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Credit for Prior Learning

Suffolk County Community College awards credits for prior learning to support adult learners’ progress towards a degree as they return to college.

We recognize that learning can take place in both formal and informal settings and offer a variety of ways for you to get the credit you deserve.

There are several opportunities for adult learners to demonstrate proficiency for course learning and translate it into earned credits.


ACTFL Language Proficiency Certificate

The ACTFL Language Proficiency Certificate is accepted at Suffolk County Community College. More than 80 foreign languages are available to test in.

More information on ACTFL


Challenge Exams

Challenge examinations provide an opportunity to demonstrate that a student meets course learning outcomes through a college exam developed by faculty in the discipline. Credit is granted for successfully passing the exam.

The following courses offer challenge exams. Please note that challenge exams are not available for all courses.

  • ASL 101: American Sign Language I (3)
  • ASL 105: American Sign Language II (3)
  • HSC 112: Safety, First Aid and CPR (3)
  • HSC 126: Emergency Medical Care I (7)
  • HVA 121: Refrigeration & AC Systems (3)
  • HVA 122: Electricity for HVAC/R (2)
  • HVA 141: Heating Systems (4)
  • MUS 122: Music Theory I (Diatonicism) (3)
  • MUS 123: Aural Skills I (2)
  • MUS 124: Piano I (2)
  • MUS 126: Music Theory II (Diatonicism Cont.) (3)
  • MUS 127: Aural Skills II (3)
  • MUS 128: Piano II (2)

Students with prior knowledge in the above listed courses should contact cpl@sunysuffolk.edu to inquire about the Challenge Exam Application Form. The Challenge Exam fee in the amount of $250 is due prior to the exam.


College Level Examination Placement (CLEP)

The College Board's College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a credit-by-examination program. These exams allow individuals to demonstrate their mastery of college-level material in introductory subjects while earning college credit. Individuals can earn credit by receiving qualifying scores.

The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations are administered on all three SUNY Suffolk campuses.

Learn more about CLEP


Suffolk County Fire Academy

Certain Suffolk County Fire Academy courses are accepted for credit at Suffolk County Community College. For more information, please contact the Transfer Office.


TECEP® Test for APS-1000-TE

Students with prior experience in medical field may receive credit for HSC110 Medical Terminology course utilizing a standardized test offered by TESU.

More information on TECEP


Veterans

Veterans may receive credit for prior learning based on approved equivalencies available for review at the Office of Veterans Services.

More information for Veterans


Other Credit for Prior Learning Opportunities

Students may also transfer Advanced Placement credits, International Baccalaureate credits, foreign credentials, certain professional certificate credits, and more. Please visit the Transfer website for more information.