Competency Assessment For Credit

An Option for Life-Long Learning Experience

Northwestern Michigan College may grant course credit for students enrolled in academic coursework at NMC who feel they have acquired knowledge equivalent to college credit through work, experience, or prior knowledge.

Procedures

• Students may inquire about competency assessment at the Registrar's office.
• The student will be required to meet with an instructor within the proper discipline to determine if Competency Assessment is available for the requested course.
• If the student decides to pursue competency assessment, the student will request a Competency Assessment for Credit form from the Registrar.
• The Registrar will complete the application, receive the fees for the course, and send an E-mail notice plus the Competency Assessment for Credit form to the lead/contact instructor.
• The assessment should be completed during the semester the fees are paid.
• After the assessment is complete, the instructor will provide a Q or NQ for the course and return the form to the Registrar.
• All qualified grades (Q) will be recorded on the student's permanent record as Competency Assessment credit. Students must complete at least one NMC academic course before credits will be recorded.
• Competency Assessment credits do not count towards the required 24 NMC credits for graduation.
• Retakes are not expected or encouraged. However, to qualify for a retake, a student must demonstrate that he/she acquired the skills needed for competency and justify why a retake would be appropriate. The justification should include evidence of additional course work, professional seminars, or work experience and must be approved by the Discipline Chair and/or lead/contact instructor for the course. Only one retake may be allowed.

Discipline Responsibilities

• The lead/contact instructor will determine if Competency Assessment is available for individual courses. The assessment will include proof of satisfactory completion of comprehensive objectives for the course.
• The occupational discipline determines the minimum acceptable standard.
• Each discipline has the option of limiting the number of credits which may be applied through Competency Assessment.

Fees

• The fee for competency assessment will be $35 per credit hour based on credit hours for the class