Valencia College recognizes alternative award of credit mechanisms that allow students to earn college credit for prior learning and demonstrated competency. Credit earned through these methods is recorded without quality points and does not affect GPA unless used to forgive prior grades under specified conditions.
Students may apply a maximum of 45 credits in any combination of alternative mechanisms toward a Valencia degree. To be awarded a degree from Valencia College, students must complete at least 25% of required credits as institutional credits.
A complete list of Florida Department of Education Articulation Coordinating Committee Credit-by-Exam Equivalencies is available on the Florida Department of Education website.
Advanced Placement
Credit may be awarded for AP examinations with the minimum required score on the official College Board score report sent directly to Valencia. AP credit is granted in accordance with the statewide AP agreement and is transferable among Florida public institutions. No letter grades or quality points are assigned.
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Credit may be awarded for CLEP examinations when the minimum required score is reflected on an official College Board score report sent directly to Valencia College. CLEP credit is recorded without letter grades or quality points. Information on CLEP exam equivalencies, associated costs, and procedures for testing is available through Testing and Assessment Services.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Credit may be awarded for IB examinations with the minimum required score on the official IB transcript sent directly to Valencia College, consistent with statewide credit-by-exam equivalencies. No letter grades or quality points are assigned.
Industry Licensure or Certification
Credit may be awarded toward select A.S. degree programs based on approved Florida industry certifications or professional licensure. Credit is awarded in accordance with statewide and institutional articulation agreements.
Students must meet program eligibility requirements, submit required documentation, and complete an Award of Credit Request for departmental review. Approved certifications and articulation agreements are posted on the College website.
DANTES / DSST
Credit may be awarded for approved DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests) examinations administered through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) when the minimum required score is reflected on an official score report.
Credit for Military Training and Experience
Credit may be awarded for evaluated military training and education based on recommendations of the American Council on Education (ACE).
Credit may be considered for training documented on official military transcripts such as the Joint Services Transcript (JST). Credit is awarded when learning outcomes align with Valencia College course equivalencies and degree requirements. ACE recommendations are advisory, and final credit determinations are made by Valencia College in accordance with established transfer credit policies.
Experiential Learning
Degree-seeking students may receive credit for documented experiential learning, such as structured industry training, in-service learning, or employment-based competencies. Credit is awarded through portfolio assessment when demonstrated learning outcomes align with course-level competencies. To request credit, students consult with a Student Success Coach, identify relevant competencies and supporting documentation, and submit a portfolio assessment request. Portfolio evaluations are conducted by qualified faculty and approved by the Academic Dean.
