Credit for Prior Learning

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Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is the evaluation and awarding of institutional credit for knowledge gained outside the traditional classroom.

At the College of Southern Maryland (CSM), we value the experience and knowledge you’ve gained outside the traditional classroom. Through our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program, you can turn your past experiences into academic credit, helping you reach your educational goals faster!



How CPL Works

CSM evaluates your prior learning to determine if it aligns with courses in your current program of study. If your experience matches a course in the CSM catalog, we will award you credit for that course! Here are the different avenues you can use to earn CPL credit: 
 

External Assessment If you have taken a nationally recognized examination, such as AP, Cambridge, CLEP, or IB, you could receive credit!


articulated creditIf you have completed CTE coursework, a certification, or an apprenticeship, these credits may count towards your program of study!


internal assessmentCSM offers internal assessment options to evaluate your skills and award credit!


military creditYour military training and experience may translate into college credit!


transfer creditPreviously completed coursework at accredited institutions may be eligible for transfer!


arrow for continuing educationYour prior trades training or licensure may translate into Workforce Development credit!



Key Benefits of CPL

time iconSave Time

You can complete your program faster by earning credit for what you already know.

Money iconSave Money

CPL reduces the number of courses you need to take, helping you lower tuition costs.

achievement iconRecognition of Achievements

Your prior experience and knowledge are acknowledged and valued by CSM.


Next Steps

  • Apply to CSM - CSM is your Pathway to Possibility.
  • Review CPL Methods to help you understand and select the CPL methods that best suit your prior experience.
  • Contact Advising as our advisors are here to help you understand which CPL methods work for your academic plan(s).

Considerations for CPL

  • To graduate from CSM using CPL credits, students only need to complete twenty-five percent (25%) of their coursework at the college.
  • CPL credit earned by Certification Verification, Departmental Examination, and Portfolio Assessment are counted as CSM institutional credit.
  • Credit awarded by CPL is not calculated in the student’s grade point average.
  • Students should reach out to the institution they plan to transfer to in order to understand how/if their CPL credits will transfer.
  • CSM does not accept CPL credit from non-collegiate entities, such as: Sophia, Straighter Line, and Study.com.

CPL Methods



external assessmentExternal Assessment is a process that offers students the opportunity to obtain college credit for prior learning by way of national recognized examinations.

Eligible students may receive credits for Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations administered in the high schools.

AP Listing:

The following AP Listing includes acceptable exams and scores with their college course credit(s) and equivalent(s).

AP Exam Name

Score

 Credit 

Course Equivalent(s)

African American Studies

3-5

3

 LAN Elective (can be used to fulfill the Humanities General Education requirement and Cultural and Global Awareness Core Requirement)

Art History 

3

3

 ART-1030  

3-5

3

 ART-1010   

Biology

3

4

 BIO-1010 /BIO-1010L  or BIO-1020 /BIO-1020L 

4

8

 Choose Two Courses: BIO-1010 /BIO-1010L or BIO-1020 /BIO-1020L or BIO-1060 /BIO-1060L    

5

8

 Choose Two Courses: BIO-1010 /BIO-1010L , BIO-1020 /BIO-1020L , BIO-1060 /BIO-1060L , BIO-1070 /BIO-1070L  

Chemistry

3

4

 CHE-1200 /CHE-1200L   

4 or 5

8

 CHE-1200 /CHE-1200L and CHE-1210 /CHE-1210L   

Chinese Language and Culture 

3

3

 LAN Elective

4-5

6

 LAN Elective

Comparative Government and Politics

3-5

3

 POL-1050 

Computer Science 

 

 

 

  Computer Science A

3-5

3

 CSC-1100 

  Principles

3-5

3

 ITS-1055 

Economics

 

 

 

  Macro

3

3

 ECN-1200 

     

4-5 

3

 ECN-2025  

  Micro

3

3

 ECN-1200  

     

4-5 

3

 ECN-2020   

English

 

 

 

  Literature and Composition

3-5

3

 ENG-1020 

  Language and Composition

3-5

3

 ENG-1010  

Environmental Sciences

3-5

4

 ENV-1300 /ENV-1300L   

European History

3

4-5

3

6

 Humanities General Education Elective

 Humanities General Education Elective

French Language and Culture

3-5

3

 LAN Elective

German Language and Culture

3

4-5

3

6

 LAN Elective

 LAN Elective

Human Geography

3-5

3

 GRY-1020   

Italian Language and Culture

3

4-5

3

6

 LAN Elective

 LAN Elective

Japanese Language and Culture

3

4-5

3

6

 LAN Elective

 LAN Elective

Latin

 

3

4-5

3

6

 LAN Elective

 LAN Elective

Mathematics

 

 

 

  CALC AB

3-5

4

 MTH-1200  

  CALC BC

3-5

4

 MTH-1200 and MTH-1210  

  Pre-Calculus

3-5

4

 MTH-1150 

  Statistics

3-5

3

 MTH-1015 

 Music Theory

3, 4 or 5

3

 Music Elective

Physics

 

 

 

  PHY C Part I - Mechanics

3-5

4

 PHY-1310                                                                                                                                                

  PHY C Part II - Electricity and Magnetism

3-5

4

 PHY-2300 

  Physics - 1

3-5

4

 PHY-1110 

  Physics - 2

3-5

4

 PHY-1120  

Psychology

3-5

3

 PSY-1010 

Spanish Language and Culture

3

6

 SPA-1010 and SPA-1020  

4-5

6

 SPA-2010 and SPA-2020  

Studio Art

3-5

3

 ART-1030 

World History: Modern

3-5

3

 HST-1015  

United States Government and Politics

3-5

3

 POL-1010 

United States History

3

3

 HST-1031 or HST-1032 


Considerations for AP credit:

  • There is no cost for review of AP credit.
  • Credit for the AP exams will be posted to the student’s record within two (2) weeks after receipt of official scores from College Board.
  • AP credit may not be awarded for a course that was previously failed or audited at CSM.
  • CSM may award AP credit and equivalent course(s) differently than prior and future transfer institutions; therefore, students are required to submit an official score report directly from College Board to receive credit at CSM.
  • Should a student plan on transferring AP credit to another institution, the student should contact that institution to determine if/how CPL credits will transfer.

How to apply for AP credit:

Submit official scores from College Board to:

College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Road
PO Box 910
La Plata, Maryland 20646
Attn: Registrar’s Office

Below is an example of how AP credit is listed on CSM transcript:

Screenshot of AP scores

 

"The Cambridge Advanced International Certificate of Education Diploma is an international curriculum and examination system that emphasizes the value of broad and balanced study. Alongside in-depth understanding of a variety of subjects, students also need to master a broader range of skills critical for success in university study and employment."  (Source: Cambridge AICE Diploma, 2015).  Click here to find more information about Cambridge Assessment International Education. 

Cambridge Listing:

The following Cambridge Listing includes acceptable exams and scores with their college course credit(s) and equivalent(s) for AS and A Levels.

Cambridge Exam Name

Passing Score

AS Level Credit Awarded for CSM Course

A Level Credit Award  for CSM Course

Credit

Course Equivalent(s)

Credit

Course Equivalent(s)

Accounting

A-C

3

 ACC-2010 

6

 ACC-2010 , ACC-2020 

Biology

A-B

4

 BIO-1060/BIO-1060L 

8

 BIO-1060 /BIO-1060L , BIO-1070 /BIO-1070L  

Business

A-C

3

 BAD-1015 

3

 BAD-1015  

Chemistry

A-B

4

 CHE-1200/CHE-1200L 

8

 CHE-1200 /CHE-1200L , CHE-1210 /CHE-1210L  

Economics

A-C

3

 ECN-2020 

6

 ECN-2020 , ECN-2025  

English - Language OR

A-C

3

 ENG Elective

6

 ENG-1010 , ENG-1020 

Language & Literature

A-C

3

 ENG Elective

6

 ENG-1010 , ENG-1020 

English Literature

A-C

3

 ENG Elective

6

 ENG-2010 , ENG Elective

History-American

A-C

3

 HST Elective

6

 HST-1031 , HST-1032 

History 

A-C

3

 HST Elective

3

 HST-1015 

Mathematics

A-D

3

 MTH-1010 

6

 MTH 1010, MTH-1015 

Music

A-D

3

 MUS-1020 

3

 MUS-1020 

Physics

A-B

4

 PHY-1110 

8

 PHY-1110 , PHY-1120 

Psychology

A-C

3

 PSY Elective

3

 PSY-1010 

Sociology

A-C

3

 SOC Elective

3

 SOC-1010 

Spanish

A-C

3

 SPA Elective

6

 SPA-1020 , SPA-2010 


Considerations for Cambridge credit:

  • There is no cost for review of Cambridge credit.
  • Credit for Cambridge exams will be posted to the student’s record within two (2) weeks after receipt of official scores from Cambridge.
  • Cambridge credit may not be awarded for a course previously failed or audited at CSM.
  • CSM may award Cambridge credit and equivalent course(s) differently than prior and future transfer institutions; therefore, students are required to submit an official score report directly from Cambridge to receive credit at CSM.
  • Should a student plan on transferring Cambridge credit to another institution, the student should contact that institution to determine if/how CPL credits will transfer.

How to apply for Cambridge credit:

Submit official scores from Cambridge to:

College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Road
PO Box 910
La Plata, Maryland 20646
Attn: Registrar’s Office

Below is an example of how Cambridge credit is listed on CSM transcript:

Screenshot of scores

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a national program of credit-by-examination that offers students the opportunity to obtain college credit for prior academic achievement.

CLEP Listing:

The following CLEP Listing includes acceptable exams and scores with their college course credit(s) and equivalent(s).

CLEP Subject Exam Name

 Acceptable Score 

 Credit 

Course Equivalent(s)

Financial Accounting

50

3

ACC-2010 

Principles of Management

50

3

BAD-1210 

Introductory Business Law

50

3

BAD-2070 

Principles of Marketing

50

3

BAD-2610 

Biology

50

3

BIO Elective

Chemistry

50

3

CHE-1050 

Principles of Macroeconomics

50

3

ECN-2020 

Principles of Microeconomics

50

3

ECN-2020 

College Composition

50

3

ENG-1010 

*College Composition Modular

50

3

ENG-1010 

Analyzing and Interpreting Literature

50

3

ENG-1020 

English Literature

50

6

ENG-2010 and ENG-2020 

American Literature

50

6

ENG-2200 and ENG-2210 

French Language - Level I

50

3

LAN Elective

French Language - Level II

62

3

LAN Elective

French Language - Level II

50

3

LAN Elective 

Western Civilization I: Ancient Far East to 1648

50

3

HST-1011 

Western Civilization II: 1648 to present

50

3

HST Elective

History of the United States I: Early Colonizations to 1877

50

3

HST-1031 

History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present

50

3

HST-1032 

Humanities

50

3

Humanities General Education Elective

*Social Sciences and History

50

3

HST Elective

Information Systems and Computer Applications

50

3

ITS-1010 

German Language - Level 1

50

3

LAN Elective

German Language - Level II

62

3

LAN Elective

College Mathematics

50

3

MTH-1010 

College Algebra

50

3

MTH-1120                                

*Precalculus

50

4

MTH-1150 

Calculus

50

4

MTH-1200 

American Government      

50

3

POL-1010 

Introductory Psychology

50

3

PSY-1010 

Human Growth and Development

50

3

PSY-2050 

*Introduction to Educational Psychology

50

3

PSY Elective

Natural Sciences

50

3

SCE Elective

Introductory Sociology

50

3

SOC-1010 

Spanish Language - Level I

50

6

SPA-1010 and SPA-1020 

Spanish Language - Level II

63

3

SPA-2010 

Spanish Language - Level III

72

3

SPA-2020 


Considerations for CLEP:

  • The cost for CLEP exams can be found here.
  • Credit for the CLEP exams will be posted within four (4) weeks after receipt of official scores from College Board.
  • According to CLEP, students who fail an examination may attempt most examinations again after six (6) months.
  • CLEP credit may not be awarded for a course that was previously failed or audited at CSM.
  • CSM may award CLEP credit and equivalent course(s) differently than prior and future transfer institutions; therefore, students are required to submit an official score report directly from College Board to receive credit at CSM.
  • Should a student plan on transferring CLEP credit to another institution, the student should contact that institution to determine if/how CPL credits will transfer.

How to apply for CLEP credit:

If submitting from outside CSM:

Submit official scores from College Board to:

College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Road
PO Box 910
La Plata, Maryland 20646
Attn: Testing Center

If completing at CSM:

  1. Meet with a CSM Academic Advisor to determine the correct exam(s) to take and passing score(s) required.
  2. Register and pay for your exam using the Registration Portal.
  3. Contact the CSM Testing Center of your choice to schedule an appointment. CLEP exams will not be administered during the weeks of midterm and final examinations.
  • There is a CSM Test Proctoring fee, $30, which must be paid prior to taking the test and is non-refundable.
  • You can download the Test Payment Fee hardcopy form and pay at the Student Account Services Office during regular business hours by cash, check, money order or credit card. Use the online Test Payment Fee Authorization form to pay by credit card during non-business hours. Save your receipt!
  1. On the day scheduled for the exam, bring your CLEP Registration Ticket, your receipt showing payment of the test proctoring fee for each exam you are taking, AND a government issued photo ID with signature such as a driver's license.
  2. CLEP results for multiple choice exams are generally available immediately after testing; however, scores are not entered in the student’s record until an official transcript is received from College Board.

Below is an example of how CLEP credit is listed on CSM transcript:

Screenshot of CLEP scores

U.S. high school students may take International Baccalaureate Program Examinations (IB) exams while in high school.

IB Listing:

The following IB Listing includes acceptable exams, titles, and scores with their college course credit(s) and equivalent(s).

IB Subject Area

Exam Title/Exam Level

Score

Credit

CSM Equivalent(s)

Anthropology

Social and Cultural Anthropology-Higher 

5,6,7

3

 SOC Elective

Arts

Visual Arts-Higher

5,6,7

3

 ART-1030 

Biology

Biology-Standard

5,6,7

3

 BIO Elective

Biology-Higher

5,6,7

4

 BIO-1060 /BIO-1060L 

Business

Business-Standard & Higher

5,6,7

3

 BAD Elective

Chemistry

Chemistry-Standard

5,6,7

3

 CHE-1050  

Chemistry-Higher

5,6,7

4

 CHE-1200 /CHE-1200L  

Chinese

Chinese-Standard

5,6,7

3

 LAN Elective

Chinese-Higher

5

3

 LAN Elective

Chinese-Higher

6,7

6

 LAN Elective

Computer Science

Computer Science-Standard & Higher

5,6,7

8

 CSC-2591 /CSC-2592 

Design Technology 

Design Techology-Standard & Higher

5,6,7

3

 ART Elective

Economics

Economics-Standard

5,6,7

3

 ECN-1200  

Economics-Higher

5,6,7

6

 ECN-1200 /ECN-2025 

English

English A Literature-Standard

5,6,7

3

 ENG Elective

English A Literature-Higher

5,6,7

3

 ENG Elective

Environmental Science  

Environmental Science and Societies-Standard 

5,6,7

3

 ENV-1300 

Film 

Film-Higher

5,6,7

3

 ENG Elective

French

French-Standard

5,6,7

3

 LAN Elective

French-Higher

5,6,7

6

 LAN Elective

Geography

Geography-Standard

5,6,7

3

 GRY-1020 

Geography-Higher

5,6,7

6

 GRY-1020 /GRY Elective

German

German-Standard

5,6,7

3

 LAN Elective

German-Higher

5

3

 LAN Elective

German-Higher

6,7

6

 LAN Elective

Health

Health-Standard

5,6,7

3

 WFS-1701  

History

History-Standard

5,6,7

3

 HST Elective

History-Higher

5,6,7

6

 HST Elective

Information Technology

Information Technology in a Global Society-Standard or Higher 

5,6,7

3

 ITS Elective

Italian 

Italian-Standard or Higher

5,6,7

3

 LAN Elective

Latin

Latin-Standard or Higher

5,6,7

3

 LAN Elective

Mathematics

Mathematical Methods

4,5,6,7

3

 MTH-1010 

Music

Music-Standard

5,6,7

3

 MUS-1020 

Music-Higher

5,6,7

3

 MUS-1020 

Philosophy

Philosophy-Standard

5,6,7

3

 PHL-1010 

Philosophy-Higher

5,6,7

6

 PHL-1010 /PHL Elective 

Physics

Physics-Standard

5,6,7

3

 PHY Elective

Physics-Higher

5,6,7

4

 PHY-1110 

Psychology

Psychology-Standard

5,6,7

3

 PSY-1010 

Psychology-Higher

5,6,7

6

 PSY-1010 /PSY Elective

Russian

Russian-Standard

5,6,7

3

 LAN Elective

Russian-Higher

5,6,7

6

 LAN Elective

Spanish

Spanish-Standard

5

3

 SPA-2010 

Spanish-Standard

6,7

6

 SPA-2010 /SPA-2050 

Spanish-Higher

5

6

 SPA-2010 /SPA-2020 

Spanish-Higher

6,7

9

 SPA-2010 /SPA-2020 /SPA-2050 

Theatre

Theatre-Standard

5,6,7

3

 THE-1010 

Theatre-Higher

5,6,7

3

 THE-1010 

 

Considerations for IB credit:

  • There is no cost for review of IB credit.
  • Credit for IB exams will be posted to the student’s record within two (2) weeks after receipt of official scores from IB.
  • IB credit may not be awarded for a course that was previously failed or audited at CSM.
  • CSM may award IB credit and equivalent course(s) differently than prior and future transfer institutions; therefore, students are required to submit an official score report directly from IB to receive credit at CSM.
  • Should a student plan on transferring IB credit to another institution, the student should contact that institution to determine if/how CPL credits will transfer.

How to apply for IB credit:

Submit official scores from IB to:

College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Road
PO Box 910
La Plata, Maryland 20646
Attn: Registrar’s Office

Below is an example of how IB credit is listed on CSM transcript:

screenshot of IB scores

 

articulated creditArticulated Credit offers students the opportunity to obtain credit for prior learning by way of Career and Technical Education (CTE), Certification Verification (CV), and Apprenticeship.

Students successfully completing a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program in high school may receive articulated credit(s) for applicable designated letters of recognition, certificates, and associate of applied science degrees in a career field at CSM.

CTE Program Listing:

CTE Program Listing includes programs by county, with acceptable courses, grades, and their college course equivalent(s) and credits(s).

Considerations for CTE credit:

  • To earn CTE credit, students must earn the minimum grade as dictated by each county’s program requirements.
  • CTE credit only applies to the programs of study as listed on each county’s program.
  • There is no cost for review of CTE credit.
  • CTE credits will be posted to the student’s record within one (1) week after receipt of evaluation request and official high school transcript.
  • CTE credits may not be awarded for a course previously attempted at CSM.
  • CTE credits typically do not transfer to other institutions. Should a student plan on transferring CTE articulated credit to another institution, the student should contact that institution to determine if/how CPL credits will transfer.

How to apply for CTE credit:

  1. You must complete the entire CTE program in high school.
  2. Complete the CSM Admissions Application and declare a program of study (based on the programs of study that apply to the articulation agreements as listed on the evaluation request form).
  3. Complete the Evaluation Request Form.
  4. Order your official completed high school transcript with the official school seal and have them sent to the Registrar’s Office:

    Mail

    College of Southern Maryland
    8730 Mitchell Road
    PO Box 910
    La Plata, Maryland 20646
    Attn: Registrar’s Office

    OR

    Electronic

    registrar@csmd.edu

  5. When all materials are received and evaluated, students will receive a letter and evaluation report that details the credits they receive.

Below is an example of how the CTE credit is listed on CSM transcript:

Screenshot of CTE scores

Certification Verification (CV) is a process that offers students the opportunity to obtain college credit for prior industry, skilled trade, or non-credit certifications.

CV Listing

Certification Course Equivalent (credits)
CompTIA A+ ITS-1050 Computing Essentials (3)
CompTIA ITF+, A+ ITS-1055 Introduction to Computing (3)
CompTIA Linux+ ITS-1960 Introduction to Linux (3)
W3S HTML ITS-1205 Internet and Web Application Essentials (3)
CompTIA Sec+ ITS-2090 Computer Security (3)
CCNA ITS-2527 Enterprise Networking (3)
(Covers ITS-2511 and ITS-2516 as well)
CompTIA CySA+ ITS-2536 Network and Infrastructure Defense (3)
CompTIA Pentester+ ITS-2500 Ethical Hacking (3)
CompTIA Network+ ITS-2021 Local Area Network Administration (3)
AWS Practitioner ITS-2400 Introduction to Cloud Computing (3)
AWS Solutions Architect Associate ITS-2410 Cloud Infrastructure and Services (3)
PCEP/PCAP CSC-1100 Practical Programming with Python (3)
(CSC-1110 Program Design and Development)

Considerations for CV credit:

  • The cost for CV is $20/credit.
  • Credit for CV will be posted to the student’s record within six (6) weeks after receipt of form and credentials from Advising.
  • CV credit may not be awarded for a course previously failed or audited at CSM.
  • CSM may award CV credit and equivalent course(s) differently than prior and future transfer institutions.
  • Should a student plan on transferring CV credit to another institution the student should contact that institution to determine if/how CPL credits will transfer

How to apply for CV credit:

  1. Meet with a CSM Academic Advisor to determine if CV is an appropriate choice for your academic goals, submit certification documentation.
  2. Await processing of CV request through Department of Learning academic department(s) and the Registrar’s Office.
  3. The Registrar’s Office will send notification of CV approval with directions to contact Student Account Services (301-934-7712 or Student Accounts) to make payment.
  4. Upon processing of payment, the Registrar’s Office will provide notification for finalization of CV.

Below is an example of how CV credit is listed on CSM the transcript:

Screenshot of CV scores

Current policy is under construction.

internal assessmentInternal Assessment is a process that offers students the opportunity to obtain college credit for prior learning by way of Departmental Exams (DE) and Portfolio Assessment (PA).

A departmental examination (DE) is created by the appropriate college department and is administered by appointment in the Testing Center.

DE Listing

School of Liberal Arts

School of STEM and Professional Studies

School of Health Sciences

EDU-1012*

EDU-1013*

EDU-1110*

ACC-2027***

BIO-1040/L**

BIO-1060/L**

BIO-1070/L**

BIO-1650**

BIO-2160**

BIO-2170**

BIO-2180**

BIO-2800**

ENV-1300/L**

HEA-1100

*Prior approval must be received by Early Childhood Development program coordinator.

**Prior approval must be received by the Science Department Chair.

***Prior approval may be required by the Business Department Chair.

Considerations for DE:

  • The cost for a DE is $20/credit.
  • DE that are attempted, but not passed are not recorded.
  • Tests may only be re-taken once.
  • Students who fail a DE must wait a minimum of two (2) weeks to re-take most exams. Specific DE may have longer wait periods between re-tests or required remediation activities, so re-takes also require the permission of the chair of the academic division responsible for the DE.
  • DE credit may not be awarded for a course previously attempted at CSM.

How to apply for DE credit:

  1. Meet with a CSM Academic Advisor to determine if DE is an appropriate choice for your academic goals.
  2. After receiving approval to take the DE, you will register for the DE section of the course for which you wish to earn credit.
  3. The CSM Testing Centers charge an additional fee for DE. This fee must be paid at the Student Account Services Office after registering for the exam. You can download the Test Payment Fee hardcopy form and pay at the Student Account Services Office during regular business hours by cash, check, money order or credit card. Use the online Test Payment Fee Authorization form to pay by credit card during non-business hours. Save your receipt!
  4. Schedule an appointment with the Testing Center of your choice. The Testing Center will contact the department to release the exam.
  5. DE must be taken within thirty (30) days of registering for the test.
  6. On the day of the exam, bring your receipt showing payment of the test fee for each departmental examination you are taking and a photo ID.
  7. DE results should be available within three (3) weeks after the exam has been taken.

Below is an example of how DE credit shows on the transcript:

Departmental Exam Score screenshot

 

Current policy is under review.

military creditMilitary Credit allows students to obtain college credit for prior learning for the courses, training, and occupations they held and/or completed while serving in the military.

Defense Subject Standardized Test (DSST) exams are college subject tests that you can take to earn college credit for knowledge you have already learned outside of a traditional classroom.

DSST Listing

The following DSST Listing includes acceptable exams and scores with their college course credit(s) and equivalent(s):

DSST Subject Exam Name

 Acceptable Score 

 Credit 

 Course Equivalent(s)

Personal Finance

400

3

ACC-1025 

*Principles of Finance

400

3

ACC-2681 

Astronomy

400

3

AST-1010 

Money and Banking

400

3

BAD Elective

Introduction to Business

400

3

BAD-1015 

*Principles of Supervisor

400

3

BAD-1210 

Business Mathematics

400

3

BAD-1300 

Human Resource Management

400

3

BAD-2700 

Organizational Behavior

400

3

BAD-2710 

Criminal Justice

400

3

CJS 1015 

Environmental Science

400

4

ENV-1300 /ENV-1300L 

*Management Information Systems

400

3

ITS Elective

Computing and Information Technology

400

3

ITS-1010 

*Fundmental of Cybersecurity

400

3

ITS-1055 

*Principles of Physical Science I

400

3

PHY Elective


Considerations for DSST:

  • The cost for DSST exams can be found here.
  • DSST information for military personnel, their qualifying spouses, veterans, and select civilian employees who wish to take advantage of DANTES funding for their exams can be found here.
  • Students who fail an examination may attempt most examinations again after six months.
  • DSST credit may not be awarded for a course previously failed or audited at CSM.

How to apply for DSST credit:

If submitting from outside CSM:

Submit official scores for DSST via your Air Force & Joint Services Transcript to the Testing Center.

College of Southern Maryland
8730 Mitchell Road
PO Box 910
La Plata, Maryland 20646
Attn: Testing Center

If completing at CSM:

  1. Meet with a CSM Academic Advisor.
  2. Contact the CSM Testing Center of your choice to schedule an appointment.
  3. There is a CSM Test Proctoring fee, which must be paid prior to taking the test and is non-refundable. The Test Proctoring fee is $30. You can download the Test Payment Fee hardcopy form and pay at the Student Account Services Office during regular business hours by cash, check, money order or credit card. Use the online Test Payment Fee Authorization form to pay by credit card during non-business hours. Save your receipt!
  4. On the day of the exam, bring your receipt showing payment of the test proctoring fee for each exam you are taking, AND a government issued photo ID with signature such as a driver's license.
  5. DSST results for multiple choice exams are generally available immediately after testing. Scores are entered in the student’s record within four (4) weeks.

Below is an example of how DSST credit shows on the transcript:

DSST scores screenshot

Military Transfer Credit (MTC) may be awarded for students who served in the U.S. Military. Credit for courses or programs offered by employers, professional organizations, and other agencies is granted upon submission of the Joint Services Transcript (JST). The JST provides recommendations for course credit made by the American Council on Education (ACE) and the credits granted are limited to those courses that the college determines to be applicable to its degree and certificate programs.

Visit the Transfer Evaulation System Website

Considerations for MTC:

  • Credit from ACE may not be used to replace a course previously failed or audited at CSM.
  • CSM is not obligated to accept every recommendation made by ACE.

How to apply for MTC:

  • The Joint Services Transcript (JST) is free of charge and can be requested here
  • The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcript can be requested here.

Below is an example of how MTC is listed on CSM transcript:

MTC credit screenshot

MTC scores screenshot

transfer creditTransfer of credit(s) provides students the opportunity to obtain credit for prior learning by transferring credits from another college or university.

Transfer Services gives students who have previously completed coursework at another college or university the opportunity to receive credit for their prior learning by requesting an evaluation of their official transcript(s).

Visit the Transfer Services Website

Reverse Transfer gives students who have earned 15 or more credits at CSM and have transferred to a four-year institution without earning an associate degree the opportunity to transfer the courses from the four-year institution back to CSM to complete an associates degree.

Visit the Reverse Transfer Website

Below is an example of how Transfer credit shows on the transcript:

Reverse Transfer screenshot

continuing educationOur Workforce Development (WFD) Training Programs Prior Learning Evaluation is a process that offers students the opportunity to obtain credit for prior learning.

The WFD Prior Learning Evaluation is a review of trades training or licensure, which may translate into credit for prior learning.

Visit the WFD Prior Learning Evaluation Website

Frequently Asked Questions

You can earn up to seventy-five percent (75%) of your required credits through CPL, depending on the avenue you follow in acquiring CPL.  This means only twenty-five percent (25%) of the Letter of Recognition, Certificate, or Degree must be earned through coursework completed at CSM.

The following are examples of how credits could be earned:


Letter of Recognition Certificate Degree
  • Three (3) credits earned through Career and Technical Education.
  • Three (3) credits earned through Advanced Placement Examination.
  • Fifteen (15) credits earned through Transfer Services.
  • Three (3) credits earned through Departmental Exam.
  • Six (6) credits earned through Certification Verification.
  • Twenty (20) credits earned through Military Transfer.

CPL processes depend upon the avenue of CPL being sought:

  • External Asessment credits will be posted to the student’s record within two to four (2-4) weeks after receipt of the official scores.
  • Articulated Credit varies:
    • Career and Technical Education credit will be posted to the student’s record within one (1) week after receipt of evaluation request and official high school transcript.
    • Certification Verification credit will be posted to the student’s record within six (6) weeks after receipt of form and credentials from Advising.
  • Internal Assessment varies:
    • Departmental Exam credit will be posted to the student's record within three (3) weeks after completion of the exam.
    • Portfolio Assessment depends upon the complexity of the portfolio.
  • Military Credit varies:
    • DSST credit will be posted to the student's record within four (4) weeks from receipt of the scores.
    • Military Transfer credit will be posted to the student's record within two to four (2-4) weeks receipt of the transcript.
  • Transfer Credit will be posted to the student's record within two to four (2-4) weeks from receipt of the request form and transcript/other required documentation.

  • Other college’s acceptance of CPL credit is up to that institution.
  • Students should contact that institution to determine if/how CPL credits will transfer.

CPL fees vary upon the avenue of CPL being sought:

  • External Assessment credits have no fee for review at CSM; however, the actual exams have fees.
  • Articulated Credit varies:
    • Career and Technical Education credit has no fee.
    • Certification Verification has a fee of $20/credit.
  • Internal Assessment varies:
    • Departmental Exams have a fee of $20/credit.
    • Portfolio Assessment policy is under review.
  • Military Credit varies:
    • If DSST score request is not submitted at the time of exam, a transcript fee may be applied.
    • Military Transfer Joint Services Transcripts are free of charge.
  • Transfer Credit has no fee for review at CSM; however, each institution has different fees for acquiring official transcripts.

CPL credits will be included in financial aid eligibility calculations. This means that CPL credits will be included in the maximum time frame and successful completion percentage calculations. Since CPL credits do not have grades associated with them, they will not be included in the GPA calculations.

  • All CPL credit approval/denial notifications are sent by email.
  • If you do not receive notification regarding your CPL within the time period noted, please contact the Credit for Prior Learning Office (Credit for Prior Learning or 301-934-7588).

The only CPL credits that have an appeal process are Military and Transfer.

Visit the Transfer Appeals Process

Contact Us

cpl@csmd.edu

301-934-7588 (phone)

Mailing Address

Registrar’s Office
P.O. Box 910, La Plata, MD
20646-0910

Office Location

La Plata Campus
Administration (AD) Building, Room 215
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