Get College Credit for What You Know

CCD awards college credit for passing these exams:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• CLEP
• DSST
• UExcel tests

Click on the correct link above to order your official transcript. Request that your official transcript is sent either electronically to transcripts@ccd.edu (fastest), or ask for a sealed copy to be mailed to CCD. Or, you may hand-deliver a sealed, unopened copy to the Office of Registration and Records. 

How to Earn PLA Credit with a CLEP Exam

1. Go to clep.collegeboard.org/
2. Select Exam Topic. If further info is needed about which test is needed and what score must be earned for CCD credit, view https://clep.collegeboard.org/college-credit-policy/community-college-of-denver
3. Purchase your test and pay the $89 CLEP exam fee on the College Board website.
4. Contact the testing center to schedule a proctored exam ($35 fee) or schedule online at https://www2.registerblast.com/ccd/Exam/List at least 24 hours in advance of the desired testing time and day.
5. After the test is completed, the Testing Center forwards the test score to the Transcript Specialist who enters PLA credit and emails you, the student, that the credit is now visible on your transcript.

Read the Testing Center's information on taking your test at CCD. 

What if your course does not have a CLEP or other standardized test? What if it's a skill-based class that can't be measured by a written test?

• A Challenge Exam is a test developed by the academic department that will allow you to demonstrate what you've learned of the course material.
• A Portfolio Assessment allows you to flexibly demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and history in ways that a written test cannot. For example, some courses require creative work, the performance of a skill, or other course content that cannot be fully evaluated by a written exam.
• When attempting to request work experience for PLA credit, this would be a form of Portfolio Assessment. 
• Each academic department decides whether they will offer Challenge Exams or Portfolio Assessments for a particular course. 

To get started, email the Department Chair for the class you wish to challenge, and request a meeting (in person, via phone, or video chat). Department Chairs are listed in this Directory. 

Search by Program. Choose the Program that most closely matches the name of your course. (For example, if you are working on a Psychology degree but are challenging History 250, you would meet with the History Department Chair.)

The fee for a challenge exam or portfolio assessment is $60 per credit. Scholarships may be available (visit the Financial Aid office for details).

If you learned on the job, and have been performing the skills that are taught in a course, your work experience may count as the equivalent of having taken the course. Typically, Career and Technical Education Courses are a good fit for work experience credit. 

To get started, email the Department Chair for the class you wish to challenge, and request a meeting (in person, via phone, or video chat). Department Chairs are listed in this Directory. 

Choose the Program that most closely matches the name of your course. 

The fee for reviewing and verifying your work history, including contacting your references, is $60 per credit. Scholarships may be available (visit the Financial Aid office for details).

CCD and the Colorado Community College System have lists of industry credentials and non-college trainings that are considered direct equivalents for certain classes. 

• CCD Internally Approved Credentials for PLA (note: internal use only - see Department Chair or Academic Advising for assistance)
• Colorado Community College System Credit for Prior Learning Policy: This set of resources include the System PLA manual, the PLA Crosswalk, Military Crosswalks, and additional resources from the Department of Higher Education.
• National Guide to College Credit: Discover corporate training, certifications, exams, and alternative educational programs with ACE recommendations and validated competencies.
• National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS)

If you find a course you've taken or that you have obtained a certification that is recommended for college credit, send your official transcript for that course OR a legible copy of the credential (certificate) to CCD's Office of Registration and Records. There is no fee for credits earned by providing documentation of your credentials or equivalent training if it is on any of the above pre-approved crosswalks or guides.  

Send military transcripts to the Office of Registration and Records (ORR) to be evaluated. You can also submit a transcript in a sealed envelope from the issuing entity to ORR at the following location/address:

Questions? Please contact ORR at 303.556.2420 or CCD.ORR@ccd.edu.