Alternative Credit Programs

Because not all college-level learning takes place in the classroom, Bloomfield College accepts credit through the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Portfolio Learning Assessment (PLA).

A maximum of 16 course units may be earned through CLEP exams (including College Board Placement examinations) and Portfolio Learning Assessment.

CLEP (College Level Examination Program)

CLEP (College Level Examination Program) exam is offered to both Bloomfield College and non-Bloomfield College students who may have knowledge or professional experience in a particular subject.

Learn more about CLEP (College Level Examination Program) at The Test Center at Bloomfield College

 

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Assessment of life learning experience is a flexible, efficient way of earning college credits for what you have learned outside the classroom. Awarding of credit for life experience operates on the belief that college-level learning, no matter how it is gained, deserves college credits. Therefore, nearly any type of experiential learning can gain college credit as long as:

  1. It is equivalent to a course or courses at Bloomfield College and
  2. You can prove your expertise.

Prior learning is evaluated through a portfolio system. A portfolio is a completion of documentation assembled in an approved format to demonstrate college-level knowledge for an award of credit. The portfolio you submit will serve as proof of your expertise and the value it has in the academic world. It can include knowledge or skills gained from a wide variety of sources, including but not limited to:

  • Full or part time jobs Independent reading and study
  • Training programs or in-service courses
  • Volunteer work
  • Cultural and artistic pursuits
  • Hobbies and recreational pastimes
  • Community or religious activities
  • Military service Travel

Applying for PLA

To apply for Prior Learning Assessment students must:

  • Apply for Prior Learning Assessment through Academic Affairs, 73 Oakland Ave., ext. 1101. The fee for portfolio assessment is $500 per portfolio, to be paid at the time a portfolio application is approved.
  • Have completed a minimum of 6 course units at the College (4 course units for transfer students holding the AA or AS degree)
  • Students may apply for portfolio assessment prior to completing 6 course units and credits will be recorded on the transcript once the 6 course units have been completed.
  • Successful completion of a portfolio will be recorded on the student's transcript as a grade of “satisfactory” and will not be used in calculating the grade point average

 

There is a special portfolio review process if you test out of WRT106/Analytic Argumentative Writing through placement testing at Bloomfield College:

  • Students submit applications along with several of their best writing samples
  • Completed applications are forwarded to the Freshman Writing Program Coordinator by the Associate VP for Academic Affairs.
  • If the application is approved, the student receives credit for WRT 106
  • If the student has not yet taken WRT 109, she/he will take the WRT 109/Synthesis & Research Writing exit exam through arrangement with the Freshman Writing Program Coordinator. The exit exam is evaluated by a faculty assessor
  • If a student passes the exit exam, she/he receives credit for WRT 109. If a student does not pass the exit exam, she/he must take the WRT 109 course.

Important PLA Downloads:

PLA Handbook (PDF)
PLA application

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