Prior Learning Credit
Prior Learning Policies
This policy applies to the following:
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- United States Department of Defense’s Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support Program (DANTES)
- Excelsior College Examination
The policy below is in compliance with SEA 331 requiring the adoption of a policy to award educational credit to prior-service personnel who complete College-level Examination Program (CLEP) exams, the Department of Defense’s Defense Activities for Non-Traditional Education Support Program (DANTES) exams, or Excelsior College Examinations that meet our educational institution’s role, scope, and mission.
Prior Learning Credit may be established by taking the subject matter examinations (CLEP/DANTES/Excelsior) and having an official score report sent with the qualifying exam and score to the Office of Admissions. Please note that not all exams offered through CLEP, DANTES or Excelsior College Examinations have equivalencies or are accepted at Purdue University Northwest. Required scores and equivalent credit are published in the University Catalog and on the website. Pursuant to the Indiana Code, all credit awarded based upon the Equivalent Credit matrix applies to the individual’s undergraduate degree requirements if the student enrolls and their prior learning credit is comparable and applicable.
Deans and department heads are responsible for maintaining quality and assuring that tests are articulated to courses by properly documenting and evaluating that it is appropriate for the level of degree awarded, and substantially equivalent on a regular basis. Each department head is responsible for determining the maximum number of credit hours that are able to be applied to the degree based upon residency requirements and pre-requisite course work required for the individual’s desired degree program.
In addition to examinations, Purdue University Northwest accepts credit from regionally accredited institutions for college level classes in which the student has received a grade of C- or better. Transfer courses are evaluated by an Academic Advisor on an individual basis by program of study to determine how credits will apply towards the plan of study and graduation requirements. Purdue University Hammond accepts a maximum of 90 credits toward a baccalaureate degree from other regionally accredited colleges and universities.
Students and faculty are able to view established transfer course credits through our Online Transfer Equivalency System. This system compares Purdue University Northwest course credits with that of other colleges and universities. If a course(s) is not listed in the report, this does not necessarily mean that the course is not accepted, it simply means that this course may not have been articulated. Transfer credit is subject to departmental acceptance and distribution and equivalencies can be changed at any time. The distribution and applicability of equivalencies and UND credit toward degree requirements are determined by the academic department responsible for the individual’s desired major.
Military Education Statute Defined
IC 21-42-7
Chapter 7. Military Education
IC 21-42-7-1
“Military service”
Sec. 1. As used in this chapter, “military service” means service performed while an active member of any of the following:
(1) The armed forces of the United States.
(2) A reserve component of the armed forces of the United States.
(3) The National Guard.
As added by P.L.57-2012, SEC.1.
IC 21-42-7-2
Credit for military service courses
Sec. 2. Each state educational institution shall adopt a policy to award educational credit to an individual who:
(1) is enrolled in a state educational institution; and
(2) successfully completes courses that:
(A) are part of the individual’s military service;
(B) meet the standards of the American Council on Education, or the council’s successor organization, for awarding academic credit; and
(C) meet the state educational institution’s role, scope, and mission.
As added by P.L.57-2012, SEC.1.
IC 21-42-7-3
Rules
Sec. 3. The commission for higher education shall adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 that establish uniform guidelines for state educational institutions to follow when implementing the requirements under section 2 of this chapter.
As added by P.L.57-2012, SEC.1.
Costs are associated with nearly all credit by exam. Registration and fee information is available via each exam’s webpage. Cost differs by exam, and waivers may be available for some depending upon military status.
In addition to exam cost, testing centers may charge a nominal administration fee. As with cost information, testing sites for each exam can be found at the specific exam’s webpage. Purdue University Northwest is a certified test site for CLEP exams, and charges a $25.00 administration fee per exam.
Transcription fees are institution- and exam-specific. Questions regarding transcript fees for Purdue Northwest should be directed to the Office of Admissions at 219-989-2213.
Purdue University Northwest accepts credit by exam for Advanced Placement, Cambridge, CLEP, DANTES, ECE and International Baccalaureate exams. Use the following tables to determine your equivalencies.
Contact Information
Questions regarding eligibility, transcription or acceptance of Advanced Placement, CLEP, ECE or DANTES credits, please contact the Office of Admission at (219) 989-2213 or admissions@pnw.edu.
Questions regarding applicability of credit by exam for a specific college major or plan of study should be directed to your academic advisor. Find your advisor here.
Questions regarding availability or scheduling of an exam can be directed to Testing Services at (219) 989-2504 or testingcenter@pnw.edu.
Learning Equivalences
Purdue University Northwest accepts credit by exam for Advanced Placement, CLEP, DANTES, ECE and International Baccalaureate exams.
See Learning Equivalencies