Course Challenges provide Cape Cod Community College students an opportunity to earn college credit for prior learning experiences by demonstrating proficiency in the content of a course. Students may request a Course Challenge when there is no CLEP examination available. Developmental Education courses and Independent Study cannot be challenged. Academic departments determine courses that are eligible for challenge and the competencies necessary for the student to demonstrate for awarding credit. Course challenge credits earned do not apply to residency requirements.
Procedure
- A student who believes he/she has sufficient knowledge or skills must contact the Department Chair, Program Coordinator, or Dean to determine eligibility to challenge a course for academic credit.
- The student submits a Course Challenge form with an explanation of the reasons why he/she believes he/she has mastery of the material, presentation of any appropriate evidence, and submission of any supporting documentation.
- A faculty expert will be identified by the Dean in consultation with the Department Chair and Program Coordinator.
- The expert's recommendation and process of evaluation is reviewed by the department to ensure uniformity of treatment.
- Once approved by the department, the student pays and registers for the course challenge.
- The expert determines the applicant's subject matter competence using the approved evaluation.
- The faculty expert records the grade at the end of the term. If successful, the course, its credits, and a grade of "P" for pass is recorded. If unsuccessful, a grade of "NG" is recorded. The "NG" grade does not show on the transcript.
(Passed at the College Meeting March 31, 1981; amended May 15, 1986; revised October 30, 1990; revised May 1, 2017)