Credit for Prior Learning and Work Experience

• ACE Tests

  Achieved Credit by Examination (ACE) tests, are exams created by SMC that, when passed, earn SMC credit for basic subjects in Automotive Technology, Computer-Aided Design, Construction Technology, Industrial Technology, and Robotics.

  More details and a complete list of available ACE tests can be found here.

  IMPORTANT: Credit granted via ACE tests will count towards the completion of a certificate or associate degree at SMC, but may not be transferable from SMC to other institutions. If you plan to continue your education beyond an associate degree, please consult with an advisor to determine if and how ACE credit should be used.

• AP Tests

  Advanced Placement tests are offered by College Board, an independent organization. AP tests are typically taken at the end of a high school course designed specifically to prepare students in that advanced subject matter.

  To get credit for AP tests, log in to collegeboard.org and have your scores sent directly to SMC. You can see a list of SMC’s AP Equivalencies. 

• Challenge Tests

  Students may test out of a basic biology course by taking a challenge test. The first attempt is free; the second attempt costs $25. Below are the classes students may currently attempt to test out of along with a description of the test. Please contact the testing center to schedule a Challenge test.

  CHEM 100 Challenge Test

  • 60 minutes, 50 multiple-choice questions
  • Formula sheet, periodic table, and calculator provided
• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Tests

  College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests are offered by College Board to assess your knowledge in one of many different subject areas. SMC accepts credit for 27 CLEP tests with a score of 50 or higher (in most cases). 

  If you’ve already taken a CLEP test at another institution, log in to collegeboard.org and have your scores sent directly to SMC. 

  If you’d like to take a CLEP test at SMC, please follow the steps below.

  You do not have to be a student at SMC to take a CLEP test. If you are planning to send your scores to another institution, it is important that you contact the school and ask if they accept credit for the tests, what course it is for and what score they consider as passing. If you are planning on attending SMC, we accept CLEP credit for 27 different CLEP tests. See the CLEP tests we accept and required scores here.

  College Board charges an $97 CLEP test fee per test, plus there is a $25 SMC proctoring fee for each test taken. For more information, visit the CLEP website at clep.collegeboard.com.

  To Take a CLEP Exam…

  1. Find the test you want to take on the CLEP website. Register and pay CLEP’s test fee through the CLEP site.
  2. Contact the Testing Center to set up an appointment. You will pay the $25 SMC proctoring fee when you arrive.  
• DSST Exams

  DSST (originally known as DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) is a credit-by-exam program that allows students to earn college credit for knowledge acquired outside the traditional classroom. Tests typically cost around $100 plus a proctoring fee of $25.

• Michigan College Credit for Apprenticeships Program (MI-CCAP)

  You can turn your apprenticeship into a college degree. If you have completed an approved Registered Apprenticeship Program, you can now receive college credit toward an associate degree at Southwestern Michigan College (SMC).

  The completion of most apprenticeship programs only requires 15 remaining credits at SMC to graduate, depending on the program of study selected (Note: All degree candidates must earn at least 15 credits directly through SMC to meet residency requirements).

  View approved apprenticeships and credit values here.

  Steps You Need to Take...
  1. Apply to SMC: Complete our free online application for admission and select your intended associate degree program.
  2. Meet with an Advisor: Schedule an in-person or virtual appointment with an academic advisor. They will review your goals, map out your degree path, and assist with course registration. You may be asked to provide proof of high school completion, official apprenticeship documentation, or complete placement testing.
  3. Receive Your Credit: Once your official apprenticeship documentation is received and verified, your awarded credits will be applied directly to your SMC academic transcript.
  4. Complete Your Remaining Courses: Finish your remaining course requirements through SMC. Courses are offered across flexible formats, including online options as well as face-to-face classes at our Dowagiac and Niles campuses. All college requirements and policies apply for academic participation and grading.
  5. Apply for Graduation: Submit your graduation application during the semester you register for your final course requirements. Your advisor will complete an audit to confirm all degree requirements are met.
  6. Celebrate and Graduate: As an SMC graduate, you are invited to walk in our Commencement ceremony. Your official diploma will be mailed 5–7 weeks after the end of your final semester.

Prior Learning Licenses & Certifications

Have a license or certification not listed here? The list below represents common prior learning pathways but is not exhaustive. Students are encouraged to submit other active professional licenses and industry certifications to the Records Office for evaluation.

• LPN Certification

  Students with an active Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license should submit a copy to their advisor for verification and approval by the Dean of the School of Nursing and Health Services. Graduation from an accredited program and an active LPN license of less than two years satisfies the courses: NURS 160, NURS 168, and NURS 170. Graduation from an accredited program and an active LPN license of two years or more satisfies the following courses: NURS 160, NURS 168, NURS 170, ENGL 103/ENGL 103W, MATH 127, BIOL 214, BIOL 215, and PSYC 101. A $35 recording fee is required before credits are applied.

• Health Services

  Students holding valid certifications or licenses may submit documentation to the Records Office to receive credit for equivalent coursework.

  • Firefighter I & II certification will earn students credit for FISC 100 and FISC 101
  • A valid Medical First Responder (MFR) license will earn credit for HEED 131, while a valid Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) license will earn credit for HEED 131 and HEED 132. (Note: Requires proof of licensure, not certification.)
• Early Childhood Education Credentials

  Students holding a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential in Infant/Toddler or Preschool may submit documentation to the Records Office. The Program Director evaluates credentials and recommends credit approval. A $35 per credential recording fee is required before credits are applied.

• Information Technology

  Because the field of IT evolves rapidly, certifications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Students may submit documentation to the Records Office for evaluation. If the certification meets the requirements for a specific course, the student may be granted credit for that course, at the Dean of Arts, Science and Business’s discretion. A $35 per credential recording fee is required before credits are applied.

• Advanced Technology

  Students with industry credentials such as Welding or Electrical & Automation Technology (e.g., AWS SENSE or FANUC certifications) may submit their documentation to the Records Office for evaluation. If the certification meets the requirements for a specific course, the student may be granted credit for that course, at the Dean of Advanced Technology and Industry Engagement's discretion. A $35 per credential recording fee is required before credits are applied.