Assessment of Prior Learning

Rhode Island College makes every effort to acknowledge college-level learning that has taken place outside of formal college classrooms.

The college has instituted a procedure for granting undergraduate credit for prior college-level learning achieved through experience, such as employer-sponsored or armed service–sponsored training, community service, self-education, relevant work assignments, or artistic development. Limited credit will be granted only for documented learning that is clearly germane to the student’s degree program, not for experience per se. The basis for granting credit will be a portfolio of documentation prepared by the student with the guidance of the college.

The college accepts the results of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and armed services testing programs (DANTES) and makes use of the guide prepared by the American Council on Education (ACE) and other sources that contain evaluations of a wide variety of training opportunities sponsored by the armed services, business, industry, and labor communities.

Returning adult students, especially those who have been in the armed services, who have participated in apprenticeship or other extensive training programs, or who have held positions of responsibility, are encouraged to apply for assessment of their prior learning. Applications are available in the offices of the academic deans.