Credit for Prior Learning
Evaluation by Assessment
The Evaluation Credit by Course and/or Assessment (ECA) option provides a mechanism for evaluating the college-level learning of students with varied backgrounds, who can document some combination of credit courses, assessments (which may include standardized test scores) and other certificates of training.
Evaluation Credit by Certificate/License (ECC)
Students with a professional training certificate or license may be eligible for credits toward a degree or certificate. Students seeking credit submit original documentation for evaluation by faculty experts, complete an application, and pay a fee. Credit awards are supervised and documented by CAS.
Evaluation Professional Education Course Competency (EPE)
The Evaluation Non Credit Competency (EPE) option provides a mechanism for evaluating the college-level learning of students with varied backgrounds, who can document some combination of courses, assessments (which may include standardized test scores) and other certificates of training. This evaluation is used in non credit programs only for students seeking "competency" in a non credit course.
Evaluation Credit by Portfolio (ECP)
Students may earn course credit toward a degree or certificate by submitting written documentation of college-level learning acquired through work, education, or personal experiences. CAS personnel assist eligible students to prepare portfolios, which describe and document competencies that are equivalent to those that a specific course is designed to teach. CAS and a Faculty Review Committee evaluate student-prepared portfolios. If a written presentation is not appropriate, CAS staff advise students of other options. Students may prepare portfolios for personal growth or to earn credit for required or elective courses in their programs of study. Credit awards are supervised and documented by CAS.
Evaluation Credit by Examination
National Exams
Students may earn credits toward their degrees by passing national standardized examinations. North Shore Community College faculty have evaluated specific test content to determine course equivalencies and cut-off scores for credit. CAS is an official test center for College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DSST credit may also be awarded for Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations and New York University/Brigham Young University Language Proficiency Examinations.
Challenge and Departmental Exams
Students may petition to take North Shore Community College faculty-prepared examinations for courses that are not included in national examination programs. Standardized Challenge Exams for academic credit or course waiver are offered for a grade of PC. Departmental Examinations may be arranged with the approval of specific academic departments. Prospective testers request approval to test and meet with the faculty member who will administer the test to learn about content and format.
Evaluation by Internal Articulation (ECI)
Non Credit to credit options by Internal Departmental/Articulation agreements allow certain non-credit courses and certifications to be evaluated for academic credit.
Evaluation of Military Experience and Education for Academic Credit (ECM)
North Shore Community College proudly supports its comprehensive VALOR Act Academic Credit Evaluation Policy for our veteran and active-duty military students. We recognize the value of the many foundational training and leadership learning experiences provided by the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Veteran and active-duty students may be eligible to receive academic credit for these experiences through CAS. Military Education and experience is evaluated as college-level learning as it applies to a student’s chosen program of study or as an elective.
Seal of Biliteracy Credit Award Program
Speakers of English as an Additional Language who enroll at North Shore Community College can earn up to 12 college-level credits through the Seal of Biliteracy in any assessed language as indicated on a student's high school transcript. Students can earn 12 college credits with the Seal of Biliteracy with distinction and 9 college credits with the Seal of Biliteracy.