2008 - 2009 Catalog
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Credit by Examination

Academic credits may be secured through several profi- ciency examination processes. These credits may be added to earned credits and used to satisfy program requirements resulting in a certificate, a degree, and/or a transfer to other colleges. In addition to transferring credits earned while attending other accredited institutions, persons may have earned credits (generally occupational) through military training and through life and work experiences during which time outstanding professional knowledge and skill development have been established. A conference with a Parkland counselor is encouraged. The following procedures may be used in obtaining proficiency credits

College Level Examination Program (CLEP). CLEP is a national credit-by-examination program that offers an individual the opportunity to obtain recognition for college- level achievement. Through CLEP, a person can demonstrate knowledge that merits academic credit. On-the-job experience, military training, personal reading, correspondence courses, or telecourses are some of the sources that can prepare an individual to earn college credit. No matter where or how a person has learned, he or she can take CLEP tests

Each educational institution determines its own policy regarding which CLEP tests it accepts, the minimum scores required to earn credit, and the amount of credit awarded. Individuals interested in participating in CLEP should find out about the acceptability of credits earned through CLEP at a particular college or university before taking a CLEP test.

Anyone may take any CLEP exam in the Assessment Center but only Parkland students may receive CLEP credit through Parkland. Proficiency credit for English 101 is earned by passing the CLEP English Composition without Essay Exam and by writing an essay judged satisfactory by the English faculty.

Interested students are advised to discuss matters concerning procedures and acceptability of credits with a counselor or advisor before making an appointment to take the tests. The CLEP tests are offered in the Assessment Center by appointment. For more information, contact the Assessment Center at 217/351-2433.

Institutionally Prepared Proficiency Examinations. Students may also earn credit in a number of disciplines through institutionally prepared proficiency examinations. The student must apply to the appropriate department chair to take an individual examination for credit. The department decides whether a proficiency test is appropriate for any particular subject area, discipline, or course. These examinations may be taken only once in a given course. Permission to take such examinations will not be granted for the purpose of raising grades or removing F, NC, T, or W grades in courses. A fee, fixed by college personnel, will be charged for such exams and must be paid to the college cashier before testing is undertaken. An institutional proficiency test must be taken prior to official enrollment in a given course. Examinations may not be administered to a student who has passed a higher level course than the one for which the proficiency is requested, unless specifically approved in advance by the dean of career programs. In certain cases, a fixed time will be announced for courses that are requirements of particular programs. A person seeking proficiency credit at Parkland must be enrolled or have previously completed courses in which credits have been earned at Parkland. A minimum of 6 semester hours is recommended. Proficiency credit is counted toward graduation and is recorded on transcripts as P. The maximum amount of proficiency credit allowed toward a degree or certificate is 25 percent. The credit is not included in the calculation of the grade point average and may not be used to establish full-time eligible status.

In all cases, credit to be granted for successful completion of tests will be determined by the dean of career programs and by the appropriate department chair. Credit earned through examinations cannot duplicate credit earned in college course work. Exceptions to any of the procedures mentioned in this section must be discussed with the department chair in the particular area of concern and/or the dean of career programs.

Proficiency examinations are administered at times set by the department. For more information about proficiency testing, contact the appropriate department chair.