Credit for Prior Learning

Graduation may be closer than you think! At DCC, we recognize the value of learning that happens outside the classroom — and we have a process to help you get credit.

Earn Credit for What You Already Know

There are many different ways to learn. Perhaps you've completed professional development training, done a lot of volunteer work, been in the military or attended a previous college or technical school. As a degree- or certificate-seeking (matriculated) DCC student, you may be eligible to receive proficiency credit that can help you earn your certificate or degree sooner!

What is Credit for Prior Learning?

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) — also referred to as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) — is the process DCC uses to evaluate and formally recognize college-level knowledge and skills gained outside of formal higher education. You may qualify for CPL if you've acquired substantive knowledge from work and life experiences. Credits granted in this manner are called proficiency credits, which will show on your transcript as a J grade and can be used to satisfy graduation requirements. 

Sounds Like Me! What's Next?

CPL Process

1. First things first. You must matriculate. To be eligible for CPL, you'll need to apply for admission and be accepted into a DCC certificate or degree program. 
   
   
2. Once you've confirmed you are matriculated into a degree or certificate program at DCC, you can set up a meeting with our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Coordinator who will walk you through the process.
   
   
3. When you meet with the PLA Coordinator, you'll select one of the CPL Pathways below and submit any necessary documentation or complete an examination. 
   
   
4. After you submit your CPL petition fee ($30/credit*), a faculty member will review your submission.
   
   
5. You will either be granted proficiency credit(s), which will appear on your transcript, or you will be given constructive feedback and help figuring out next steps. If you are granted proficiency credit(s), you will pay the remaining tuition balance ($39/credit).

Fees

CPL Petition Fee*	$30 / credit
Assessment Fee **	$39 / credit
TOTAL	$69 / credit

*CPL petition fee is non-refundable 
**Assessment fee payable upon award of credit

More Information

CPL Pathways

DCC currently offers 4 pathways to earn proficiency credit through CPL. You'll work with our Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator who'll help you determine your CPL pathway(s) and the documents you'll need to submit.

Proficiency Articulation Agreements

If you've completed coursework or training at one of our partner institutions or organizations, you may be eligible to receive college credit toward your DCC certificate or degree. Below is a list of our current proficiency articulation agreements. Please note that credit is not guaranteed; contact our Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator to learn more.

Dutchess BOCES

BOCES Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
Construction Trades I & II	ARC 105	3	Architectural Technology, A.A.S. (ARC) Construction Technology Management, A.A.S. (CNS)
Nursing Assistant	MSO 102	3	Phlebotomist, Certificate (PDC)
Early Childhood Education	ECH 999	3	Early Childhood, A.A.S. (ECH)
Graphic Design I and II	ART 140	3	Visual Arts - Transfer, A.S. (VAT)
Introduction to Health Occupations Program	PBH 101	3	Public Health A.S. (PBH)
Video/Film Production I and II	COM 101	3	Communications and Media Arts, A.S. (COM)
Security & Law I and II	CRJ 101 and CRJ 141	6	Criminal Justice - Public and Private Security, A.A.S. (CRJ)
Security & Law I and II	CRJ 141	3	Criminal Justice - Transfer, A.S. (CRT)
Construction Electricity	PHS 115	4	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, Certificate (ACR)
Cosmetology I and II	BUS 999	6	Business Management, A.A.S. (BUS) Hospitality & Tourism, A.A.S. (HNT)
Esthetics I and II	BUS 999	6	Business Management, A.A.S. (BUS) Hospitality & Tourism, A.A.S. (HNT)
Animal and Plant Science	BIO 999	3	Liberal Arts and Science, A.S. (LAX)
Culinary Arts	BUS 999	3	Hospitality and Tourism, A.A.S. (HNT)
Fashion & Merchandising	BUS 162	3	Business Management, A.A.S. (BUS)
Fashion & Merchandising	ART 148	3	Visual Arts, A.S. (VAT)
HVAC I and II	ACR 101 and ACR 102	13	Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, Certificate (ACR)

Ulster BOCES

BOCES Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
Aviation Program	AVI 101 and AVI 111	5	Pilot, A.S. (AVI)
Culinary Arts Program	BUS 107 and BUS 999	6	Hospitality and Tourism, A.A.S. (HNT)
Carpentry Program	ARC 105	3	Architectural Technology, A.A.S. (ARC)

Orange-Ulster BOCES

BOCES Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
Aviation Program	AVI 111	1	Pilot, A.S. (AVI)
Aviation Program	AVI 101	4	Pilot, A.S. (AVI)
Emergency Medical Services Program	EMB 105 or HED 134	6  or 3	General Studies, A.S. (GSP)
Exercise Science & Personal Training Program	WFE 101 and ESW 203	6	Exercise Science & Wellness, A.S. (GSP)

Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES

BOCES Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
Cosmetology Program	BUS 999	6	Business Management, A.A.S. (BUS)
Architecture/Engineering Program	ARC 104 and ARC 113	2	Architectural Technology, A.A.S. (ARC) Construction Technology Management, A.A.S. (CNS)
Child Development & Education I & II Program	ECH 999	3	Early Childhood, A.A.S. (ECH)

Questar (Rensselaer-Columbia-Greene) BOCES

BOCES Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
Aviation Program	AVI 101 and AVI 111	5	Pilot, A.S. (AVI)
Construction Technologies Program	ARC 105	3	Architectural Technology, A.A.S. (ARC) Construction Technology Management, A.A.S. (CNS)

Western Suffolk BOCES 

BOCES Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
Aircraft Drone Technology Program	AMT 109, AMT 110, AMT 111, AMT 112 and AMT 113	17	Airframe & Powerplant Technician, Certificate (APT)

Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy

DCLEA Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
DCLEA Graduation Certification	CRJ 101, CRJ 107, CRJ 141, CRJ 206, CRJ 253, CRJ 265, WFE 101, BHS 262, SPE 101 and HED 134	30	Criminal Justice - Public and Private Security, A.A.S. (CRJ) Criminal Justice - Transfer, A.S. (CRT)

Arlington Central School District

Arlington High School Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
Accounting and/or Business Course	ACC 101, ACC 204, BUS 102 and BUS 107	14	Business Management, A.A.S. (BUS) Business Administration - Transfer, A.S. (BAT)
Early Childhood Education Course	ECH 102	1	Early Childhood, A.A.S. (ECH)
Nutrition & Wellness Course	BIO 122	3	Exercise Science & Wellness, A.S. (GSP)

East Syracuse Minoa Central High School

Arlington High School Course	DCC Course	Credits	Major
Aviation Program	AVI 101, AVI 111	5	Pilot, A.S. (AVI)