old-Credit for Previous Training from Other Institutions/Experience

Students may be given credit toward program completion requirements upon demonstration of common competencies. Students may request credit for prior education, training, or work experiences may do so based on:

1. Credit from a sister Tennessee College of Applied Technology - institution
2. Credit from all other institutions, work experiences, certifications, etc.

Credit for the previous training can be established by:

1. Testing: A student may demonstrate proficiency through oral, written, and/or skill performance. The test will be administered by the program instructor and the completed test maintained as part of the student’s testing files. Recommended credit must be documented on a prior credit request form and filed in the student’s folder in the Student Services Office.
2. Transcript: Prior credit may be granted to students by transcripts from other schools. Credit earned from other sources must be from institutions that are accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or whose acceptance is required by a state or federal approving agency, including:
   1. Other TBR schools. The instructor should evaluate the transcript to ensure that credit is given only for those courses or units that coincide with units of instruction for this program.
   2. Schools not governed by TBR, but which have an articulation agreement with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology -. Credit will be given as specified in the articulation agreement.
   3. For students who are transferring from a program certified by a state or national governing board such as practical nursing, cosmetology, or NATEF (ASE), credit may be granted for completed certified units as prescribed by the certifying agency.
   4. Institutions not governed by TBR, but which have courses similar to the program of instruction at Tennessee College of Applied Technology -.

Upon pre-enrollment/enrollment, students desiring credit for prior education, training, or work experiences must complete a Previous Training/Experience Form, available from the Student Services Office. The prior credit form should be completed by the student and instructor and submitted to the Student Services Office by the end of the first term of the student’s enrollment. Students should identify prior credits, via an official transcript, including a course description(s), that the student feels are a match for a course(s) in the Tennessee College of Applied Technology - program of study. Past work experience will be evaluated for currency, type of equipment used and length of employment. Students seeking such credit should submit supporting documentation to their instructor for review and recommendation(s) for credit towards completion of a program of study. The instructor’s role is only to recommend whether to grant credit towards a certificate or diploma based on past education, training, or work experiences. Based on the information submitted, the instructor will recommend the amount of credit to be given or recommend that the student complete a challenge test to determine credit. The instructor will then forward recommendation(s) to the Student Services Office. Credit granted will not exceed 25% of the program of study. After assessment of previous education, training and/or experience the student will be enrolled in training at the student’s documented proficiency level. The time normally required for training will be shortened accordingly.