Recognizing Prior Learning (RPL)
At NSCC we give credit where credit is due. We recognize that adults acquire learning and/or skills through a number of different avenues: through credit and non-credit courses, on the-job training, work experiences, life experiences, volunteer activities, and personal study. There are 2 basic ways that we grant credit for prior learning: through a transfer of credits from a recognized post-secondary educational institution, or through an individual challenge process of recognizing prior learning.
You can begin the RPL process as soon as you confirm your acceptance into a program. To support the RPL process, all campuses are committed to making course descriptions and learning outcomes for current courses available to incoming students by May 1 each year.
RPL Challenge
RPL leads to NSCC credits if you can demonstrate that any prior learning you have attained is equivalent to what you would acquire through courses in your College program. The process of RPL may involve one or any combination of the following:
- challenge exams
- interviews
- skills demonstrations, projects, case studies, assignments, essays;
- portfolio assessment, which includes a collection of materials that clearly demonstrates, documents, and matches your prior learning to NSCC course or program learning outcomes.
Students can earn up to 2/3 of a NSCC program through RPL. The Student Services team located at each campus is the first point of contact for students to learn about RPL procedures, process, and any charges that may apply for a RPL challenge. The deadline to apply for a RPL challenge is September 18, 2012. See also: Transfer Credit, below. Any prior learning that is awarded credit will appear on your transcript as "P".
Transfer Credits
Students who have successfully completed the equivalent of a NSCC course at another post-secondary institution may apply for Transfer Credit. It is solely the student's responsibility to provide appropriate documentation from the other institution(s) to support the application for transfer credit. A course outline with learning outcomes and official transcript(s) would be the preferred documentation. A demonstration of competency may also be required. If you are interested in applying for transfer credits, you must make application to the campus Student Services department before September 18, 2012. Transfer credits will appear on your transcript as "CR".
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