Credit for Prior Learning

Procedures for Awarding Credit for Prior Learning from NCTA

University of Nebraska-Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture (NCTA) students may acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need in several ways other than participation in educational programming. Formal education or training programs, either at another postsecondary institution or through military service, provide one avenue for prior learning. Credit by exam provides yet another.

In providing credit for prior learning that has occurred through any of these experiences, NCTA seeks to provide students with opportunities to obtain credit toward the completion of their college educational programming that:

• Recognizes the validity of a variety of prior learning experiences;
• Recognizes the inherent mobility of students, both geographically and between and among postsecondary educational institutions;
• Accelerates the achievement of educational goals while maintaining the integrity of NCTA academic programs;
• Provides flexibility for students by providing multiple ways of gaining credentials needed to move ahead in their careers;
• Leverages prior learning experiences to lessen the cost of duplicative postsecondary education to students, parents and taxpayers; and
• Responds to local economic needs to validate and expedite the training of skilled workers in a variety of technical agriculture fields. Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

Categories of Credit for Prior Learning

A student enrolled in a NCTA may obtain credit for prior learning under the following three categories:

1. Postsecondary credits earned at other colleges;
2. Credit by exam - subject area competency demonstrated by passing a national examination, other semester assessment protocol;
3. Military credit. Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

1) Post-secondary Credits Earned at other Colleges

NCTA shall award credit for prior learning to students who present appropriate documentation of credits earned while attending college. Dual credits, which are defined as college courses, qualify for credit for prior learning under this category. College guidelines shall affirm the full transferability of similar courses and those courses.

NCTA shall honor as fulfilling general education requirements those credits awarded as fulfilling general education requirements. Colleges shall reevaluate credits awarded as fulfilling program course requirements to determine their applicability to new program requirements for students who enroll in a different program within a college. Credit for Prior Learning_2014_… Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

2) Credit by Exam

NCTA shall award credit for prior learning to students who demonstrate subject-area competency through oral, written, performance or practical exam, or by a combination of these methods. National exams include nationally recognized exams in specific occupational areas. Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

Advanced Placement (AP)

The follow Advanced Placement (AP) subject areas and scores are accepted for credit.

Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The follow College Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject areas and scores are accepted for credit.

Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

3) Military Credit

NCTA Policy on Military Credit:

Veteran Student attending Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture may receive military credit through three possible means.

1) A maximum of four credit hours for their active military service. This credit is based on one credit hour for each three months of active duty military service. Applicability of the military service credit toward degree requirements will be made by the Associate Dean’s office.

To receive this credit (1-4 credits) students should request a copy of their DD-214 form be sent to:

NCTA
c/o Vicky Luke
Registration and Records
404 East 7th Street
Curtis, NE 69025-9525 Credit for Prior Learning_2014_… Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

2) Additional credit may be granted for certain schooling completed in the service.

To have additional military credit considered, students are asked to submit official transcripts to the University of Nebraska-Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.

• Soldiers, reservists, veterans, and members of the Army National Guard should order the Army/ACE Registry Transcripting System (AARTS) transcript from https://aarts.army.mil.
• Sailors, Marines, and veterans should order the Sailor/Marine/ACE Registry Transcript (SMART) from https://smart.navy.mil or call toll-free (877) 253-7122.
• Air Force Active Duty, Guard and Reservists or retired or separated Air Force Members may obtain transcripts from the Community College of the Air Force at http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/

This review (2) is to determine if prior education may be used in meeting course to course equivalency and a student’s NCTA degree requirements. Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

3) Also, further credit may be granted, from evaluation of the above transcripts, for general degree requirements. An example of this may be electives.

In addition, evaluations must be initiated by the student and each will be made on an individual basis. Inquiries on credit transfer are to be made to the incoming student’s advisor. Only credit hours, not grades are transferred. Therefore, transferred credit has no effect on a student’s NCTA grade point average. There must be a minimum of 15 credits taken from NCTA for a degree. Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

Process for obtaining Credit for Prior Learning

1. Review the current NCTA catalog, review course requirements and identify any courses that you feel would have relevant, equivalent college level experience.
2. Meet with your academic advisor to discuss the courses and steps for completing Credit for Prior Learning.
3. Determine which method you will use to satisfy the Credit for Prior Learning.
4. Work with faculty advisor determine how training program (including military training, apprentices, and other training) compare to the college’s current course offering(s).

5. Once identified utilize the ACE, AP or CLEP (General Education) system to have external evaluation completed regarding credit for prior learning – crosswalks method.

   a. ACE CREDIT course review steps can be found at:
   http://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/ACE-CREDIT-Course-Review.aspx

6. Once the process is complete send graded standardized/industry test, CLEP, AP, or ACE transcript to “Blue Sheet” and submit to records for final approval. Credit for Prior Learning_2014_…

Credit for Prior Learning Policy
June, 2014; rev. July 2019