Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is academic credit that is awarded to students who can successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You could have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree.
Credit for prior learning (CPL) assessment is $50 per lecture credit and $100 per laboratory credit.
Our assessments are formally created by faculty or the department and are available in our online learning platform, D2L Brightspace. Assessments take a combination of skills approach. Students may be asked to test, demonstrate, and write to show their learning is college level and is equivalent to the course they are assessing. Students will also be asked to provide pieces of evidence for their learning.
| DCTC PLA Offered | Class Equation | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ABCT 2106 | Collision Damage Repair/Replacement | 6 |
| ABCT 2108 | Unibody/Frame/Wheel Alignment I | 4 |
| ABCT 2212 | Unibody/Frame/Wheel Alignment II | 6 |
| ADMS 1018 | Basic Computer Applications | 3 |
| BUSN 1000 | Foundations of Management | 3 |
| BUSN 1020 | Management Effectiveness | 3 |
| BUSN 1022 | Leadership | 3 |
| BUSN 1260 | Managing Customer Service | 1 |
| ENG 1200 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| HDDT 1212 | Preventive Maintenance | 4 |
| HDDT 1223 | Truck A/C | 3 |
| HDDT 2101 | Drive Train I | 6 |
| HDDT 2107 | Drive Train II | 4 |
Our institution provides credit for successful scores on several CLEP exams. The following table lists the exam(s) for which credit is granted, the required score, and the equivalent course you would bypass.
Accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities, CLEP® exams let students show their mastery of college-level material in introductory subjects. With a qualifying score on any of the 33 CLEP exams, students can earn three or more credits and place out of the corresponding course.
CLEP study materials can be found on the CLEP website: clep.collegeboard.org/practice. Access sample test questions, exam topics, and other suggested study resources.
Modern States – Free online prep courses
Modern States Education Alliance is a non-profit is intended to let students earn up to one year of college credit without tuition or textbook expense. Modern States offers 30 high quality prep courses, taught by some of the world's leading universities and professors. Each course includes online lectures, quizzes, tests, and other features. Textbooks and materials will also be provided online, free of charge.
The courses are designed to prepare students for the major “Advanced Placement” (AP)* or “College Level Examination Program” (CLEP)* tests offered by the College Board, including subjects such as History, Computer Science, Math, English and Economics.
Once you have completed the prep course with Modern States you can then Request a CLEP Voucher from the Modern States website for a free CLEP exam.
Before you take a CLEP exam, review your college's CLEP policy to understand:
When you register for a CLEP exam, request that a copy of your score report be sent to your college. After receiving your score, the college will decide whether or not to award you credit for, or to exempt you from, one or more courses based on its CLEP credit policy.
STEP ONE: Decide which exam is right for you.
STEP TWO: Register online through the CLEP website: clep.collegeboard.org/register.
STEP THREE: Call the nearest test center to schedule your exam.
Administration Fee: $20 (paid to the test center)
CLEP Exam Fee: $87
(Includes Active Duty/ Reserves/National Guard): There's no exam fee for the first attempt of each CLEP test, but you may have to pay the college's administration fee. If you test at a fully funded test center, the administration fee is waived. Military personnel must present military ID. Check the CLEP website for eligibility requirements: clep.collegeboard.org/military.
DSST is an internet-based training program that allows you to earn college credit. Dakota County Technical College offers more than 30 different DSST exams. Each exam is scored individually and includes the option to retake after three months if needed. Minimum score is different on each test. Tests are pass/fail. There is no limit on the number of tests you may take per MN State. Residency requirements must be met.
DCTC is a DSST Fully Funded test center. Eligible military service members, civilians and eligible spouses may have the administrative fee waived.
Two forms of ID are required to test. Candidates must bring a valid Geneva Conventions Common Access Card (CAC) and a U.S. Government or State-issued Photo ID to the test site on test day before they can test. For questions regarding eligibility for DANTES-funded testing, contact exams@navy.mil.
View the DSST Equivalency Chart
DCTC will not limit the total number of credits a student may earn through AP examinations. However, credits earned through AP are not resident credits and will not be used to satisfy resident credit requirements for graduation. Students must provide DCTC with an official report of AP scores in order to receive credit. Visit https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/ for more information.
| AP Examination | Minimum Score for Awarding Credit | Equivalent DCTC course or MTC goal area | Semester credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| ARTS | |||
| Art History | 3 | GOAL 6 | 6 |
| Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio | 3 | GOAL 6 | 6 |
| Studio Art: 2-D Design Portfolio | 3 | GOAL 6 | 6 |
| Studio Art: 3-D Design Portfolio | 3 | GOAL 6 | 6 |
| Music Theory | 3 | GOAL 6 |
Score 3 = 3 credits Score 4 = 5 credits |
| Music Aural Subscore | 3 | GOAL 6 | 6 |
| Music Non-Aural Subscore | 3 | GOAL 6 | 6 |
| ENGLISH | |||
| English Language & Composition | 3 | ENGL 1150 | 6 |
| English Literature & Composition | 3 | ENGL 1550 | 6 |
| HISTORY & SOCIAL SCIENCE | |||
| Comparative-Government & Politics | 3 | GOALS | 3 |
| European History | 3 | GOALS 5 & 8 | 6 |
| Human Geography | 3 | GOAL | |
| Economics: Macro | 3 | ECON 1200 | 3 |
| Economics: Micro | 3 | ECON 1100 | 3 |
| Psychology | 3 | PSYC 1105 | 4 |
| U.S. Government & Politics | 3 | GOALS | 3 |
| U.S. History | 3 | HIST 1100 | 6 |
| World History | 3 | GOAL 5 | 6 |
| MATH & COMPUTER SCIENCE | |||
| Calculus AB | 3 | GOAL4 | 4 |
| Calculus BC | 3 | GOAL4 | 8 |
| Calculus BC: AB Subscore | 3 | GOAL4 | 8 |
| Statistics | 3 | MATS 1251 | 3 |
Many industry trainings and certificates that can potentially be worth credit. Our faculty have examined the credential in their area and have aligned them to DCTC courses. If you have any of these credentials that will also align with the program you are taking at DCTC, fill out the form provided and present a copy of your current-non-expired certificate or training.
| Crosswalk Offered | Class Equation | Crosswalk credits |
|---|---|---|
| Nursing Assistant | HEAL 1060 | 5 |
| Child Development Associate Certification | ECYD 1110, ECYD 1215 | 6 |
| Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) | ISTC 1015 | 3 |
| CompTIA A+ | ISTC 1010 | 3 |
| CompTIA Net+ | ISTC 1045 | 3 |
| Microsoft MCSA 70-410 | ISTC 2035 | 3 |
| Cisco CCENT | ISTC 1045, ISTC 2006 | 6 |
| Cisco CCNA | ISTC 1045, ISTC 2006, ISTC 2011, ISTC 2016 | 12 |
| ISC CCFP | ISTC 2071 | 3 |
| CompTIA Security+ | ISTC 1061 | 3 |
| Associate Professional in Human Resources (APHR) | BUSN 1101, BUSN 1150 | 6 |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) | BUSN 1210 | 3 |
| Certified Supervisor (CS) | BUSN 1000 | 3 |
| Certified Manager (CM) | BUSN 1000, BUSN 1010, BUSN 1040 | 9 |
| Professional in Human Resources (PHR) | BUSN 1101, BUSN 1121, BUSN 1130 BUSN 1141, BUSN 1150 | 14 |
| Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) | BUSN 1101, BUSN 1121, BUSN 1130 BUSN 1141, BUSN 1150 | 14 |
| Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) | BUSN 1101, BUSN 1121, BUSN 1130 BUSN 1141, BUSN 1150 | 14 |
| Certified Professional (SHRM-CP) | BUSN 1101, BUSN 1121, BUSN 1130 BUSN 1141, BUSN 1150 | 14 |
1300 145th Street E., Rosemount, Minn. 55068-2999 | Phone 651-423-8000 | Toll-free 877-937-3282 | TTY 800-627-3529
A member of Minnesota State.
DCTC is an affirmative action, equal opportunity, employer and educator.
