Southwestern College awards course credit to students who petition for credit based on a prior learning experience or for satisfactorily passing an assessment deemed equivalent by faculty. This process is referred to as Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

Assessment methods approved for Credit for Prior Learning include the following:

• Credit by Examination
• Early College Credit
• External Exam Credit (AP, IB, CLEP, DANTES)
• Industry Recognized Certification or Licensure
• Prior Military Experience
• Student-Created Portfolio
• Noncredit to Credit

GENERAL INFORMATION

Student must complete and submit the SWC Credit for Prior Learning Student Petition electronically before the end of the sixth (6th) week of the semester or the second (2nd) week of the summer session for the credit to apply in that semester. Petitions submitted past this date will be reviewed for a subsequent semester. Students are not charged a fee to earn credit for a course through Credit for Prior Learning. There could be negative effects to your financial aid or academic progress by earning credit for courses based on prior learning. Also, students who wish to transfer units awarded through credit for prior learning should consult with the institution they wish to transfer to since some institutions have limitations on credits earned through CPL. Students are strongly recommended to consult with a counselor and the Financial Aid Office to discuss options and the implications for earning course credit through Credit for Prior Learning.

REQUISITE CHALLENGES AND PROGRAM REQUIREMENT WAIVERS

Credit for Prior Learning is the award of units for validated and documented prior knowledge. If you would like to receive credit toward a program requirement without earning units, visit the SWC Student Petitions website to learn more.  To use an external examination or industry certification to satisfy a course requisite, please visit the SWC Prerequisites webpage for more information. In rare circumstances students may file a Requisite Challenge Form to provide evidence of knowledge or skill attained outside of academic institutions or in cases where the required course was not made reasonably available. The Challenge Form can be obtained by emailing the Placement and Prerequisites Faculty Coordinator, Ryan Lennon, at jlennon@swccd.edu. The completed form must be returned to the Placement and Prerequisites Center. The Requisite Challenge process can take several weeks, so plan accordingly. 

STUDENT ELIGIBILITY

Students who wish to receive credit for a course through the Credit for Prior Learning process must petition using the SWC Credit for Prior Learning Student Petition available on the college website. To be eligible to be awarded credit for a course through an evaluation of prior learning, the following requirements must be met:

• For all CPL methods the student must be in good academic standing, defined as having a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA in the College District.
• For Credit by Exam, the student must not be on academic probation. 
• The student must have an academic history with the College District (previously earned credit or noncredit from the College District) or be admitted to the College District.  
• Current students must have a student education plan (SEP) on file; however the course(s) a student petitions to earn credit for is not required to be on their SEP.
• The course is listed in the current Southwestern College Catalog at the time of the student petition.
• The student is not currently enrolled in the course they have petitioned for credit.
• The student is not currently enrolled in nor received credit for a more advanced course in the same discipline. This criterion may be waived by the cognizant department.
• The student meets criteria established in the terms of an approved High School / Adult School Articulation Agreement or the a credit for prior learning assessment approved by the SWC Curriculum Committee. 

LIMITATIONS FOR CPL CREDIT APPLICABILITY

• Credits acquired by CPL are not applicable to meeting unit load requirements of Selective Service deferment, veterans benefits, CalWORKs, EOPS (and other special programs) or Social Security benefits.
• Credits acquired by CPL shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence required for an associate degree.
• Credit awarded through CPL may not be used to remove a substandard grade previously received in the same course.
• Credit awarded through CPL may not be used in determining financial aid eligibility, as required by law. Any credits awarded through CPL will be counted toward the maximum unit count under the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy. 
• Credit awarded through CPL does not establish or confirm catalog rights or make a student eligible for continuous enrollment status. 
• Credit acquired through CPL, including AP credit, may not be eligible for use to meet admissions and degree requirements for some programs requiring special admissions, such as nursing, dental hygiene, medical laboratory technology, and others, because of state licensing requirements, grade requirements, or other program considerations. 
• Credit granted by the College District may or may not transfer to other institutions. Students should be advised that the final determination of transfer of credit rests with the receiving institution. High School and Adult School Articulation Agreements must include language that informs students and parents that universities have the discretion to accept or deny any credits awarded under a High School and Adult School Articulation Agreement.
• Southwestern College grants credit for satisfactory completion of external examinations typically recognized by colleges and universities as measuring competencies comparable to those achieved in baccalaureate-level courses or general education areas. The College District allows the award of credit when the faculty and articulation officer have determined an external exam is equivalent to one or more courses or to fulfill a general education area requirement for the associates. Where no direct course or general education area matches an external exam, the College District may award elective credit.
• Credit awarded on the basis of an external exam is not calculated in the student's grade point average.

(Title 5 Section 55002, 55021, 55023 55025, 55050, 55051, 55052, AP 4235 - Credit for Prior Learning)

Awarding Credit for Prior Military Experience 

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Students who wish to receive credit for a course based on prior military experience must first give permission to the SWC Veterans Services Office to request their official Joint Services Transcript prior to submitting the SWC Student Credit for Prior Learning Student Petition. For a complete list of courses available to earn credit by external examination (AP/IB/CLEP/DANTES) review the SWC Catalog External Exams Credit page. 

Per SWC Board Policy No. 4235 Southwestern College conducts an evaluation of all previous education and training of military-affiliated students, and awards credit for prior military experience that is deemed equivalent to Southwestern College coursework. Students may receive up to 30 units of credit that may be used to satisfy general education, core program, or elective requirements. No more than 9 units may be used for elective credit unless approved by the School Dean and discipline faculty. 

Awarding credit for prior military experience will be based on a collaborative process between the Veterans Services Office, the Evaluations Office, and the discipline faculty based on common course description found in the Chancellor's Office for California Community Colleges Common Numbering System (C-ID) and pertinent recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) in accordance with the associate/baccalaureate credit recommendations contained in A Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services published by ACE. Credit may be awarded based on recommendations provided on a Community College of the Air Force transcript (CCAF), and/or the Army and American Council on Education Registry Transcript (AARTS), and/or the Sailor/Marines American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART). Students must provide a copy of their DD-214 or DD-295 to the Veterans Services Office for processing. 

All military service members who have completed their initial active duty recruit training and received an honorable discharge will be awarded the following educational credits:

• 3 college credits applied toward Health Education. Student must submit the SWC Student Petition for Credit for Prior Learning for HLTH 101. 
• 2 college credits applied toward Exercise Science. Student must submit the SWC Student Petition for Credit for Prior Learning for ES/A 220. 

Important: Credits awarded by Southwestern College for military experience will not automatically transfer to another institution. Students planning to transfer to a four-year institution should consult with the individual college or university regarding its military credit policy.

Review the SWC Credit for Prior Learning website for additional courses approved for credit for prior learning assessment after the publication of the catalog. 

(Title 5 Section 55002, 55021, 55023 55025, 55050, 55051, 55052, AP 4235 - Credit for Prior Learning)

Contact: Professor Ryan Lennon, Faculty Coordinator for Placement, Pathways, and Prior Learning, 619-482-6507.

Courses Eligible for Credit for Prior Learning: Prior Military Experience

Course Assessment

Course	Course Title	Assessment Methods	Additional Info
ADN 112L	Foundations of Nursing Practice Lab	Prior Military Experience	ACE ID Number: NV-0703-0008 or NER-HM-006 AND NV-0709-0019
ADN 221	Adult Nursing	Prior Military Experience	ACE Exhibit Number: NV-0709-0019
ADN 221L	Adult Nursing Laboratory	Prior Military Experience	Occupation Exhibit: NER-HM-006 Hospital Corpsman; Independent Duty Corpsman
EHMT 230	Safety and Emergency Response	Prior Military Expereince	ACE ID Number: AF-0802-0036
EHMT 230	Safety and Emergency Response	Prior Military Experience	MOS 8056, Hazardous Material/Hazardous Waste (HM/HW)
ES/A 220	Lifetime Fitness and Weight Management	Prior Military Experience	Students who submit their official Joint Services Transcript to the Veterans Services Office are eligible to receive two units of credit for this course.
HLTH 101	Principles of Healthy Living	Prior Military Experience	Per SWC Board Policy No. 5014 and BP No. 4235 All military service members who have completed their initial active duty recruit training and received an honorable discharge will be awarded three college credits applied toward Health Education.

Awarding Credit for Credit by Examination and Student Portfolio 

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Students who wish to receive credit for a course based on credit by examination must first submit the SWC Credit for Prior Learning Student Petition, unless otherwise directed. Students then work with discipline faculty to complete all examination requirements. Courses must be approved by the SWC Curriculum Committee for students to earn credit by examination. Examinations are conducted and assessed by discipline faculty with support from the school to ensure that the procedures for the administration of this examination/ assessment are followed.

A student may earn credit for a course that is approved for Credit by Examination. A student may not earn credit for:

• Course(s) in which the student has previously enrolled and received credit
• Advanced Placement course(s) for which credit has been received.
• The purposes of removing a substandard grade previously received in the same course.

Other limitations on credit for prior learning are explained in SWC District AP 4235 Credit for Prior Learning. 

Students shall be limited to challenging three (3) courses per semester or one (1) course during the summer. The limitation of three courses per semester does not apply to Credit by Examination through high school / adult school articulation agreement. 

Grading for Credit by Examination shall be according to the regular grading system approved by the Governing Board pursuant to section 55023 except that students shall be offered a “pass/no pass” option if that option is ordinarily available for the course. (i.e. A, B, C, D, F, P, NP). 

Students must have an academic history with the College District (previously earned credit or noncredit from the College District) or be admitted to the College District. For all forms of CPL a student must be in good academic standing (minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA) to be eligible to petition for credit for prior learning.

Review the SWC Credit for Prior Learning website for additional courses approved for credit for prior learning assessment after the publication of the catalog.

(Title 5 Section 55002, 55021, 55023 55025, 55050, 55051, 55052, AP 4235 - Credit for Prior Learning)

Contact: Professor Ryan Lennon, Faculty Coordinator for Placement, Pathways, and Prior Learning, 619-482-6507.

The courses below are eligible for Credit for Prior Learning, and students may petition to earn units.  Contact the Credit for Prior Learning faculty lead, the discipline department chair, or the school for more information. For a complete list of courses available to earn credit by external examination (AP/IB/CLEP/DANTES) review the SWC Catalog External Exams Credit page.

Courses Eligible for Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by Examination and Student Portfolio

Course Assessment

Course	Course Title	Assessment Methods	Additional Info
ADN 112L	Foundations of Nursing Practice Lab	Credit by Examination
ADN 112L	Foundations of Nursing Practice Lab	Student Portfolio
AJ 171	Evidence Technology	Credit by Examination
AJ 288	Forensic Computer Investigation	Credit by Examination
ASL 101	American Sign Language I	Credit by Examination	Requires a preassessment synchronous interview, either in person or online with faculty
ASL 102	American Sign Language II	Credit by Examination	Requires a preassessment synchronous interview, either in person or online with faculty
CI 20	Inspection of Mechanical Construction	Credit by Examination
FIL 101	Elementary Filipino I	Credit by Examination	Requires consultation with faculty prior to submitting a petition
FIL 102	Elementary Filipino II	Credit by Examination	Requires consultation with faculty prior to submitting a petition
FREN 101	Elementary French I	Credit by Examination	Requires consultation with faculty prior to submitting a petition
FREN 102	Elementary French II	Credit by Examination	Requires consultation with faculty prior to submitting a petition
FREN 201	Intermediate French I	Credit by Examination	Requires consultation with faculty prior to submitting a petition
FREN 202	Intermediate French II	Credit by Examination	Requires consultation with faculty prior to submitting a petition
ITAL 101	Elementary Italian I	Credit by Examination
ITAL 102	Elementary Italian II	Credit by Examination
JPN 101	Beginning Japanese I	Credit by Examination
JPN 102	Beginning Japanese II	Credit by Examination
LNT 146	Plant Propagation	Student Portfolio
NC 141	Construction OSHA 10	Credit by Examination
NC 230	Construction Math Refresher	Credit by Examination
NC 231	Introduction to AutoCAD	Credit by Examination
NC 232	MC 3 Multi-Craft Curriculum	Credit by Examination
NC 233	MEWP Mobile Elevating Work Platform	Credit by Examination
NC 234	Forklift Certificate	Credit by Examination
NC 240	Occupational Safety	Credit by Examination
NC 409	Career Readiness	Credit by Examination
NC 410	Job Readiness	Credit by Examination
PORT 101	Elementary Portuguese I	Credit by Examination
PORT 102	Elementary Portuguese II	Credit by Examination
SPAN 101	Elementary Spanish I	Credit by Examination
SPAN 102	Elementary Spanish II	Credit by Examination
SPAN 201	Intermediate Spanish I	Credit by Examination
SPAN 215	Spanish for Bilinguals I	Credit by Examination	Requires consultation with faculty prior to submitting a petition
SPAN 216	Spanish for Bilinguals II	Credit by Examination	Requires consultation with faculty prior to submitting a petition
SPAN 221	Introduction to Literature for Bilinguals	Credit by Examination

Awarding Credit for Industry Certification and Licensure

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Students who wish to receive credit for a course based on an industry-recognized credential, certification, or licensure must first submit the SWC Credit for Prior Learning Student Petition. Students may earn course credit by using an industry-recognized credential(s) as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee and approved by the SWC Curriculum Committee. For a complete list of courses available to earn credit by external examination (AP/IB/CLEP/DANTES) review the SWC Catalog External Exams Credit page.

Review the SWC Credit for Prior Learning website for additional courses approved for credit for prior learning assessment after the publication of the catalog.

(Title 5 Section 55002, 55021, 55023 55025, 55050, 55051, 55052, AP 4235 - Credit for Prior Learning)

Contact: Professor Ryan Lennon, Faculty Coordinator for Placement, Pathways, and Prior Learning, 619-482-6507.

Eligible Courses for Credit for Prior Learning: Industry Certification and Licensure

Course Assessment

Course	Course Title	Assessment Methods	Additional Info
CIS 109	Linux Operating System and Apache Web Server	Industry Credentials and Licensure	Requires students submit an active CompTIA Linux+ certification earned or formally renewed within the last three years of the date of petition
EHMT 230	Safety and Emergency Response	Industry Certification or Licensure	OSHA 40-Hour Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Responser
ELEC 276	Introduction to Security+	Industry Certification of Licensure	Requires students submit an active CompTIA Security+ certification earned or formally renewed within the last three years of the date of petition
LNT 124	Landscape Construction	Industry Certification or Licensure	Student must present a C-27 - Landscaping Contractor License with the petition
NC 40	Basic First Aid and Adult CPR	Industry Certification or Licensure	Student must submit their American Red Cross (ARC) Adult First Aid/CPR/AED certificate that has been earned or renewed within the last three years with their petition
NC 141	Construction OSHA 10	Industry Certification of Licensure	Student must submit a valid OSHA 10‑Hour Construction Industry certification with their petition
NC 233	MEWP Mobile Elevating Work Platform	Industry Certification or Licensure	Student must submit a valid Aerial Lift (Boom Lift / Scissor Lift) Operator Safety Certificate with their petition.
NC 234	Forklift Certification	Industry Certification or Licensure	Student must submit a valid OSHA Powered Industrial Truck (PIT) Certification with their petition

Awarding Credit for Noncredit to Credit  

Students may petition to be awarded credit for a credit course at Southwestern after completing a noncredit course at Southwestern upon successful completion of an additional examination developed by faculty. The student must meet all requirements to be awarded credit.  Students who wish to receive this credit must first submit the SWC Credit for Prior Learning Student Petition, unless otherwise directed. Students then work with discipline faculty to complete all requirements. 

There are currently no credit courses approved for Credit for Prior Learning by completing a noncredit course. 

Review the SWC Credit for Prior Learning website for additional courses approved for credit for prior learning assessment after the publication of the catalog.

Contact: Professor Ryan Lennon, Faculty Coordinator for Placement, Pathways, and Prior Learning, 619-482-6507.

Awarding Credit for Early College Credit 

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High school and adult school students may earn college credit through the Early College Credit program. Agreements between area high schools and Southwestern College in Career Technical Education disciplines are designed to allow secondary school students (attending a high school or attending an adult school) to complete Career Technical Education training and potentially receive college credit. The District and high schools or adult schools enter into agreements based on California regulations and Southwestern College District administrative procedures. For a complete list of courses available to earn credit by external examination (AP/IB/CLEP/DANTES) review the SWC Catalog External Exams Credit page. 

The Request for Articulation Form and supporting documents to initiate the articulation process are available from the designated Southwestern College school dean and shall be completed by high school faculty and supported with high school district CTE director/coordinator approval when requesting articulation. The Southwestern College designated school dean and support staff will review the proposed agreement and consult with the District discipline faculty member(s), District Articulation Officer, and Faculty Curriculum Committee Chair for consideration. The  designated dean and support staff will arrange meetings among appropriate high school and Southwestern College District faculty to clarify issues and develop the agreements. 

Early College Credit credits are indicated on the student’s Southwestern Community College District transcript by a special notation. Unless otherwise specified in the agreement, college credit is granted the fall semester after completion of the class. In order to receive college credit, the following must occur:

• The student must create an account with CCCApply, the common application for the California Community College System.
• The student must complete the Southwestern College application for admission. 
• The student must obtain a Southwestern Community College District student identification number
• The student must earn a “B” or better on the final exam or final project approved by Southwestern Community College District faculty, demonstrating course competency
• The high school / adult school instructor must submit grades  to the SWC Office of Admissions and Records at a date determined by the SWC Admissions and Records office. 

Once these steps are complete, the student college transcript will be notated with the letter grade earned. District fees will not be charged for college units earned through Early College Credit courses. 

IMPORTANT: Credit granted by the Southwestern College through Early College Credit may or may not transfer to other institutions. Students should be advised that the final determination of transfer of credit rests with the receiving institution. Students and parents should contact an institution where the student would like to apply Early College Credit to know that institution's policy.

Contact: Corayma Gallegos at 619.421.6700 ext. 5498 for more information. 

Review the SWC Credit for Prior Learning website for additional courses approved for credit for prior learning assessment after the publication of the catalog. 

Eligible Courses for Credit for Prior Learning: Early College Credit

Course Assessment

Course	Course Title	Assessment Methods	Additional Info
ARCH 101	Introduction to Architecture and Environmental Design	Early College Credit	Sweetwater UHSD
ART 159	Graphic Design - Layout	Early College Credit	Sweetwater UHSD
ART 205	Beginning Digital Photography	Early College Credit	Altus Schools
CL 120	Computer Literacy	Early College Credit	Sweetwater UHSD
LNT 94	Sprinkler System Installation Maintenance and Repair	Early College Credit	Grossmont UHSD
MUS 124	Introduction to Mariachi Performance I	Early College Credit	Sweetwater UHSD