Ensign College is committed to providing opportunities for learners to earn college credit for their prior learning experiences. We recognize that individuals may have acquired knowledge and skills through various means, such as work experience, independent study, or professional certifications. To support these individuals in achieving their educational and career goals, the college has a Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) policy and approach that allows students to demonstrate their proficiency through different assessment methods.
Assessment Methods: Ensign College offers three assessment methods to evaluate and award college credit for prior learning:
1) Challenge Exams: Challenge exams provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in a specific subject area by completing an examination. These exams are designed to assess a student's understanding of the content typically covered in a college-level course. Exams can include traditional question and answer-based exams and project and other forms of assessments found in current course offerings. To request a challenge exam, students must:
- Contact the appropriate academic department to determine exam availability.
- Pay any applicable fees associated with the challenge exam.
- Prepare for the exam by reviewing relevant course materials and resources.
- Schedule a date and time for the exam with the academic department.
- Successfully pass the challenge exam with a predetermined minimum score as determined by the academic department to earn college credit.
2) Portfolios: Portfolios allow students to compile evidence of their prior learning experiences, such as work samples, projects, certifications, or documentation of independent study. A portfolio should include a reflection component that explains how the submitted materials relate to specific course learning outcomes. To submit a portfolio for assessment, students must:
- Submit the CPL Interest Form which can be accessed by meeting with an advisor or program chair
- Assemble and organize the portfolio materials as prescribed, ensuring they align with course learning outcomes. Students will have access to a Canvas course that provides detailed information on how to compile the portfolio.
- Submit the completed portfolio
- Faculty or department assessors will review the portfolio and provide feedback and credit if the evidence meets the required criteria.
3) Approved Industry Certifications: Ensign College recognizes the value of industry certifications as a measure of a student's knowledge and skills. Students who have obtained specific industry-recognized certifications may be eligible for college credit. To request credit for approved industry certifications, students must:
- Provide documentation of the certification, including the name of the certification, the date obtained, and any relevant scores or transcripts.
- Submit the documentation to the appropriate academic department for evaluation.
- Faculty or department assessors will review the certification and determine the credit awarded based on the alignment with course content and learning outcomes and that the certification completion date ensures the relevance of the certification.
General Guidelines:
- Credit for prior learning will only result in credits that are part of the Ensign College curriculum.
- Credit will only be awarded for prior learning that is equivalent to the learning outcomes and content covered in a specific course.
- The maximum amount of credit that can be awarded through the Credit for Prior Learning policy may not exceed 75% of a student's total program or degree requirements.
- Students must meet all other program and degree requirements for graduation.