Credit for Prior Learning

PVCC Credit for Prior Learning

Piedmont Virginia Community College (PVCC) recognizes students' prior college-level learning, which can be applied to their program of study, potentially saving both time and money. Credit may be granted for:

• Credits for courses completed at another accredited postsecondary institution.
• Locally developed examinations evaluated by PVCC faculty.
• Military training, such as through a Joint Services Transcript.
• Nationally recognized exams like Advanced Placement (AP), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and University of Cambridge exams.

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Application of Credit
Credit for prior learning may be applied toward fulfilling curriculum requirements at PVCC but does not count toward the college’s residency requirement. To satisfy this requirement, students must complete at least 25% of their credits at PVCC. Students planning to transfer to another institution should consult an academic advisor to ensure that their credits meet the transfer requirements of the destination school. It is important to note that other postsecondary institutions may have different criteria for accepting credit for prior learning.

Eligibility and Submission Process
To have prior learning evaluated for credit at PVCC, students must:

• Be enrolled in a PVCC certificate or degree program.
• Be currently enrolled in PVCC classes.
• Submit a transcript evaluation request form.
• Provide official test scores, transcripts, or both.

The evaluation process begins after the semester starts, and students must submit all required documents for credit consideration to PVCC Registrar’s Office, 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902. Electronic score reports and transcripts can be sent to jprewer@pvcc.edu and must come directly from the college or service issuing the transcript.   

College-Level Courses
Courses from regionally accredited postsecondary institutions with a grade of C or higher may be applied to a PVCC program. Grades of P (passing) or S (satisfactory) will not transfer unless the transcript indicates that it is equivalent to a C or higher. Developmental education courses do not transfer.

Only courses relevant to the student’s declared program will be accepted, and a new transcript evaluation is required if the student changes their program. While credits may transfer, grades from other institutions will not impact the PVCC GPA.

Students who attended a college or university outside the United States must have their international transcripts evaluated by a professional organization or an agency that is a member of the National Association of Credential Evaluators.

It is the student’s responsibility to check their awarded credits in their SIS account. Questions should be directed to Jeannie Prewer at jprewer@pvcc.edu.

Locally Developed Examinations
Students can demonstrate their subject-matter competency by successfully completing a locally developed examination created and evaluated by PVCC faculty. These exams are comprehensive and based on established course learning outcomes. In some cases, practical exams or skills assessments may also be required to demonstrate competency. Interested students should consult with their Division Dean: Business, Mathematics, and Technologies Division; Health & Life Sciences Division; or Humanities, Fine Arts, & Social Sciences Division.

Nationally Recognized Exams
PVCC accepts the following scores for credit based on nationally recognized exams:

• Advanced Placement (AP): Score of 3 or higher
• Higher-Level International Baccalaureate (IB): Score of 4 or higher
• Standard-Level International Baccalaureate (IB): Score of 5 or higher
• CLEP: Score of 50 or higher
• Cambridge Advanced (A/AS) Examinations: Scores of C or better when the equivalent course is offered at PVCC

To have these scores evaluated, students should submit a completed transcript evaluation request form and have an official score report or transcript sent directly to the Registrar’s Office.

• AP score report
• IB score report and transcript 
• CLEP score report and transcript
• Cambridge score report and transcript

Advanced Placement (AP)

Advanced Placement (AP) examinations enable high school students to recieve college course credit. Required scores and PVCC equivalent courses can be found in PVCC Course Equivalencies for AP Examinations. 

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students completing the International Baccalaureate examination will be granted advanced standing credit. Required scores and PVCC equivalent courses can be found in International Baccalaureate Exam Scores.

College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP)

The College-Level Examination Program® (CLEP) gives students the opportunity to receive college credit for knowledge they have acquired through independent study, prior course work, on-the-job training, professional development, cultural pursuits, or internships by earning qualifying scores on examinations. Required scores and PVCC equivalent courses can be found in CLEP Scores and Course Equivalencies.

University of Cambridge Examinations

Advanced standing will be granted to students successfully completing the University of Cambridge Advanced examination. University of Cambridge Exam Scores.

Military Training
Launched in 2017 by the Virginia Community College System (VCCS), Credits2Careers is an online academic and career portal specifically designed for veterans and active-duty military members. C2C provides prospective military and veteran students with multiple academic pathways to apply their previous educational and military experience toward academic programs offered at VCCS institutions like PVCC.

C2C is a personalized virtual counseling tool that allows military-connected users to: 

• Quickly and easily create an electronic portfolio of their military, work, and educational experience. The system will extract and document all aspects of a military career that may qualify for credit at VCCS colleges based on military transcripts.
• Enhance the portfolio with additional courses, examinations, credentials, or other achievements.
• Explore academic programs and courses offered by VCCS colleges for various careers, along with earning potential in specific geographic areas of interest.
• Access virtual job and career resources, including a resume builder and a comprehensive national job database tailored to the geographic area where one plans to relocate or reside.

PVCC helps veterans and active-duty military translate military experience into academic credit. To have military training evaluated for credit for prior learning, submit a completed transcript evaluation request form and have an official Joint Services Transcript sent directly to the PVCC Registrar’s Office. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I need to have my former transcripts evaluated?

If you are pursuing a certificate or degree at PVCC, it may be beneficial, though it’s not mandatory. Non-degree-seeking students should not submit transcripts for evaluation.

I’m not seeking a degree but need a prerequisite course. What should I do?

Bring your unofficial transcript to an advisor at the Advising Center (2^nd Floor, Bolick Center). If the prerequisite is met, they can override the system to allow you to enroll in the course.

Which office evaluates my transcripts?

The Registrar’s Office evaluates all transcripts, test scores, and military training documents.

Where should I send transcripts and transcript evaluation request forms?

Send them to the Registrar’s Office, 501 College Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22902. The Registrar's Office is located in M608 Main Building.

What is required for a transcript evaluation?

An official transcript (except for VCCS colleges), a completed transcript evaluation request form, current enrollment in a PVCC program, and regional accreditation of previous institutions.

How do I know if my institution is regionally accredited?

Accreditation information is usually on the back of your transcript. The college or university must be accredited by a regional accrediting agency.

How long does it take to process transfer credits?

Typically, 14 business days, though it can take longer during peak times.

How will I know when my credits have been posted?

You can check your MyPVCC account under “View Transfer Credit Report” in Self Service.

Who do I contact with questions about my evaluation?

Reach out to the Registrar’s Office.

Why didn’t a course transfer?

Reasons include insufficient grades (D, F, W, I, P, or S), prior transfer of the course, time limits, or non-equivalence to PVCC offerings.

What are EEE credits?

EEE credits are elective credits assigned when a transferred course doesn’t directly match a PVCC course, has fewer credits, or lacks a lab component.

How do I apply EEE credits toward my degree?

An advisor can determine if EEE credits are applicable. They may refer you to the program’s Dean if needed.