Tacoma Community College recognizes that learning happens both inside and outside
the classroom. Through Academic Credit for Prior Learning (ACPL), students can earn
college credit for knowledge and skills gained through work experience, credit by
testing and industry certifications. ACPL is a clear and efficient pathway for adult
learners and working professionals to accelerate their career advancement and achieve
educational goals sooner. By awarding credit for demonstrated expertise, TCC helps
students save time, reduce educational costs, and make the most of their prior achievements
on the journey toward a degree or certificate.
Advanced Placement (AP)
Tacoma Community College grants credits to entering first-year students who have earned
scores of 3 or higher on the Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) Advanced Placement
Tests. Students who wish to receive advanced placement credits must send their ETS
test scores to Enrollment Services credential evaluators for evaluation. The number
of credits and grades of ‘S’ recorded for all courses for which credit is granted
will be noted on the transcript. Advanced placement credits fulfill either distribution
or elective requirements for an associate degree.
The chart linked below represents course equivalencies awarded for each International
Baccalaureate (IB) exam score. All community and technical colleges in Washington
recognize these score equivalencies. Students interested in transferring to a four-year
university should check the requirements of their target school to determine the best
way to use their IB exam credits.
In order to retrieve your Cambridge International Scores we will needCentre Number, Candidate Number and the relevant exam series. Please emailcredeval@tacomacc.eduwith this information.
Tacoma Community College grants up to 30 credits for CLEP. To be eligible for CLEP
credit, students must be actively enrolled at Tacoma Community College at the time
credit is requested. CLEP credit will not be awarded for any course in which a student
has previously earned academic credit and a grade.
Transferring to a University or a Different College?
Students are solely responsible for verifying whether CLEP credit awarded by Tacoma
Community College will be accepted by their intended transfer institution. Policies
vary by college and university, and TCC does not determine or guarantee transfer acceptance
to a different school. Students should obtain confirmation from the transfer institution
before taking a CLEP exam and submitting a request for credit through TCC.
CLEP ASSESSMENT
CLEP SCORE
TCC CREDITS AWARDED
College Composition
50 or higher
ENGL& 101 English Composition I
Introductory Sociology
50 or higher
SOC& 101 Introduction to Sociology, (5credits)
Spanish Language
50 or higher
SPAN& 121, SPAN& 122, SPAN& 123 Spanish I, II and III, (15 credits max.)
Spanish Language
68 or higher
SPAN& 221, SPAN& 222, SPAN& 223 Intermediate Spanish I, II, III, (15 credits max.)
German Language
50 or higher
GERM& 121, GERM& 122, GERM& 123 German I, II and III, (15 credits max.)
German Language
68 or higher
GERM& 221, GERM& 222, GERM& 223 Intermediate German I, II and III, (15 credits max.)
Send an official copy of your CLEP Score Report to:
Tacoma Community College Attn: Enrollment Services 6501 South 19th Street Tacoma, WA 98466
Tacoma Community College offers credit for industry certifications. The following
professional trainings have been evaluated and qualify for college credits. To be
eligible for credit a student must either be currently enrolled in classes or have
earned three or more credits at TCC.
Complete the ACPL Industry Certification form linked below to submit certification/documentation
of completion.
If you do not see your certificate listed, inquire with your department regarding
the possibility of getting it reviewed and added to this list. Department Chairs or
Deans interested in adding to this list, email registrar@tacomacc.edu.
Certification
Score
Course Number at TCC
Course Title
Credits
Certified Professional Coder
American Academy of Professional Coders
HIT 105 HIT 170
Comprehensive Medical Terminology Coding for Professional Services
5 5
Child Development Associate (CDA)
ECED& 290
Practicum: Nurturing Relationships
2
MOS-Outlook
700+
CU 108
Outlook
2
MOS-Word
700+
CU 102
Word I
2
MOS-PowerPoint
700+
CU 104
PowerPoint
1
MOS-Excel
700+
CU 103
Excel I
3
Students may have sufficient knowledge to pass a comprehensive exam demonstrating
that they have the same skills and knowledge as a student who has taken a class. If
students feel they possess this level of knowledge, they may elect to take a course
challenge exam.
There is a $7.90 fee per credit associated with course challenge exams.
Not every course can be taken via challenge exam. If you wish to take a challenge
exam, speak to a faculty member to determine if the course is eligible.
Activity courses may not be challenged.
Courses taken previously at a regionally accredited institution may not be challenged.
Courses previously audited at Tacoma Community College may not be challenged.
ENGL& 101 cannot be course challenged. Any course challenge approvals are at the discretion
of the department chairs.
Public high school graduates who have received a Seal of Biliteracy may obtain a maximum
of 10 college credits. Additional information is available regarding the Washington State Seal of Biliteracy by visiting SBCTC.
Examples of credit awarded include:
Spanish: Accepted as SPAN& 121 and SPAN & 122
German: Accepted as LANG 901 and LANG 901
Other world languages may also qualify.
All world languages are suitable to assess for the Seal, including Classical languages
(Latin, Sanskrit, Ancient Greek), American Sign Language, and Tribal languages. However,
computer science or programming languages do not count toward world language credits.
For additional resources on Academic Credit for Prior Learning:
