Regional Accreditation Standards
The following standards from the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) are relevant to Academic Credit for Prior Learning.
1.C.8 Transfer credit and credit for prior learning is accepted according to clearly
defined, widely published, and easily accessible policies that provide adequate safeguards
to ensure academic quality. In accepting transfer credit, the receiving institution
ensures that such credit accepted is appropriate for its programs and comparable in
nature, content, academic rigor, and quality.
2.C.1 The institution’s transfer-of-credit policy maintains the integrity of its programs
and facilitates the efficient mobility of students desirous of the completion of their
educational credits, credentials, or degrees in furtherance of their academic goals.
2.C.3 The institution’s academic and administrative policies and procedures should
include admission and placement policies that guide the enrollment of students in
courses and programs through an evaluation of prerequisite knowledge, skills, and
abilities to ensure a reasonable probability of student success at a level commensurate
with the institution’s expectations. Such policies should also include a policy regarding
continuation in and termination from its educational programs, including its appeal
and re-admission policy.
State Guidelines
Guidelines for Prior Learning Assessment are available from the Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges.
For more on Non-Traditional Credits Policy & Guidelines, please see the Current Course Catalog.