El Paso Community College offers a variety of ways to obtain credit hours outside a classroom.
Through articulation agreements with area high schools, the College may award credit for some high school classes you can take proficiency exams to move through your coursework more quickly. Perhaps you have earned credit by examination through national testing programs, or your life experiences may gain you college credit. If you are already working in the profession for which you are seeking a degree, you may achieve advanced standing through the Credit for Learning by Experience Option (CLEO) program. You may also earn course credits for military training/experience.
Proficiency Exams
Proficiency exams offer the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge or mastery of skills in order to earn credit for a course. Proficiency exams are usually course specific to EPCC.
Credit by Examination
Credit earned by examination is recorded on the official EPCC academic record after the student enrolls and completes all admissions requirements. Transfer students must provide transcripts from all previous institutions before credit by examination can be considered.
Credit for Learning by Experience Option (CLEO)
Students who have at least five years of post-high school experience in a non-academic setting could receive college credits on the basis of this experience and training. Contact the Credit for Learning by Experience Option (CLEO) office for more information.
CLEO Non-traditional Forms of College Credit
The College District recognizes academic achievement obtained from non-traditional sources. There are alternative ways in which course credit may be earned.
These include the College Entrance Examination’s Board (CEEB) College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the CEEB Advanced Placement Program (APP), the DANTES Subject Examinations, and Departmental Examinations prepared, administered, and scored by EPCC faculty members who teach the course.
Official score reports must be sent directly to the Admissions & Registration Office from the testing agency.
Certification Training
Students with state or national certification and/or training in the following areas may be eligible for college credits:
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Child Development
- Dental Assisting
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Emergency Medical Services
- Fire Training
- Information Technology
- Law Enforcement
- Medical Assisting
- Nursing
- Ophthalmic Technology
- Pharmacy Technology
- Professional Secretary
- Radiologic Technology
- Respiratory Care
- Sign Language/Interpreter Preparation
- Surgical Technology
- Vocational Nursing
International Baccalaureate
- Credit (CR) will be awarded to students with IB Diploma and IB Exam scores of 4-7.
- Students must petition for their course credit after academic advising regarding the following factors:
- Impact of accepting credit upon their tuition rebate eligibility.
- Impact of accepting credit upon additional tuition charges for excessive total hours.
- Impact of accepting credit upon a Texas Be-On-Time student loan forgiveness.
- Academic preparation for sequent course based on IB test score.
- A complete listing of IB examinations and EPCC course credit equivalencies is available.
Download a copy of this policy by clicking on the link: International Baccalaureate (PDF)
Military Experience
Active duty military personnel and veterans may receive college credit for education and occupational training received through the military. Veterans should contact the College’s Veterans’ Affairs Office at our Transmountain Campus or Valle Verde Campus. Active duty service members should contact the Army Education Center counselors to request an evaluation of military and non-traditional education which could qualify for college credit.
College Credit for Heroes
College Credit for Heroes is a program available to veterans and service members looking to obtain their EPCC degree at an accelerated pace. If you have acquired trade skills while in the military, you may be eligible to receive college credit based on your experience.
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