About Transfer Credit and Prior Learning
CCAC recognizes credit earned in several ways, including college coursework in high school, transferred credits from other institutions, standardized subject tests, and various industry and agency training and certifications. Advanced standing credits may be obtained in a variety of ways.
Transfer of Credits
If a student intends to apply college courses taken elsewhere to a degree at CCAC, the student must request an official transcript from those colleges and apply for advanced standing. See the Transferring Credits to CCAC for instructions on sending official transcripts. Transcripts become the property of the Community College of Allegheny County and will not be returned. CCAC does not provide copies of transcripts from other secondary and postsecondary institutions.
If advanced standing is approved for college credit, it will be entered into our student information system as preliminary, and will be posted to the CCAC transcript once the student has completed at least one course for college credit at CCAC. These courses will not be listed on the student's transcript until one course has been successfully completed at CCAC. Only CCAC credits are calculated into the CCAC grade point average (GPA).
See more information on requesting transfer credit evaluations.
Advanced Placement Exams (AP)
AP provides high school students with the opportunity to take college-level courses and take the AP exams for college credit or advanced placement.
- To review CCAC's AP Credit-Granting Policy, see CCAC AP Credit Equivalencies
- To learn how AP works, logon or create an account at College Board/AP
- An official AP Score Report must be submitted to CCAC in order for credits to be granted.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers you the opportunity to receive college credit for what you already know. Earn qualifying scores on any of the 33 introductory-level college subject examinations.
- To review CCAC's CLEP Credit-Granting Policy, see CCAC/CLEP Course Equivalents
- To learn how and where to take a CLEP test, logon or create an account at College Board/CLEP
- When registering for a CLEP test, choose to report your score to "CC of Allegheny County" (Any Campus).
DSST (Formerly Dantes)
The nationally recognized DSST Program helps you receive college credits for learning acquired outside the traditional classroom through a suite of more than 30 exams.
To review CCAC's DSST Credit-Granting Policy, see CCAC/DSST Course Equivalents
To learn how and where to take a DSST test, logon or create an account at DSST/getcollege credit.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Exams
Completion of International Baccalaureate (IB) exams with a specified minimum score may award credit for college coursework. Students must submit IB Score Report to registration@ccac.edu.
To review CCAC's IB Credit-Granting standards, see CCAC/IB Course Equivalents
Credit by Examination (CBE)
Students in good standing who feel they can demonstrate knowledge equivalent to what is taught in a college class may petition the appropriate academic dean for the privilege of taking a special examination for college credit.
If a student wishes to challenge a course for which there is no standardized test, the student will contact the appropriate academic department at CCAC to inquire as to whether or not a test is offered for credit. The course must be listed in the CCAC college catalog and available at the campus. A student may not challenge a course that he/she has already completed, or for which he/she is currently registered. A student may only challenge and test once for any given course.
- If a test is available, obtain permission to test from the Academic Dean at your campus. The Dean may recommend another form of evaluation for prior learning assessment (CLEP or Portfolio). Once permission is granted, the student must schedule and take the test within 60 business days.
- If the student successfully passes the exam, the appropriate course and credits will be posted to the transcript. If a student is new to CCAC, the credit will not be posted to the transcript until at least one course for college credit is completed at the college. The grade earned will not be calculated into the Grade Point Average (GPA).
- A fee equal to the tuition for one credit is charged.
Military Coursework & Training
If students have taken courses in the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) or American Council of Education (ACE) approved military training, they may apply to have these tests/courses count toward credit graduation at CCAC. CCAC recognizes and will grant credit for relevant coursework/training completed per the JST (Joint Services Transcript).
An official Joint Services Transcript must be submitted to the college for evaluation. Our Military and Veterans Services Office can request on your behalf, or you can request that your JST transcript be delivered electronically to the CCAC Registrar.
For details on the JST program, including the procedure for transcript requests, please visit: JST System or Joint Services Transcript.
Portfolio Review Through College Credit Fast Track (PLA)
Credit For Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Students who have completed programs at regional Career and Technical Centers may earn college credit in a related program at the Community College of Allegheny County. Made possible through the Perkins Career & Technical Education Grant, CCAC has established credit transfer (articulation) agreements that allow well-qualified Career & Technical high school graduates the opportunity to earn between 3 and 12 college credits for the programs they completed in high school. Program pathways have been created that meet the criteria for PA SOAR (Students Occupationally and Academically Ready) or CCAC STAR (Students Technically and Academically Ready) articulation agreements with each Career and Technical Center.
For details and application procedures, see Perkins Grant Credit Transfer Agreements.
Advanced Standing for Certifications or Training
Selected CCAC programs offer advanced standing for a variety of licensures, certifications or training programs.
For any of these advanced standings, students must submit proof of certification/ completion to the Director of Registration at your campus. Credit will be awarded in a preliminary status. Upon completion of at least one credit, approved courses will be posted to the student's official academic transcript.
| Licensure or Training | Program(s) of Study | Advanced Standing |
|---|---|---|
|
Federal Aviation Administration FAA certifications |
Aviation Management, Aviation Technology, Private Pilot |
Based on specific FAA certifications, students may either waive or receive college credit for specific certifications. See the Aviation Course Matrix: Advanced Standing - FAA Aviation Certifications. |
|
IT Certifications |
Computer Information Technology, Information Technology Support, Software Development, Cybersecurity |
Various certification programs are recognized by CCAC as having the equivalent knowledge of certain CIT courses, and can be used to meet the prerequisites of other courses or advanced standing towards the requirements of a degree or certificate. Includes credit for CIT100 through ICDL testing, available at Goodwill's private licensed school.
|
|
Act 120 Police Training Certificate |
Criminology and Criminal Justice |
CCAC students who have completed the Police Training Certificate will be awarded 15 credits as follows:
|
|
Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections |
Criminology and Criminal Justice, Homeland Security |
CCAC students who have completed the Basic Training curriculum offered by the Allegheny County Bureau of Corrections will be awarded nine credits as follows:
|
|
State Certified Police Academy |
Criminology and Criminal Justice, Homeland Security |
Completion Certificate from a State Certified Policy Academy will be awarded:
|
|
Culinary Arts, Bidwell Training Center |
Culinary Arts |
Students may receive up to 15 credits in Culinary Arts. See Advanced Standing - Bidwell Culinary Arts. |
|
Culinary Arts, Community Kitchen Pittsburgh |
Culinary Arts |
Students may receive up to 15 credits in Culinary Arts. See Advanced Standing - Community Kitchen Pittsburgh. |
|
Child Development Associate (CDA) |
Early Education & Child Development |
Candidates with a CDA from Trying Together may receive advanced standing for 9 credits ECD courses. See Advanced Standing CDA Trying Together. |
|
Pennsylvania School Age Professional Credential (SAPC) |
Early Education & Child Development |
Candidates with a SAPC from Trying Together may receive advanced standing for 9 credits ECD courses. See Advanced Standing SAPC Trying Together. |
|
PA Firefighter 1 Certification |
Fire Science |
PA Firefighter 1 certification will be awarded:
|
|
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) |
Health Information Technology |
HIT students who have completed the CPC (Certified Professional Coder) certification will be awarded 3 credits for:
|
|
American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) |
Health Information Technology |
HIT students who have completed the CRC(Certified Risk Adjustment Coder) certification will be awarded 3 credits for:
|
|
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) |
Health Information Technology |
HIT students who have completed the CCS (Certified Coding Specialist) certification will be awarded 6 credits for:
|
|
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) |
Health Information Technology |
HIT students who have completed the CHDA (Certified Health Data Analyst) certification will be awarded 3 credits for:
|
|
Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA) |
Health Information Technology |
HIT students who have completed the CRCR (Certified Revenue Cycle Representative) certification will be awarded 3 credits for:
|
|
Licensed Physical Therapist/Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant |
Massage Therapist |
Students who have a valid Physical Therapist or Physical Therapist Assistant license from the state of Pennsylvania will be awarded 20 credits for:
|
|
Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) |
Massage Therapist
|
Students who have a valid Registered Nurse license from the state of Pennsylvania will be awarded 14 credits for:
|
|
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) |
Nursing |
Students applying for the LPN-RN transition program must have a current, valid LPN license from the state of Pennsylvania at the time of application.
|
|
PA Real Estate License |
Paralegal |
Students who have a Real Estate license from the state of Pennsylvania (years 2019+) will be awarded 5 credits for:
Students who have a Real Estate license from the state of Pennsylvania (years 2018 and prior) will be awarded 4 credits for:
|
|
PA Emergency Medical Technician Certificate |
Paramedic |
PA Certified EMT will be awarded: HLS 203 - Emerg Medical Services/Health Services Orient (3 Credits) |
Upon review of the competency-based curricula of the Pittsburgh Job Corps, advanced standing will be awarded to students who successfully complete the Job Corps training programs listed below. Applicants for advanced credit must meet CCAC requirements for admission and register as a CCAC student. Applicants must submit official high school transcripts, related test results, plus an application for credit by articulation within two years after completing coursework at Job Corps. Students who do not meet the minimum grade requirement of the articulation may apply for credit by examination.
|
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning |
10 credits in HAC 201 and HAC 202, pending successful completion of HAC 101 at CCAC with minimum grade of B. |
|---|---|
|
Plumbing Technology |
4 credits in PLT 204 pending successful completion of at least one credit in Plumbing at CCAC with minimum grade of C. |
|
Facilities Maintenance Technology |
1 credit in MMT 131 pending successful completion of at least one credit in Facilities Maintenance at CCAC with minimum grade of B. A copy of OSHA 10 card must be submitted with application. |
CCAC awards credit for completion of certain non-credit programs and/or coursework, applied to specific credit degree programs. Includes credit for completion of workforce program courses in mechatronics, renewable energy, ASL, US Steel welding courses, and EMT certification.
Proof of completion is required by the Director of Registration at your campus.
| CCAC Non-credit Course (completion of) | # of credits awarded | CCAC Credit Course Equivalent(s) (Course # & Title) | Applies to CCAC Program/Major | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
XGH-301 Mechatronics |
17 |
MEC-108 Programmable Logic Controllers 1 (PLC) EGR-170 Fluid Power Systems MEC-156 Motors & Motor Controls EET-103 Introduction to Electronics |
300 Electronic Engineering Technology 723 Mechatronics, cert 722 Mechatronics, A.S |
|
|
XGC-600 EMT Certification |
3 |
FSA Restricted Elective |
330 Fire Science Administration |
Accepted for 3 credits of a restricted elective. |
|
XGC-599 Emergency Medical Responder |
3 |
FSA Restricted Elective |
330 Fire Science Administration |
Accepted for 3 credits of a restricted elective. |
|
XEN-100 Renewable/Alternative Energy Technologies Program Tier 1 |
4 |
EGR-130 Introduction to Renewable Energy Systems |
490 Green & Sustainable Building Design |
|
|
XGM-905 American Sign Language - Educational Settings XGM-910 ASL - Written Test Preparation for Interpreter XGM-912 ASL - Special Populations XGM-913 ASL - Performance Test Preparation for Interpreters XGM-914 ASL - Team Interpreting XGM-918 ASL - Working with Individuals XGM-920 ASL - Knowledge Test Preparation for Interpreters |
4 |
TP-206 Interpreter Ethics |
915 ASL Interpreting |
All 7 courses combined are equivalent of the 4-credit course listed. |
|
XGM-902 American Sign Language - Interpreting Basics XGM-906 ASL - Sign to Voice XGM-909 ASL - Voice to Sign XGM-921 ASL - Interpreting Voice to Sign |
3 |
ITP-105 Introduction to Interpreting |
915 ASL Interpreting |
All 4 courses combined are equivalent of the 3-credit course listed. |
|
XUS-030 Welding I - Shielded Metal XUS-057 Welding II - Piping - Advanced XUS-059 Welding III - MIG & Stainless XUS-061 Welding 1 - Carbon Steel XUS-063 Burning & Tack Welding XUS-179 Welding Structural Extension |
9 |
WLD-101 Welding Fundamentals WLD-102 Advanced Welding WLD-201 Preparation for Welding Certification |
316 Welding |
All 6 courses combined are equivalent of the 3 credit courses listed for 9 total credits. |
|
XUS-084 Electric Motor Theory XUS-085 Electrical Motor Controls XUS-142 Electrical Print Reading XUS-149 Basic Electricity 1 XUS-154 Basic Electricity 2 XUS-155 Basic Electricity 3 XUS-183 Electrical Transformers XUS-187 Hydraulics XUS-194 AC/DC Fundamentals |
4 |
EET-103 Introduction to Electronics |
300 Electronic Engineering Technology 723 Mechatronics, cert 722 Mechatronics, A.S. |
All 9 courses combined are equivalent of the 4-credit course listed. |
|
XGH-319 Certified Production Technician (CPT) |
6 |
MEC-100 Mechatronics Safety & Quality MEC-102 Mechatronics Industrial Processes |
723 Mechatronics (Cert) 722 Mechatronics (A.S.) |
CPT is a credentialed Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certification |
|
XGH-322 Manufacturing Technician Level 1 (MT1) |
6 |
MEC-107 Manufacturing Tech: Math/Tec/Reas MEC-109 Manufacturing Tech: Proc/Cnt/Qu |
723 Mechatronics (Cert) 722 Mechatronics (A.S.) |
|
Corporate training can be evaluated for the awarding of college credit, based on American Council on Education (ACE) recommendations. The Director of Registration and Advisement may consider training and certifications that hold ACE recommendations for the awarding of equivalent CCAC credit courses. Official proof of certification or completion of training is required by the Director of Registration and Advisement at your campus.
| Licensure or Training | Program(s) of Study | Advanced Standing |
|---|---|---|
| McDonalds Corporate Training |
Business Food Service Management |
Students completing McDonalds Corporation management training can receive college credit for:
For detailed equivalencies, see Advanced Standing - McDonalds Corporate Training. |