Policy 3-3-5: Challenge Examinations

 

Policy: Policy 3-3-5: Credit For Prior Learning Policy Date Adopted:    
Department: Instruction Date(s) Reviewed and/or Revised:

 March 13, 2026; September 2, 2008
Contact: Division Chair
Statement:

The purpose of this policy is to award transcripted credit hours at Western Nevada College for college-level, credit-worthy learning that has occurred in settings outside of Western Nevada College.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) recognizes the value of knowledge gained through prior education, work, military service, and life experiences. It's a powerful tool that connects personal achievement with academic progress, helping learners move forward without starting over.

 

Section 1: Definitions

  1. Credit for Prior Learning or CPL: credit hour(s) awarded for the demonstration of learning gained through previous work, military service, or other activities that are not college coursework
  2. CPL Process Guide: A separate document that provides additional details about the processes used to administer this policy. It can be found at Dedicated Credit for Prior Learning webpage.
  3. Performance standard: a score or measure at or above which a student is considered to have successfully demonstrated learning.

Section 2: Types of CPL

Western Nevada College uses the following methods to award credit for prior learning.

    1. Standard Examinations - Students may earn credit for standard examinations if they meet or exceed the corresponding performance standard, as detailed in Board of Regents Policy Title 4, Chapter 14, Section 21 and/or the Standard Examination Table in the Credit for Prior Learning Process Guide.
    2. Challenge Exams- Students may receive credit for prior learning by successfully completing Challenge Examinations. A list of  previously conducted Challenge Examinations can be found in the Credit for Prior Learning Process Guide. If an exam does not exist students may still request a Challenge Exam through the Academic Division.
    3. Employer agreements- Students may receive credit for prior learning for completing training that is part of an established employer agreement. A current list of employer agreements can be found in the Credit for Prior Learning Process Guide.
    4. Credential Crosswalks- Students may receive credit for credentials earned according Board of Regents Policy Title 4, Chapter 14, Section 21 and/or the Credential Crosswalk in the Credit for Prior Learning Process Guide.
    5. CTE College Credit- Students who received the Nevada Department of Education Certificate of Skill Attainment may qualify for College Credit. By meeting certain criteria, including: Completing the CTE Program 3-year or 2-year sequence with a B average or higher; and passing the State End of Program Technical Skill Assessment; and passing the State Workplace Readiness Skills Assessment; and enrolling in credit bearing courses at WNC.

Section 3: Delivery

Students may request CPL through Admissions & Records. CPL processes may include the following departments: Admissions & Records, Academic Divisions, & the Testing Center.

Section 4:Limitations

    1. Students may receive up to 75% of the required credit hours towards a WNC certificate of Achievement, Associate or Bachelor's degree program through a combination of the methods listed in the previous section.
    2. CPL credit that is transcripted as a course is awarded as a Pass (P) on the student's transcript.
    3. Awarded CPL is not considered resident credit.
    4. CPL credits do not count as part of a student's credit load for any given semester nor are they computed into the grade point average
    5. A Student may not retake a challenge examination.
    6. CPL credit may not be awarded for a course that has previously attempted in classroom instruction.
    7. WNC reserves the right to deny any petition for CPL.

Section 5: Applicability

Credit for prior learning earned through the methods listed in this policy satisfy general education and degree requirements in the same manner as equivalent coursework. Credit for prior learning awarded by other NSHE institutions will be accepted for credit and applied to general education and degree requirements in the same manner as credit for prior learning awarded by Western Nevada College.

 

Section 5: Advising

Western Nevada College will advise students about the opportunity to receive credit for prior learning through multiple channels. Advising information is incorporated into the Credit for Prior Learning Process Guide.

 

Section 6: Evaluation

The Vice President of  Academic and Student Affairs (VPASA) is responsible for evaluating the effectiveness of this policy. The evaluation framework is incorporated into the Credit for Prior Learning Process Guide.