Credit for Prior Learning

Effective fall 2020, Napa Valley College approved a policy, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)  College Policies (BP/AP 4235), Title 5 Sec. 55063/55052/55050, which works to expand current CPL practices at Napa Valley College. CPL is credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Students may petition for CPL credit through one of the following assessment methods: Standardized exams such as Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Exam Placement, military transcripts, industry certifications or credentials, student-created portfolios, or credit by examination.

Students may initiate CPL petition requests through the Counseling Office. Counselor and Program Coordinator approval are both required. Please note that P/NP grades are the only grading option given for CPL assessed via military transcripts, industry certifications and credentials. CPL approved courses are annotated as such on the student's NVC transcript.

Standardized Exams

The application of units for admission and the use of external exams to meet major requirements is complex and specific to the transfer institution. Students are strongly encouraged to thoroughly research this information. Please consult with your NVC Counselor. The information here indicates how Napa Valley College applies AP, IB, and CLEP credit toward associate degree general education requirements, CSU GE, and IGETC only. This chart does not provide information about transfer credit generated by external exams for the purpose of admissions. To see our board policy regarding external exam credit, visit our College Policies page. Students who have earned credit through AP, IB, and/or CLEP should not take a comparable college course because credit will not be granted for both the external examination and the comparable college course. The chart does not provide information about if or how external exam results apply to major course requirements. Applying AP, IB, or CLEP credit to meet major requirements is determined by each transfer institution. At Napa Valley College, each instructional division determines if or how the AP, IB, and/or CLEP credit is applied to associate degree major or certificate requirements.

References used for External Exams

Please refer to the college catalog of your transfer destination to learn more about how external exam credit is applied on that campus.

• CSU External Exam Credit information
• CSU Advanced Placement (AP)
• CSU International Baccalaureate (IB) 
• CSU College Level Examination Program (CLEP) 
• UC External Exam Credit information 
• IGETC Standards Version 2.2 

ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP)

Students passing Advanced Placement Exams (AP) with a score of 3, 4, or 5 may obtain college semester credits to be applied to the Associate Degree general education requirements at Napa Valley College, the California State University General Education (CSU-GE), and/or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification.  

Use of AP exams for GE, Majors and Prerequisites

1. Credit will be given for scores of 3 or higher and will be used for associate degree general education according to the chart on page (unit values in parenthesis). Credit will not be equated to specific courses, rather general education areas.

2. Use of AP exams for the major will be determined by the program coordinator.

3. Use of AP exams for satisfying prerequisites will follow the prerequisite challenge process.

4. Official AP exams must be sent by College Board to NVC. Exams posted on High School transcripts will not be accepted as official for credit.

Passing scores for each exam appear on Napa Valley College AP, IB, CLEP Equivalency List for NVC Associate Degree GE, CSU GE, and IGETC.

If you plan to complete an associate degree or a CSU or IGETC certification with Napa Valley College, you must submit Official AP, IB, or CLEP exam results to a Counselor AND complete a request for an official Transcript Evaluation.

Students passing AP Exams with a score of 3, 4, or 5 may obtain college semester credits to be applied to the Associate Degree general education requirements at Napa Valley College, the California State University General Education (CSU GE), and/or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification. Chart below indicates general education areas to be certificated followed by maximum number of units in parenthesis. Please consult your NVC Counselor for clarification. 

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE EXAMS (IB)

Students passing IB Exams with a score of 5, 6, or 7 may obtain college semester credits to be applied to the Associate Degree general education requirements at Napa Valley College, the California State University General Education (CSU GE), and/or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) certification. Chart below indicates general education areas to be certificated. Please consult your Counselor or Advisor for clarification. 

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAMINATION PROGRAM (CLEP)

Students may obtain college semester credits to be applied to the Associate Degree general education requirements at Napa Valley College or the California State University General Education (CSU GE). Chart below indicates general education areas to be certificated and scores required for each exam. CLEP cannot be applied to IGETC. Please consult with your Counselor or Advisor for clarification.