Prior Learning Assessment

Students have the opportunity to earn college credit for prior learning through advanced placement exams and departmental bypass exams. In line with Sullivan University’s mission to embrace diverse backgrounds and learning experiences, the university accepts a range of direct examinations, including those offered by the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP®) and the DSST® examinations through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program.

For CLEP® exams, Sullivan University grants course credit for scores of 50 or higher, as recommended by the American Council on Education. The same guidelines apply to DSST exams. Credits earned from these exams are recorded as transfer credits on the student’s transcript and do not affect the GPA.

Students can take course-level bypass assessments if they believe they already have the knowledge and skills for a particular course. These prior learning assessments are available for various subjects, including information and computer technology, general education, hospitality, culinary arts, business administration, and accounting. Each bypass exam can only be attempted once, and students cannot retake an exam for a course they have previously attempted at Sullivan University. Bypass exams are not available for all courses, but other options like the Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio or CLEP® exams may be available for advanced standing.

There is a $75 nonrefundable fee for each bypass assessment, which must be paid in advance at the Bursar’s Office. Students will only receive the course name, description, and main textbook titles to prepare for the exam. Bypass exam results are recorded as Pass/Fail; a passing score is marked as “P” on the transcript, while failed attempts are not recorded. Bypass exam credits do not impact GPA calculations.

Sullivan University accepts credit recommendations made by the American Council on Education (ACE®) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS®) for military training, corporate training, licensures, and professional certifications. Credit recommendations made by ACE and NCCRS are evaluated on a student-by-student basis and are typically approved for transfer when equivalent to courses offered by Sullivan University. Credits earned by virtue of ACE and NCCRS credit recommendations are recorded as transfer credits on a student’s transcript and do not count toward GPA calculations. See the full list of ACE-approved training, license, and certifications using the National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training.