NNMC recognizes that many adult learners may have gained college-level knowledge and/or competencies through both professional and life experiences which have the potential to be incorporated into their academic programs. NNMC's Guidelines to award Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), sometimes referred to as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), describe methods used by NNMC to provide currently enrolled students with an avenue to document professional and prior learning experiences for credit consideration. This option enables students the opportunity to complete degrees faster and at a lower cost.
Credit can be awarded for prior learning based on multiple factors, subject to academic department approval and submission of proof of prior learning experience. Students must complete the Prior Learning Credit Portfolio Application Form and submit the nonrefundable fee(s) to the cashier. The fee for submitting a portfolio for Prior Learning Credit is $100 per credit hour (example, $300 for a 3-credit hour course). This fee is nonrefundable regardless of approval decision.
When a student submits the Prior Learning Credit Portfolio Application form (with a copy of the receipt) to the department chair for final authorization, the chair will assign two faculty reviewers for each portfolio submission. Maximum credit hours cannot exceed 30 credit hours for bachelor’s degrees and 15 hours for associate degrees. These limits apply to all methods of earning prior learning credits (such as CLEP, Locally-developed Exam, and Portfolio). Students may earn prior learning credit for general education, support courses, program specific courses, and elective courses.
NNMC offers a number of options for currently enrolled students to earn credit for prior learning. For a full explanation of these options, eligibility criteria and the application process, please see the Credit for Prior Learning Guidelines in the link below.