Southwestern College awards course credit to students who petition for credit based on a prior learning experience or for satisfactorily passing an assessment deemed equivalent by the discipline faculty to course objectives, course content, and course student learning outcomes. This process is referred to as Credit for Prior Learning.  Assessment methods approved for Credit for Prior Learning include the following:

• Credit by Examination
• External Exam Credit (AP, IB, CLEP, DANTES)
• Industry Recognized Certification or Licensure
• Prior Military Experience
• Student-Created Portfolio

Students who wish to receive credit for a course through the Credit for Prior Learning process must petition using the SWC Student Petition for Credit for Prior Learning available on the college website. 

(Title 5 Section 55002, 55021, 55023 55025, 55050, 55051, 55052, AP 4235 - Credit for Prior Learning)

The courses below are eligible for Credit for Prior Learning, and students may petition to earn units.  Contact the Credit for Prior Learning faculty lead, the discipline department chair, or the school for more information. For a complete list of courses available to earn credit by external examination (AP/IB/CLEP/DANTES) review the SWC Catalog External Exams Credit page.