Academic Credit for Prior Learning
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.
AP EXAM tO TCC EQUIVALENCY GUIDE
If you have taken an AP exam contact the College Board to request your AP exam scores be sent to TCC Enrollment Services for processing.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
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.
Cambridge International (CI)
In order to retrieve your Cambridge International Scores we will need Centre Number, Candidate Number and the relevant exam series. Please email credeval@tacomacc.edu with this information.
Cambridge International Equivalencies
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
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.) CLEP Score Reports
Send an official copy of your CLEP Score Report to:
Tacoma Community College
Attn: Enrollment Services
6501 South 19th Street
Tacoma, WA 98466Tacoma 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.
ACPL: INDUSTRY CERTIFICATION REQUEST
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 170Comprehensive Medical Terminology
Coding for Professional Services5
5Child Development Associate (CDA)
- Contact ECE Program Chair if certificate is expired.
ECED& 107 and
ECED& 120Health Safety and Nutrition
Practicum Nurturing Relationships
5
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:
SBCTC Policy 4.10.40 Academic Credit for Prior Learning
Academic Credit for Prior Learning Policy
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