Credit for Prior Learning
Graduation may be closer than you think! At DCC, we recognize the value of learning that happens outside the classroom — and we have a process to help you get credit.
Earn Credit for What You Already Know
There are many different ways to learn. Perhaps you've completed professional development training, done a lot of volunteer work, been in the military or attended a previous college or technical school. As a degree- or certificate-seeking (matriculated) DCC student, you may be eligible to receive proficiency credit that can help you earn your certificate or degree sooner!
What is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) — also referred to as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) — is the process DCC uses to evaluate and formally recognize college-level knowledge and skills gained outside of formal higher education. You may qualify for CPL if you've acquired substantive knowledge from work and life experiences. Credits granted in this manner are called proficiency credits, which will show on your transcript as a J grade and can be used to satisfy graduation requirements.
Consider CPL if you:
- have extensive work, volunteer or military experience
- hold current certifications, licenses or industry credentials, or
- have completed professional training programs
Sounds Like Me! What's Next?
CPL Process
- First things first. You must matriculate. To be eligible for CPL, you'll need to apply for admission and be accepted into a DCC certificate or degree program.
- Once you've confirmed you are matriculated into a degree or certificate program at
DCC, you can set up a meeting with our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Coordinator who will walk you through the process.
- After you've met with the PLA Coordinator and gathered your documentation, you'll
pay the required $35 CPL application fee, either online or by downloading and submitting the payment form.
- Your application will be reviewed, and you will either be granted proficiency credit(s) or given constructive feedback and help figuring out next steps.
More Information
CPL Pathways
DCC currently offers 4 pathways to earn proficiency credit through CPL. You'll work with our Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator who'll help you determine your CPL pathway(s) and the documents you'll need to submit.
Demonstrate your experience and familiarity with the material covered in a particular course by building an e-Portfolio documenting your work.
The following courses are currently approved for student petition:
Chemical Dependency Counseling (CDC)
CDC 103 - Chemical Dependency Counseling Practicum I (2 cr.)
CDC 104 - Chemical Dependency Counseling Practicum II (2 cr.)
Child Care (CHC)
CHC 103 - Child Care and Youth Practicum I (2 cr.)
CHC 104 - Child Care and Youth Practicum II (2 cr.)
Mental Health Assistant (CMH)
CMH 103 - Community Mental Health Practicum I (2 cr.)
CMH 104 - Community Mental Health Practicum II (2 cr.)
Early Childhood Education (EED)
EED 116 - EED Fieldwork (1 cr.)
If you don't see your course listed, speak to our Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator to submit a request.
The learning outcomes of certain DCC classes align with certain professional development programs and trainings offered by employers, professional associations, community-based organizations or the military. If you have a current/and or valid industry certification or license, it may translate to proficiency credit at DCC.
| License/Certification | Granting Agency | DCC Class |
| CompTIA A+ Certification | The Computing Technology Industry Association | CIS 111 - Computer Systems and Applications |
| Child Development Associate (CDA) | National Association for the Education of Young Children or the Council for Professional Recognition |
ECH 102 - Introductory Seminar: Programs for Young Children ECH 108 - Practicum I ECH 111 - Curriculum Activities for Young Children ECH 205 - Early Childhood Practicum II
|
| Direct Support Professional Certification (DSP-1) | The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals | BHS 110 - Introduction to Human Services |
| Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic | New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services | EMB 101 - Emergency Medical Technician - Clinical (2 cr.) |
| Emergency Medical Technician - Basic | New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services | EMB 105 - Emergency Medical Technician (6 cr.) |
| Certified First Responder, Emergency Medical Responder | New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services | HED 134 - First Aid, CPR (3 cr.) |
| Emergency Medical Technician | New York State Department of Health, Bureau of Emergency Medical Services | HED 134 - First Aid, CPR (3 cr.) |
| Phlebotomy Technician Certification (PBT) | American Society of Clinical Pathologists (ASCP) | PDC 101 - Basic Concepts of Phlebotomy (4 cr.) |
| Phlebotomy Technician Certification (NCPT) | National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) | PDC 101 - Basic Concepts of Phlebotomy (4 cr.) |
| Current state phlebotomy license | The State of California, Louisiana, Nevada or Washington | PDC 101 - Basic Concepts of Phlebotomy (4 cr.) |
| Correction Officer Recruit Training Program | New York State Department of Corrections and Community Supervision |
4 Criminal Justice classes (12 cr.):
|
If you don't see your license or certification listed, speak to our Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator to submit a request.
Does a course description or syllabus sound really familiar? Have you attended a few classes and realized you know all the material? A DCC faculty member may be able to determine that you're already proficient in a course, so you can progress more quickly through your program.
Up for a challenge? If you've already mastered the material in a required class, you may be able to earn proficiency credit by achieving an acceptable score on a proficiency exam at the Testing Center.
Proficiency Articulation Agreements
If you've completed coursework or training at one of our partner institutions or organizations, you may be eligible to receive college credit toward your DCC certificate or degree. Below is a list of our current proficiency articulation agreements. Please note that credit is not guaranteed; contact our Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator to learn more.
Dutchess BOCES
|
BOCES Course |
DCC Course |
Credits |
Major |
|
Nursing Assistant |
MSO 102 |
3 |
|
|
Early Childhood Education |
ECH 999 |
3 |
|
|
Graphic Design I and II |
ART 140 |
3 |
|
|
Introduction to Health Occupations Program |
PBH 101 |
3 |
|
|
Video/Film Production I and II |
COM 101 |
3 |
|
|
Security & Law I and II |
CRJ 101 and CRJ 141 |
6 |
Criminal Justice - Public and Private Security, A.A.S. (CRJ) |
|
Security & Law I and II |
CRJ 141 |
3 |
|
|
Construction Electricity |
PHS 115 |
3 |
Electrical Technology, A.A.S. (ELT) |
|
Cosmetology I and II |
BUS 999 |
6 |
Business Management, A.A.S. (BUS) |
|
Animal and Plant Science |
BIO 999 |
3 |
|
|
Culinary Arts |
BUS 999 |
3 |
|
|
Fashion & Merchandising |
BUS 162 |
3 |
|
|
Fashion & Merchandising |
ART 148 |
3 |
|
|
HVAC I and II |
ACR 101 and ACR 102 |
13 |
Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Technology, Certificate (ACR) |
Ulster BOCES
| BOCES Course | DCC Course | Credits | Major |
| Aviation Program | AVI 101 and AVI 111 | 5 | Pilot, A.S. (AVI) |
| Culinary Arts Program | BUS 107 and BUS 999 | 6 | Hospitality and Tourism, A.A.S. (HNT) |
| Carpentry Program | ARC 105 | 3 | Architectural Technology, A.A.S. (ARC) |
Orange-Ulster BOCES
| BOCES Course | DCC Course | Credits | Major |
| Aviation Program | AVI 111 | 1 | Pilot, A.S. (AVI) |
| Aviation Program | AVI 101 | 4 | Pilot, A.S. (AVI) |
| Emergency Medical Services Program |
EMB 105 or |
6 or 3 |
General Studies, A.S. (GSP) |
| Exercise Science & Personal Training Program | WFE 101 and ESW 203 | 6 | Exercise Science & Wellness, A.S. (GSP) |
Putnam/Northern Westchester BOCES
| BOCES Course | DCC Course | Credits | Major |
| Cosmetology Program | BUS 999 | 6 | Business Management, A.A.S. (BUS) |
| Architecture/Engineering Program | ARC 104 and ARC 113 | 2 | Architectural Technology, A.A.S. (ARC) Construction Technology Management, A.A.S. (CNS) |
| Construction Electricity Program | PHS 115 | 4 | Electrical Technology, A.A.S. (ELT) |
| Child Development & Education I & II Program | ECH 999 | 3 | Early Childhood, A.A.S. (ECH) |
Questar (Rensselaer-Columbia-Greene) BOCES
| BOCES Course | DCC Course | Credits | Major |
| Aviation Program | AVI 101 and AVI 111 | 5 | Pilot, A.S. (AVI) |
| Construction Technologies Program | ARC 105 | 3 | Architectural Technology, A.A.S. (ARC) Construction Technology Management, A.A.S. (CNS) |
Western Suffolk BOCES
| BOCES Course | DCC Course | Credits | Major |
| Aircraft Drone Technology Program | AMT 109, AMT 110, AMT 111, AMT 112 and AMT 113 | 17 | Airframe & Powerplant Technician, Certificate (APT) |
Dutchess County Law Enforcement Academy
| DCLEA Course | DCC Course | Credits | Major |
| DCLEA Graduation Certification | CRJ 101, CRJ 107, CRJ 141, CRJ 206, CRJ 253, CRJ 265, WFE 101, BHS 262, SPE 101 and HED 134 | 30 | Criminal Justice - Public and Private Security, A.A.S. (CRJ) Criminal Justice - Transfer, A.S. (CRT) |
Arlington Central School District
| Arlington High School Course | DCC Course | Credits | Major |
| Accounting and/or Business Course | ACC 101, ACC 204, BUS 102 and BUS 107 | 14 | Business Management, A.A.S. (BUS) Business Administration - Transfer, A.S. (BAT) |
| Early Childhood Education Course | ECH 102 | 1 | Early Childhood, A.A.S. (ECH) |
| Nutrition & Wellness Course | BIO 122 | 3 | Exercise Science & Wellness, A.S. (GSP) |
East Syracuse Minoa Central High School
| Arlington High School Course | DCC Course | Credits | Major |
| Aviation Program | AVI 101, AVI 111 | 5 | Pilot, A.S. (AVI) |
Contact Us
Carl Norris, Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator
201B Bowne Hall
8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday
Phone: 845-431-8998
Email: carl.norris@sunydutchess.edu
53 Pendell Road
Poughkeepsie, NY 12601