Credit for Prior Learning Services

Some high schools offer classes at a level equivalent to first year university classes in the United States.  Other high school classes include the option to take advanced placement examinations through a national standardized examining body. Andrews University grants credit for qualifying scores on the following exams, when an original transcript is provided from the examining organization:

• Cambridge International website - email for AU Pre-U equivalents
• College Board Advanced Placement Program website & AU APP equivalency table
• International Baccalaureate (IB) - email for AU IB equivalents
     Higher level exam scores of 4+ for ACE or elective requirements; higher level exam scores of 5+ for major requirements
• A-Level Passes - Advanced Standing by Country (equivalency table coming)
    Up to 10 credits may be awarded for each A-level pass, for major, minor, ACE or elective requirements
• European Advanced Standing - Advanced Standing By Country (equivalency table coming)
     Up to 32 credits may be articulated from advanced high school examination grades earned in European countries such as Great Britain/UK, France, Germany, Switzerland, Norway and Sweden, and countries where the education system closely follows the British or French high school completion standards. Student should alert advisors to their European high school completion before their first registration to avoid taking classes for which credit may be articulated once the international evaluation is complete.

Completing a national or standardized exam listed as assessing outcomes for a particular college or university course is an efficient way to earn college credit for what you have learned through personal study, work or life experience.  While CLEP is most common in the USA, DSST and UEXCEL transcripts are also recognized.  Other national or international exams may also qualify, so discuss your prior learning with your academic advisor in your first term.  

• College Level Examination Program website &  AU CLEP equivalency table
• DANTES Subject Standardized Test website & AU DSST equivalency table
• Excelsior College UEXCEL website  & AU UEXCEL equivalency table

Steps to Taking Exams and Getting Credit Recorded:

1. Discuss credit options with your academic advisor before or during your first semester at Andrews University.  Prior learning assessments should be completed early, and must be done before the last term in your program of study.
2. Look up exams using the links above. Carefully review what is tested to be sure you have prior learning that you could quickly review and do well on comprehensive exam. Then review the Andrews University equivalency table (links above) to see which course would be articulated for a qualifying score.  
3. Register online to take an exam at any recognized testing center listed on the examining body's website (links above).  CLEP exams may be taken at the Andrews Counseling and Testing Center, located in Bell Hall 123, phone 269-471-3470.
4. Prepare to take the exam, using the official review materials and other sources such as khanacademy.org  or free MOOCs and online classes (for example, see Modern States classes listed with each CLEP exam). 
5. Request an original transcript sent directly to Undergraduate Admissions, 4150 Administration Drive, Berrien Springs, MI 49104.  Scores at or above the Andrews University minimums (see tables) will be articulated, visible on your university academic record linked through your IVUE page.

A limited amount of credit may be earned through departmentally constructed written, oral or skill assessments, or nationally formed professional examinations administered by the department. For example, modern language and biblical knowledge may be assessment by departments to waive some general education requirements.

• Contact the department chair for specific information.
• Learn more about departmental exams at Andrews University

Special assessments may also be taken for reasons other than earning credit. Certain published curricular or degree requirements may be waived, or transfer credits from an unaccredited college or training program may be validated through special examinations. For further information, contact the dean of the respective school.

Andrews University may recognize college-level learning through professional development and training which led to certification, classes or testing recognized by entities such as:

• The American Council on Education (ACE) - nationally recognized evaluator of nontraditional studies, including professional certifications, military training, standardized exams, unaccredited course providers
• The National College Credit Recommendation Service - translates noncollegiate learning into college credits

Students may apply for prior learning assessment of personal achievements and professional expertise where no standardized or departmental examination is available. 

• Credit may be granted for on-the-job training, community-service activities, non-credit classes, and/or special accomplishments which provide evidence of learning aligned with specific class outcomes.
• Evaluations are done on a course-by-course basis through portfolios including reflections on what was learned and documentation of college level learning aligned with specific class outcomes.
• Talk with your academic advisor first, then work with the Prior Learning Coordinator to determine whether an Andrews University faculty evaluator is available or working through CAEL is best
• An prior learning portfolio may be submitted after completing twelve or more college credits and prior to completing the last twelve credits in a program of study. 
• The portfolio development process is more successful when a portfolio course is taken prior to developing the portfolio. Andrews University recognizes and recommends the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning's portfolio development class, LearningCounts. Register online for the course, which includes evaluation of as many portfolios as you submit within the class registration period.  Request a CAEL transcript sent to Undergrad Admissions for articulation of passing grades.
• Review the Andrews University steps to portfolio development and assessment.