Prior Learning Credits
What is Prior Learning Credit (PLC)?
New Jersey City University values the diversity of its student body, recognizing the importance of their previous academic achievements, life experiences, and work history. Our Prior Learning Credit program offers students the opportunity to gain college-level credits for their relevant knowledge and skills.
New Jersey City University accepts up to 45 prior learning credits (PLC) as outlined in our policy below. Areas of PLC include, but are not limited to, external exams, professional training, licenses or certifications, academy credits, continuing education, internal challenge exams, and portfolio assessments. For more information, please visit the Undergraduate Prior Learning Credit Policy.
Please reach out to Transfer@njcu.edu with your full name and NJCU Gothic ID# and list what type of Prior Learning Credit you are interested in and we give you a full review of eligibility. The more detailed your request, the better!
- The maximum total number of credits a student may earn from all forms of Prior Learning Credits is 45 credits.
- The maximum number of Examination and Certification credits is 45 credits.
- The maximum number of Portfolio review credits is 30 credits.
- Only courses from the pre-approved Course Equivalency Guide are eligible to be awarded credit through Prior Learning Credits.
- Courses that contain lab co-requisites are eligible to be awarded upon approval of the appropriate department chair. The student learning outcomes must be sufficiently satisfied based on the artifacts submitted.
- No credits are awarded for courses in progress, already completed or graded on the NJCU transcript or transfer evaluation. Some exceptions may be applied, please contact the Transfer Resource Center for more information.
- Prior Learning Credits do not impact a student’s GPA and/or residency requirements of the university or major department.
- Prior Learning Credits are awarded as transfer credits.
- All documentation, certifications, licenses, work experience, must be from within the last 10 years to be considered for credit eligibility.
- Regardless of the number of credits earned through Prior Learning Credits, a student is still required to complete their General Education Program and Major course requirements to graduate.
- Only active, degree-seeking students are eligible for prior learning credits
- Prior Learning Credits will not appear on transcripts until after the completion of one full semester at NJCU.
Credit by Exam
College Level Examination Programs (CLEP) credits are granted for exams passed with a score of 50 or higher, although specific requirements may vary by exam. For detailed information about eligible courses and the minimum score requirements for each exam, please consult the CLEP Exam Equivalency Guide.
CLEP exams can be taken either online or in-person at a location of your choice.
Before registering for a CLEP Exam, it's important to contact the Transfer Resource Center at Transfer@njcu.edu. This step ensures that you are eligible for additional credits and verifies that the specific exam you wish to take aligns with your academic goals. All official scores must be requested from CollegeBoard and sent directly to NJCU for evaluation. Please allow 1-3 weeks for the delivery of scores. After completing an exam, email Transfer@njcu.edu with your full name, NJCU Gothic ID number, the exam you completed, and the date of the exam.
Explore all available CLEP exams
CLEP Voucher Opportunities:
STEP 1: Complete online module for a CLEP exam with Modern States
STEP 2: After completing and passing module, then you can request a voucher here.
Credits are granted for AP exams with scores of 3 or higher. For detailed insights into eligible courses and their respective minimum score requirements, please refer to the AP Exam Equivalency Guide.
To be eligible for credit evaluation, students must arrange for their official test scores to be sent from CollegeBoard.
For instructions on how to request your official scores, please visit Sending AP Scores.
ACTFL offers several versions of language proficiency exams, each designed to assess different levels of language skills. To understand the specific types of tests available and to decide which one aligns with your needs, please consult the ACTFL Information Sheet for detailed descriptions of each exam. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Types of ACTFL Exams:
There are multiple variations of each language test that a student can take to be awarded credits. Please see the ACTFL Information Sheet for descriptions of each type of examination. Pricing is subject to change.
- Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
- Oral Proficiency Interview by computer (OPIc)
- Writing Proficiency Test (WPT)
- Listening Proficiency Test (LPT)
- Reading Proficiency Test (RPT)
Registration Guide:
Please see the attached ACTFL Registration Guide on how to register for an exam. Please submit official scores to the Transfer Resource Center for consideration. Once a student completes the exam, please email Transfer@njcu.edu with your full name, NJCU Gothic ID#, which exam you took, and the date you took the exam.
Credit is awarded based on official examination results from the NYU Language Proficiency Exam Office.
Credit is awarded based on American Council on Education credit recommendations.
Courses completed on a Higher Level (HL) with a minimum score of 5 are eligible to be awarded transfer credit. Students must submit an official transcript for an evaluation to be completed.
Up to 30 credits can be awarded for A level exams successfully passed with a grade of C or above. Credit is not awarded for Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level, Ordinary (O) level, or IGSCE exams. Students must submit an official transcript for an evaluation to be completed.
Other Prior Learning Credit Opportunities
Military Credit:
Students are required to submit a Joint Services transcript, or Form DD295, DD214. Credits allowed will be based on recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE) and National College Credit Recommendation Services (National CCRS, formerly National PONSI) and will correspond to subject areas offered at the University.
Certifications for Credit:
Students looking to receive credit for certificate completion must provide certificates (CPA, Fire Academy, EMT, Police Academy, etc.) and any other documents to the Transfer Resource Center for review. These documents will be sent to the appropriate departments and/or dean’s office for assessment. A filled out Prior Learning Assessment Form must also be submitted. Credits earned from certifications range from 3 or more college-level credits.
Portfolio Assessment:
Students may be eligible for college-level credits for prior work and life experience. Students must compile together a portfolio which should contain, but not limited to, a student’s most up-to-date resume, any additional certifications that they hold, examples of work accomplished, as well as anything that may strengthen their position for assessment. This portfolio will be sent to the appropriate departments and/or dean’s office for assessment. A filled out Prior Learning Assessment Form must also be submitted.
NJ Plan:
New Jersey Prior Learning Assessment Network (NJ PLAN) is a consortium of New Jersey colleges and universities partnering to provide the opportunity for their students to earn credit toward their degrees through Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). New Jersey City University is a proud member of this organization and its initiatives. Please reach out to the NJCU Transfer Resource Center and NJ Plan’s Website for additional information.