How can I get course credits for what I already know?

This requires gathering all of your school, work, and living experience to see what credits you can get without having to take certain courses. You can also take examinations that earn credits in certain subjects. All of this can reduce the time for earning your degree or certificate.

There are five basic ways of getting credit for what you know. Here's what you need to do:

1. Challenge Exams
   Students who believe they have knowledge comparable to what would be gained by successful completion of a particular course at the College may, in some cases, obtain credit for that course by passing a “challenge examination.” Normally such examinations are standardized examinations available through the Bismarck State College testing center. In the absence of a standardized examination, a department may arrange for a special examination. Not every course may be challenged, but many are eligible.
   View More Information on BSC's Challenge Exam Policy and Procedures.

2. CLEP
   Bismarck State College awards college credit for successful completion of CLEP examinations. Since CLEP policies vary from institution to institution, students are advised to review the CLEP policies of the institution they plan to transfer to before they write any CLEP exams.
   The following guidelines apply to BSC:
   
   1. Credits may be awarded only to enrolled or former BSC students.
   2. New students must have transcriptable course work entered on a BSC academic record prior to recording CLEP credit.
   3. CLEP credits have neither letter nor numerical grades assigned. Thus, will not be used to compute a student’s grade point average.
   4. Credits will not be granted if a student has previously enrolled in coursework covered by CLEP examinations.
   5. CLEP credits earned while attending BSC usually transfer to other colleges and universities. However, BSC does not assume responsibility for the transferability of CLEP credits.
   6. A maximum of 30 semester hours of CLEP credit may be applied to any degree, diploma, or certificate program at BSC.
   7. Credits earned through CLEP do not meet BSC residence requirements.
   8. Students must earn a score of at least the 50th percentile to obtain college level credit at BSC.
   9. Duplicate credit will not be awarded for overlapping exams.
   10. CLEP exams can be repeated after 6 months using regular registration procedures.
   11. The number of CLEP credits awarded are equal to BSC course credits.

   Procedure: See BSC Catalog for procedure and exams available.

3. Portfolio
   Bismarck State College recognizes that adults often come to school with a great deal of experience and knowledge gained outside a formal academic setting. Students may document the extent of their experiences and knowledge by building a portfolio. Those who are interested in exploring the possibility of earning college credit for what they already know will be asked to complete a credit course designed to guide students through the portfolio process. Click these links for more information:
   •  Prior Learning Assessment
   •  Getting Credit for Experience

4. Transfer Credit
   Upon entering the degree program, you will be asked to provide official transcripts from your high school and all colleges that you have attended. These will be evaluated for general education courses that transfer and apply towards the degree. When the evaluation is complete, you will receive notification and you can review the transfer information online. If you have questions about the potential transfer of your technical classes after the evaluation is complete, please contact your advisor.

5. Military Training Programs
   BSC awards college credit for selected and successfully completed military training programs as outlined in the "Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Forces," prepared by the American Council on Education. The number of credits awarded will be based on evaluation and recommendation of BSC Registrar's staff and the appropriate department chairperson. Credits awarded for completion of military training can be used only as elective credits towards an associates degree at Bismarck State College Eligible students must submit official documentation (dates, locations, course titles, identification numbers, and other supporting information) for evaluation. Click these link for more information:
   •  MilitaryTrainingPrograms