Credit for Prior Learning
Students may be able to receive credit for learning they have received outside of a traditional classroom environment. This type of learning experience can be evaluated and mapped to LCCC credit courses, shortening the time to degree completion. Students need to be currently enrolled and the course(s) they are petitioning for prior learning credit must be relevant to their program of study. Some fees may apply where noted, and Financial Aid may not be applied to prior learning credit awarded.
Credit for prior learning is a type of transfer credit and students may utilize up to 50% of their course credit requirements from transfer credit. Prior learning course credit equivalencies may not be transferrable to other institutions but can be used toward degree completion at LCCC.
Get started today by reviewing the various paths to receive credit for prior learning!
Questions can be emailed to [email protected].
LCCC utilizes the system to process student requests to earn prior learning credit from work and/or life experience. Two types of evaluation are offered:
ePortfolio Development - In this method, students build an ePortfolio where they can demonstrate how their experiences have led them to develop proficiency in the course goals and learning outcomes indicated on the course syllabus. Students may also be asked to upload supporting documentation, such as training transcripts, letters from supervisors, workplace samples and/or job descriptions.
LCCC Challenge Exam - In this method, students sit for an exam, developed by LCCC faculty, which is comprehensive and covers all course goals and learning outcomes indicated on the course syllabus. Students must take the exam in-person with a Faculty Assessor and earn a minimum grade of 70%.
For both methods, students must upload a current resume and personal statement/essay. The cost for each method is $150.00 per course, payable within CCFastTrack, and due prior to ePortfolio development or Challenge Exam.
If you think your work and/or life experience qualifies you for prior learning credit, review the approved courses below and head to to begin a petition!
Approved Courses for ePortfolio and LCCC Challenge Exam
LCCC recognizes a number of national and international examination programs for which students may receive credit. The College Board administers the Advanced Placement (AP) examinations at the secondary level and the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Examinations are also available through the DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) program, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, and the Cambridge International (CI) program. Exams have been evaluated and recommended by the American Council on Education and approved for credit by LCCC and align with Pennsylvania Department of Education requirements.
Students who have successfully completed an exam must send their official transcripts from the examination program to the Academic Affairs Office for review.
Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard and Air Force Military Training
Military personnel are eligible to have their military experience and training evaluated for transfer credit. Credit may be awarded for military training that has been evaluated by the American Council on Education and assigned a recommended credit value when the training is directly related to the student's program of study. Students must submit their Military Service Records (DD 214) and Official Joint Services Transcript to the Academic Affairs Office for review.
Military courses and trainings are continually evaluated, please check for updates.
Air Force service members should request transcripts from and/or the college they attended.
LCCC recognizes non-credit career focused education programs as valuable educational experiences as they apply to your program of study. Students who have successfully completed approved non-credit programming at LCCC are able to articulate the skills and knowledge attained for college credits. Course equivalencies for the approved non-credit programming are maintained by the Academic Affairs Office and official transcripts are required for evaluation.
LCCC accepts certain recognized certifications as college credit equivalencies as they apply to a student's program of study. Students must provide proof of current certification and/or official scores or transcripts. The Academic Affairs Office maintains a list of currently approved certifications and the associated course equivalencies. All requests should be initiated with and approved by the academic Department Chairperson, or their designee.
Students holding Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR or certain Emergency Medical Service (EMS) certifications should contact the EMS Department directly at 1-800-377-5222 extension 7628 or 570-740-0628 for details on course equivalencies and related costs.
High school students can earn college credits at Luzerne County Community college for their program of study (major). Get a head start on your college career and be prepared for in-demand, high-wage careers. You can save money on college tuition and earn your degree faster. Make an appointment with your guidance counselor to find out what courses are accepted by LCCC.