Credit for Prior Learning

Below are several ways current Whatcom Community College students can earn WCC credit for prior learning experiences. Students who apply for CLEP, AP, IB, CI, military or transfer credit must submit official transcripts/scores to Entry & Enrollment Services. A Transfer Credit Evaluation Request form is required. See the Transferring Credits page.

Course Challenge

Enrolled students may earn college credits when they demonstrate by examination or evaluation that their professional experience, substantial prior learning, or industry certification meet the learning outcomes for a specific WCC course. Each department determines the evaluation method required for students to demonstrate mastery of the course outcomes. Not all courses are appropriate for course challenge. The fee for course challenge by examination is $40 per credit. Fees vary for other types of evaluation. Contact the Prior Learning Coordinator for questions and more information.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Whatcom awards credits for CLEP exams that meet subject and score criteria agreed upon by the college departments that oversee each appropriate discipline. CLEP credits may not transfer to other colleges and universities. It is the student's responsibility to contact transfer institutions regarding the acceptance of these credits. CLEP scores and WCC equivalencies

Students will need to request their official CLEP Scores be sent to Whatcom Community College. Follow the instructions for “Transferring Credits” in the Related Links box on this page.

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement program consists of college-level courses and exams for high school students. The college follows statewide guidelines in awarding credit for AP exams. The following is the list of AP scores and WCC course equivalencies effective Fall '23. AP scores and WCC equivalencies

Students will need to request official AP Scores from the College Board be sent to Whatcom Community College (college code 1275). Follow the instructions for “Transferring Credits” in the Related Links box on this page.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate program consists of college-level courses and exams for high school students. The college follows statewide guidelines in awarding credit for IB exams. The following is the list of IB scores and WCC course equivalencies effective Spring '22. IB scores and WCC equivalencies

Students will need to request their official IB results be sent to Whatcom Community College. Follow the instructions for “Transferring Credits” in the Related Links box on this page.

Cambridge International (CI)

Whatcom Community College grants credit for Cambridge International A level tests based on statewide guidelines. The following is a list of the tests and the credit awarded. CI scores and WCC equivalencies.

Students will need to request their official CI results be sent to Whatcom Community College. Follow the instructions for “Transferring Credits” in the Related Links box on this page.

Military credit

Documented military training will be evaluated by the college upon entrance to a degree, certificate or diploma program. See Veteran Services for information.

Transfer credit

Transfer-in credits are evaluated by the College upon entrance to a degree, certificate or diploma program.

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