO 165 and BIO 166. If the student has not completed CIS 110, this course must be completed before the end of the Summer semester. The CIS 110 cannot be greater than seven (7) years old at the time of admission.
The student will receive credit for NUR 111 upon successful completion of NUR 112, NUR 113, NUR 114, NUR 211, NUR 212, and NUR 213. Request for credit for NUR-111 must be submitted to the Registrar’s Office by the nursing admissions counselor or nursing faculty.
Refrigerant Certification
Curriculum Course: AHR-160
To receive college credit, students must successfully complete the continuing education classes HVAC Level 1 and HVAC Level 2 after January 2018. They must provide documentation that they passed the EPA Certification after January 2018 and obtain the approval of the college’s AHRT Program Coordinator. Request for this credit must be made to the RichmondCC Registrar.
Public Safety Training
Students may receive credit for completing public safety training or holding certain certifications or licensures. Students interested in such credit must have the proof of certification or licensure listed below submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Once received, the Registrar will evaluate and award credit accordingly to enrolled students. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded.
Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET)
Curriculum Courses: CJC-131, CJC-132, CJC-221, CJC-231
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the Basic Law Enforcement Training NC State Comprehensive Written Examination. To receive this credit, students must present their Student Course Completion Record from the N.C. Department of Justice to the RichmondCC Registrar.
Correctional & Detention Officer Training
Curriculum Courses: CJC-141, CJC-225, CJC-233
The NC Community College System Curriculum Course Review Committee approved for the above credit be awarded to students for successful completion of the N.C. Department of Adult Correction course or the N.C. Detention Officer Certification course. To receive this credit, students must present their N.C. Department of Adult Correction or the N.C. Detention Officer course certification to the RichmondCC Registrar.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
Curriculum Courses: EMS-110
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the continuing education EMT course, EMS-4200, and are listed on the North Carolina OEMS Registry and/or The National EMT Registry. To receive this credit, students must present their EMT card to the RichmondCC Registrar and receive the approval of the EMS Program Coordinator.
Paramedic (EMS Bridging Program)
Curriculum Courses:
- EMS-110
- EMS-122
- EMS-130
- EMS-131
- EMS-160
- EMS-220
- EMS-221
- EMS-231
- EMS-240
- EMS-241
- EMS-250
- EMS-260
- EMS-270
- EMS-285
The Emergency Medical Science Bridging program is designed to allow a currently credentialed non-degree holding paramedic to earn a two-year Associate of Applied Science degree in Emergency Medical Science in two semesters.
The prerequisites for admission to the EMS Bridging program include current credential/ certification in all of the following:
- North Carolina or National Registry Paramedic Credential
- American Heart Association Advanced Cardiac Life Support Certification
- American Heart Association Pediatric Advanced Life Support Certification (or NREMT equivalent)
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support Certification (or PHTLS)
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the continuing education paramedic course and are listed on the North Carolina OEMS Registry and/or The National EMT Registry. To receive this credit, students must present proof of the above certifications to the EMS Program Coordinator.
PSAP Manager’s Course
Curriculum Courses: EME-111, EME-112
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the continuing education courses EME-PSPI, EME-OPP1, EME-OPP2, EME-THP1, and EME-THP2. Students must complete and pass these courses with a minimum of 80. To receive this credit, students must show proof of completion to the RichmondCC Registrar.
Continuing Education Course Completion
Students may receive curriculum course credit for successful completion of certain RichmondCC continuing education courses. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded.
Basic Anatomy and Physiology
Curriculum Courses: BIO-163
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the RichmondCC EMS-3163 course. To receive this credit, students must request it from the RichmondCC Registrar.
Effective Teacher Training
Curriculum Courses: EDU-275
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the RichmondCC Effective Teacher Training program.
Healthcare Billing and Coding
Curriculum Courses: HMT-210
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the RichmondCC continuing education course MED-3030 and successful completion of Medical Terminology I, MED-121. To receive this credit, the student must receive the recommendation of the Healthcare Management Technology Program Coordinator and request credit from the RichmondCC Registrar.
Community Resource Management
Curriculum Courses: HSE-155
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the RichmondCC continuing education course HSE-HSP1, Introduction to Human Services DSS: NCFAST Phase I. To receive this credit, the request it from the RichmondCC Registrar.
Financial Services
Curriculum Courses: HSE-250
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the RichmondCC continuing education course HSE-HSP2, Introduction to Human Services DSS: NCFAST Phase II. To receive this credit, the request it from the RichmondCC Registrar.
Computer Aided Drafting
Curriculum Courses: DFT-151
This credit may be awarded to students for successful completion of the RichmondCC continuing education course DFT-3100, AutoCAD, after August 1, 2019. To receive this credit, the student must receive the recommendation of the Mechatronics Engineering Technology Program Coordinator and request credit from the RichmondCC Registrar.
High School to Community College Articulated Credit
Curriculum Courses
The North Carolina High School to Community College Articulation Agreement is an agreement between the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction and the North Carolina Community College System. It provides a seamless process that joins secondary and postsecondary Career and Technical Education(CTE) programs of study.
This statewide articulation agreement comprises approximately 50 high school CTE courses that match the knowledge and skills taught in similar community college courses. The articulation agreement ensures that if a student is proficient in his/her high school course, the student can receive college credit for that course at any North Carolina community college. This streamlines the student's educational pathway by eliminating the need to take multiple courses with the same learning outcomes.
Students desiring more information should contact the RichmondCC Registrar or their high school counselor.
The complete list of CTE Articulated credit is located at NC High School to Community College Agreement.
To receive credit, students must enroll at RichmondCC within two years of high school graduation and meet the following criteria:
- Final grade of B or higher in the high school course AND
- Score of 90 or higher on the CTE post assessment
North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics
Students graduating from the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM) may be eligible to receive college credit for some of their completed courses. Official transcripts will be reviewed by the Registrar and Program Coordinator/Department Chair to determine credit. Students interested in such credit must contact the Registrar’s Office.
Standardized Exams
Students can receive non-course credit for certain standardized exams. These exam scores are valid for credit for five years from the exam date.
Advance Placement (AP) Credits
Students may receive college credit if the appropriate score is achieved on the Advanced Placement (AP) examination. Students interested in such credit must have official score reports from the College Board Entrance Examination submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Once received, the Registrar will evaluate and award credit accordingly to enrolled students. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded.
|
AP Exam Name |
Minimum Score Required |
Number of Credit Hours |
Equivalent Course |
|
AP 2-D Art and Design |
3 |
3 |
ART 121 |
|
AP 3-D Art and Design |
3 |
3 |
ART 122 |
|
AP Art History |
3 |
3 |
ART 111 |
|
AP Biology |
5 |
8 |
BIO 111 and 112 |
|
AP Biology |
3 |
4 |
BIO 111 |
|
AP Calculus AB |
3 |
4 |
MAT 271 |
|
AP Calculus BC |
5 |
8 |
MAT 271 and 272 |
|
AP Chemistry |
5 |
8 |
CHM 151 and 152 |
|
AP Chemistry |
3 |
4 |
CHM 151 |
|
AP Computer Science A |
3 |
3 |
CIS 110 |
|
AP Computer Science Principles |
3 |
3 |
CIS 115 |
|
AP Drawing |
3 |
3 |
ART 131 |
|
AP English Language and Composition |
3 |
3 |
ENG 111 |
|
AP Environmental Science |
3 |
4 |
BIO 140/140A |
|
AP European History |
5 |
6 |
HIS 121 and 122 |
|
AP European History |
3 |
3 |
HIS 121 |
|
AP Human Geography |
3 |
3 |
GEO-112 |
|
AP Macroeconomics |
3 |
3 |
ECO 252 |
|
AP Microeconomics |
3 |
3 |
ECO 251 |
|
AP Music Theory |
3 |
3 |
MUS 110 |
|
AP Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism |
3 |
4 |
PHY 252 |
|
AP Physics C: Mechanics |
3 |
4 |
PHY 251 |
|
AP Psychology |
3 |
3 |
PSY 150 |
|
AP Spanish Language and Culture |
3 |
3 |
SPA 111 |
|
AP Statistics |
3 |
4 |
MAT-152 |
|
AP United States Government and Politics |
3 |
3 |
POL 120 |
|
AP United States History |
3 |
3 |
HIS 131 |
|
AP United States History |
5 |
6 |
HIS 131 and 132 |
|
AP World History: Modern |
3 |
3 |
HIS 111 |
|
AP World History: Modern |
5 |
6 |
HIS 111 and 112 |
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Students may receive college credit if the appropriate score is achieved on the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Students interested in such credit must have official score reports from the College Board Entrance Examination submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Once received, the Registrar will evaluate and award credit accordingly to enrolled students. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded.
|
CLEP Exam Name |
Minimum Score Required |
Number of Credit Hours |
Equivalent Course |
|
BUSINESS |
|||
|
Financial Accounting |
50 |
4 |
ACC 120 |
|
Information Systems |
50 |
3 |
CIS 110 |
|
Introductory Business Law |
50 |
3 |
BUS 115 |
|
Principles of Management |
50 |
3 |
BUS 137 |
|
Principles of Marketing |
50 |
3 |
MKT 120 |
|
COMPOSITION AND LITERACY |
|||
|
American Literature |
50 |
3 |
ENG 231 |
|
Analyzing and Interpreting Literature |
50 |
3 |
ENG 131 |
|
College Composition |
50 |
3 |
ENG 111 |
|
College Composition Modular |
50 |
3 |
ENG 111 |
|
English Literature |
50 |
3 |
ENG 241 |
|
Humanities |
50 |
3 |
HUM 211 |
|
HISTORY AND SOCIAL SCIENCES |
|||
|
American Government |
50 |
3 |
POL 120 |
|
History of the US I: Early Colonization 1877 |
50 |
3 |
HIS 131 |
|
History of the US II: 1865 to the Present |
50 |
3 |
HIS 132 |
|
Human Growth & Development |
50 |
3 |
PSY 241 |
|
Introductory Psychology |
50 |
3 |
PSY 150 |
|
Introductory Sociology |
50 |
3 |
SOC 210 |
|
Principles of Macroeconomics |
50 |
3 |
ECO 252 |
|
Principles of Microeconomics |
50 |
3 |
ECO 251 |
|
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near to 1648 |
50 |
3 |
HIS 121 |
|
Western Civilization II: 1648 to the Present |
50 |
3 |
HIS 122 |
|
SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS |
|||
|
Biology |
50 |
8 |
BIO 111 & BIO 112 |
|
Calculus |
50 |
4 |
MAT 271 |
|
Chemistry |
50 |
8 |
CHM 151 & CHM 152 |
|
College Algebra |
50 |
4 |
MAT 171 |
|
College Mathematics |
50 |
3 |
MAT 143 |
|
Natural Science |
50 |
4 |
BIO 110 |
|
Precalculus |
50 |
3 |
MAT 172 |
|
WORLD LANGUAGES |
|||
|
French level I |
50 |
6 |
FRE 111 & FRE 112 |
|
French level II |
59 |
6 |
FRE 211 & FRE 212 |
|
German level I |
50 |
6 |
GER 111 & GER 112 |
|
German level II |
60 |
6 |
GER 211 & GER 212 |
|
Spanish level I |
50 |
6 |
SPA 111 & SPA 112 |
|
Spanish Level II |
63 |
6 |
SPA 211 & SPA 212 |
|
Spanish w/ Writing level I |
50 |
6 |
SPA 111 & SPA 112 |
|
Spanish w/ Writing level II |
65 |
12 |
SPA 111, SPA 112, SPA 211, SPA 212 |
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
Students may receive college credit if the appropriate score is achieved on the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). Students interested in such credit must have official score reports or transcript from DSST submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Once received, the Registrar will evaluate, consult with the Program Coordinator/Department Chair, if needed, and award credit accordingly to enrolled students. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded. Exam equivalencies will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Students may receive college credit if the appropriate score is achieved on the IB examination. Students interested in such credit must have an official transcript from International Baccalaureate submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Once received, the Registrar will evaluate, consult with the Program Coordinator/Department Chair, if needed, and award credit accordingly to enrolled students. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded. Exam equivalencies will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Cambridge International Exam
Students may receive college credit if the appropriate score is achieved on the Cambridge International AS or A Level examination. Students interested in such credit must have an official transcript from Cambridge International submitted to the Registrar’s Office. Once received, the Registrar will evaluate and award credit accordingly to enrolled students. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded.
Grade of E or higher is required on these exams to receive the credits listed below.
|
Exam |
Exam Level Grade E or Higher |
Total Credits |
Equivalent Course |
|
Accounting |
AS Level |
|
No equivalent |
|
A Level |
8 |
ACC-120 & ACC 121 |
|
|
Art & Design |
AS Level |
3 |
ART-111 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
ART-111 |
|
Biblical Studies |
AS Level |
3 |
REL-212 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
REL-211 & REL-212 |
|
Biological Sciences |
AS Level |
4 |
BIO-110 |
|
|
A Level |
8 |
BIO-111 & BIO 112 |
|
Business |
AS Level |
3 |
BUS-110 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
BUS-110 |
|
Chemistry |
A Level |
8 |
CHM-151 & CHM-152 |
|
Classical Studies |
AS Level |
|
No equivalent |
|
|
A Level |
|
No equivalent |
|
Computer Science |
AS Level |
3 |
CIS-110 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
CIS-110 |
|
Drama |
AS Level |
3 |
DRA-111 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
DRA-111 |
|
Economics |
AS Level |
3 |
ECO-151 |
|
|
A Level |
6 |
ECO-251 & ECO-252 |
|
English – Language |
AS Level |
3 |
ENG-111 |
|
|
A Level |
6 |
ENG-111 & ENG-112 |
|
English – Language and Literature |
AS Level |
3 |
ENG-131 |
|
English – Literature |
AS Level |
3 |
ENG-231 |
|
|
A Level |
6 |
ENG-231 & ENG-232 |
|
Environmental Science |
AS Level |
4 |
BIO-140 & BIO-140A |
|
|
A Level |
4 |
BIO-140 & BIO-140A |
|
Geography |
AS Level |
3 |
GEO-110 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
GEO-110 |
|
History |
AS Level European |
3 |
HIS-121 |
|
|
AS Level USA |
3 |
HIS-131 |
|
|
AS Level International |
3 |
HIS-111 |
|
History |
A Level European |
6 |
HIS-121 & HIS-122 |
|
|
A Level USA |
6 |
HIS-131 & HIS-132 |
|
|
A Level International |
6 |
HIS-111 & HIS-112 |
|
Information Tech |
AS Level |
3 |
CIS-110 |
|
|
A Level |
6 |
CIS-110 & CTS-115 |
|
Languages – Foreign |
AS Level |
6 |
Foreign Language Subject 111 & 112 (Example SPA-111 & SPA-112) |
|
|
A Level |
6 |
Foreign Language Subject 211 & 212 (Example SPA-211 & SPA-212) |
|
Law |
AS Level |
|
No equivalent |
|
|
A Level |
|
No equivalent |
|
Mathematics |
A Level |
8 |
MAT-171 & MAT-172 |
|
Mathematics-Further |
A Level |
8 |
MAT-271 & MAT-272 |
|
Music |
AS Level |
3 |
MUS-110 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
MUS-110 |
|
Physics |
AS Level |
8 |
PHY-151 & PHY-152 |
|
|
A Level |
8 |
PHY-151 & PHY-152 |
|
Psychology |
AS Level |
3 |
PSY-150 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
PSY-150 |
|
Sociology |
AS Level |
3 |
SOC-210 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
SOC-210 |
|
Thinking skills |
AS Level |
3 |
HUM-115 |
|
|
A Level |
3 |
HUM-115 |
Portfolio for Life and Work Experience
Students can present prior learning and work experience in a portfolio format to request credit for a specific course required for their program of study. Suggested documentation includes, but is not limited to, resume, certifications, letters of recommendation, and samples of work. The portfolio will be evaluated by members of the College staff and faculty for course credit consideration and recommendation. An interview with the student may be requested. If the portfolio is recommended for credit, it will be submitted to the Vice President for Instruction/Chief Academic Officer for approval.
Proficiency Tests for Credit
Students who can provide tangible evidence of preparation to challenge a course, such as a transcript of similar college-level credits, record of military study, certification or license, standardized test scores, or written statements from employers regarding training or directly related work experience indicating that they may be proficient in a subject, may request Proficiency Credit testing. Because of specific requirements, some courses may not be appropriate for proficiency testing and are excluded from this procedure. A student must have completed any course prerequisites before taking a proficiency exam. A proficiency exam can be taken only once for any course. The student and the student’s Instructor or Department Chair/Program Coordinator determine readiness for a proficiency examination preferably before classes begin but no later than the last day of the drop/add period. A written request must be made to the appropriate Department Chair/ Program Coordinator on the Proficiency Credit form. Students who request Proficiency Credit must enroll as a credit student in the course to be challenged, pay tuition and fees, and attend class until the exam has been successfully passed with a minimum grade of “B.” The Department Chair/ Program Coordinator arranges for the demonstration of proficiency prior to the ten percent (10%) date of the semester. Students who do not pass the proficiency may remain in the class and take it for credit.
Students may not attempt more than ten percent (10%) of the required credit hours or one course, whichever is greater, in their curriculum program by means of Proficiency Credit. Students may not receive credit for elective courses by proficiency examination.
A grade of “X” (Proficiency) will be recorded on the student’s transcript upon successful completion of the exam. Credits earned will be applied toward graduation requirements but will not affect the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). Proficiency Credit cannot be requested for a course which the student previously attempted.
ACA-122
ACA-122, College Transfer Success, provides information and strategies necessary to develop clear academic and professional goals beyond the community college experience. Topics include college policies and culture, career exploration, gathering information on senior institutions, strategic planning, critical thinking, and communications skills. Students are strongly encouraged to take ACA-122 at RichmondCC to gain these skills and to learn about specific RichmondCC policies and procedures.
However, students that have already completed an associate degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution, may receive credit for ACA-122. The student's advisor or a Career and Transfer Advisor will discuss the content in ACA-122 with the student and determine if the student already understands the topics that would be covered. The student's academic plan and career plan should already be established. To receive this credit, a request from an advisor must be made to the RichmondCC Registrar. Credit will apply towards graduation requirements in the student’s curriculum program; however, quality points are not awarded.