Credit for Prior Learning

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)

Saddleback College accepts CLEP exams as credit for some General Education requirements. CLEP scores can also be used for CSUGE certification. CLEP cannot be used for general education certification of Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements.

Subject Examination: Each academic division of the college may recognize the Subject Examination if a single examination measures the competency associated with the successful completion of a specific Saddleback College course. Generally, however, specific course credit by examination will be attained through Credit by Examination - see next section for more credit by examination information.

Any credit awarded does not necessarily transfer to other colleges. Students seeking to use CLEP credit for college transfer purposes will need to consult the transfer institution regarding its policy pertaining to CLEP.

No credit will be given to CLEP in any area in which the student has earned college credit prior to completion of CLEP examinations. Credit is awarded upon completion of one semester in the South Orange County Community College District. Additional information regarding the College Level Examination Program may be obtained in the counseling office.

College Credit for CLEP Exams

*Credit will be given for CLEP with a score of 50 unless otherwise noted.  If a student passes more than one CLEP test in the same language other than English (e.g., two exams in French), then only one examination may be applied to the baccalaureate. For each test in a language other than English, a passing score of 50 is considered “Level I” and earns six units of baccalaureate credit; the higher score listed for each test is considered “Level II” and earns 6 additional units of credit and placement in Area C2 of GE Breadth. The total of 12 units are earned^.

The Standardized Examination information was prepared based upon data available at the time of publication and is subject to change.

Military Service Credit

Six semester units of general elective credit toward an Associate degree will be awarded for a minimum of one year of active honorable service. In the first semester of attendance, veterans who are collecting V.A. educational benefits must submit their DD-214 or other military service record to the Veterans Office to be evaluated for these credits. Other veterans who are not collecting V.A. educational benefits, will be evaluated by the Office of Admissions and Records.

Veterans may receive credit for work completed successfully in military service schools, beyond basic training, not to exceed 30 semester units. Military service credit will be evaluated only upon completion of 12 units in residence at Saddleback College or Irvine Valley College and application for an evaluation of an associate degree, CSU and/or IGETC certification or certificate. Military credit evaluation can be completed through Veterans Education and Transition Services at Saddleback College.

Military service credit may not necessarily apply toward minimum admissions requirements for other colleges or universities. Credit is generally given only after the student is fully matriculated and enrolled at the university upon submission of Form DD-214 or DD- 295.

Saddleback College veterans’ counselors are your primary source of information regarding academic planning, veteran’s resources, and career and personal counseling. They are located in the college VETS Center and are available for scheduled appointments and walk-in sessions. VA students will need to get a My Academic Plan (MAP) completed by one of these counselors in order to start receiving VA educational benefits. Questions regarding course selection and academic requirements may be addressed through this source.