Achieved Prior Learning (APL) is a way to earn Moraine Valley Community College credit for what you already know from prior learning or work experience. It is designed to help Moraine Valley students obtain college credit without repeating material. Faculty members assess student’s knowledge through written examinations, interviews and performance tests. Academic Outreach maintains a list of courses available for APL credit. Interested students should meet with an academic advisor to make sure they understand the requirements for their degree before investigating whether APL will be helpful. If you wish to complete the APL procedures, you must be currently enrolled at Moraine Valley and taking classes toward a Moraine degree or certificate.
APL is open to currently enrolled Moraine Valley students. Students need to also be pursuing a degree or certificate at Moraine Valley and have some completed coursework toward their degree. Enrollment is available throughout the year.
You have 25 weeks from the day you register for the APL to complete all requirements unless your instructor designates a different schedule.
Check with the registrar of the transfer school to verify acceptance of APL credits.
- Contact the Academic Outreach Office for instructions and a Registration form. Check the master list of courses. If the class you want is on the list, note the assessment requirements and the faculty member to contact.
- Meet with the Faculty member to discuss the assessment process and obtain permission.
- Check with an Advisor to make sure you meet all eligibility requirements.
- Bring the form to the Registration Office to enroll and pay the fee. The APL fee is one credit hour of tuition. Current fee: $128.00 per course.
- Arrange a time with the faculty member to complete the assessment.
To graduate from Moraine Valley, you must earn at least 25 percent of the program requirements at Moraine Valley, in addition to credit obtained through APL. Some programs further limit the number of courses for which APL credit can be received. An APL course appears on a transcript with the designation "P" and number of credit hours earned.
APL is designed for those who already know the course material and cannot be used as an independent study.
Your knowledge is assessed by a faculty member in the appropriate academic or career discipline. An APL assessment may include a written examination, interview or performance test. Students are graded on a pass/fail basis. The “P”(Pass) represents a grade of "C" or better. Please note: this is not calculated as a part of your grade point average.
Questions?
Submit your question or contact Academic Outreach Building L, Room L244, (708) 974-5710.