Main Content Area

Registration and Records

Prior Learning Assessment

Aims offers credit for achievement and knowledge gained outside the traditional classroom through standardized tests outlined below. For consideration of transfer credit, have an official transcript from the testing authority sent to Aims. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Credit is another way to receive credit toward your Aims program for learning that took place outside of a traditional college or university. See the tables below for details about exams and other avenues for receiving credit at Aims. 

Standardized Testing Credit

AP Exams Accepted at Aims

AP exams accepted at Aims
Exam Name Score Equivalent Aims Course
Biology 3 BIO 111 (5 credits)
Biology 4-5 BIO 111 & BIO 112 (10 credits)
Calculus AB 3-5 MAT 201 (5 credits)
Calculus BC 3 MAT 201 (5 credits)
Calculus BC 4-5 MAT 201 & MAT 202 (10 credits)
Chemistry 3-4 CHE 111 (5 credits)
Chemistry 5 CHE 111 & CHE 112 (10 credits)
Comparative Government 3-5 POS 225 (3 credits)
English Language & Composition 3-5 ENG 121 (3 credits)
English Language & Composition 3-5 LIT 115 (3 credits)
Environmental Science 3-5 ENV 101 (4 credits)
European History 3 HIS 101 (3 credits)
European History 4-5 HIS 101 & 102 (6 credits)
Human Geography 3-5 GEO 106 (3 credits)
Macroeconomics 3-5 ECO 201 (3 credits)
Macroeconomics 3-5 ECO 202 (3 credits)
Physics 1 3-5 PHY 111 (5 credits)
Physics 2 3-5 PHY 112 (5 credits)
Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism 3-5 PHY 212 (5 credits)
Psychology 3-5 PSY 101 & PSY 102 (6 credits)
Spanish Language & Culture 3-5 SPA 211 (3 credits)
Statistics 3-5 MAT 135 (3 credits)
United States Government & Politics 3-5 POS 111 (3 credits)
United States History 3 HIS 121 (3 credits)
United States History 4-5 HIS 121 & HIS 122 (6 credits)
World History 3-5 HIS 111 & HIS 112 (6 credits)

Last Updated: June 19, 2019
CLEP Exam Name GT-Pathways Category Minimum Score Aims Course Equivalent(s)
American Government GT-SS1 50 POS 111 (3 credits)
American Literature GT-AH2 50 LIT 211 (3 credits)
Biology GT-SC2 50 GTP 992 (GT-SC2 Science, no lab) (6 credits)
Calculus GT-SC2 50 MAT 201 (5 credits)
Chemistry GT-SC2 50 GTP 992 (GT-SC2 Science, no lab) (6 credits)
College Algebra GT-MA1 50 MAT 121 (4 credits)
College Composition GT-CO1 & GT-CO2 50 ENG 121 and ENG 122 (6 credits)
College Composition Modular GT-CO1 50 ENG 121 (3 credits)
College Mathematics GT-MA1 50 MAT 120 (4 credits)
English Literature GT-AH2 50 LIT 221 (3 credits)
Financial Accounting n/a 50 ACC 101 (3 credits)
French Language: Level 2 GT-AH4 50 FRE 111 (5 credits)
French Language: Level 2 GT-AH4 50 FRE 111, FRE 112, and FRE 211 (13 credits)
German Language: Level 2 GT-AH4 50 GER 111 (5 credits)
German Language: Level 2 GT-AH4 60 GER 111, GER 112, and GER 211 (13 credits)
History of the United States I: Early Colonization to 1877 GT-HI1 50 HIS 121 (3 credits)
History of the United States II: 1865 to the Present GT-HI1 50 HIS 122 (3 credits)
Human Growth and Development GT-SS3 50 PSY 235 (3 credits)
Humanities n/a 50 HUM 121 (3 credits) OR GTP 983 (GT-AH1 ART, MUS, THE) (3 credits)
Information Systems & Computer Applications n/a 50 CIS 115 (3 credits)
Introduction to Educational Psychology GT-SS3 50 GTP 989 (GT-SS3 ANT, PSY, SOC, CRJ, ETH) (3 credits)
Introductory Psychology GT-SS3 50 PSY 101 and PSY 102 (6 credits)
Introductory Sociology GT-SS3 50 SOC 101 (3 credits)
Natural Sciences GT-SC2 50 GTP 992 (GT-SC2 Science, no lab) (6 credits)
Pre-Calculus GT-MA1 50 GT-MA1: GTP 982 (5 credits) (MAT 166, Aims doesn't offer)
Principles of Macroeconomics GT-SS1 50 ECO 201 (3 credits)
Principles of Management n/a 50 MAN 226 (3 credits)
Principles of Microeconomics GT-SS1 50 ECO 202 (3 credits)
Social Sciences and History GT-HI1 or GT-SS1 (at the institution's discretion) 50 GTP 986 (GT-HI1 History) (3 credits) OR GTP 987 (GT-SS1 ECO or POS) (3 credits)
Spanish Language: Level 2 GT-AH4 50 SPA 111 (5 credits)
Spanish Language: Level 2 GT-AH4 63 SPA 111, SPA 112, & SPA 211 (13 credits)
Spanish Language: Level 2 & Writing GT-AH4 65 SPA 111, SPA 112, SPA 211 & 212 (16 credits)
Western Civilization I: Ancient Near East to 1648 GT-HI1 50 HIS 101 (3 credits)
Western Civilization II: 1648 to Present GT-HI1 50 HIS 102 (3 credits)

DSST Exam Name GT-Pathways Category Minimum Score Equivalent Aims Course
A History of the Vietnam War GT-HI1 400 GTP 986 (GT-HI1 History) (3 credits)
Art of the Western World GT-AH1 400 GTP 983 (GT-AH1 ART, MUS, THE) (3 credits)
Astronomy GT-SC2 400 GTP 992 (GT-SC2 Science, no lab) (3 credits)
Business Ethics and Society n/a 400 MAN 102 (1 credit)
Criminal Justice n/a 50/400 CRJ 110 (3 credits)
Environmental Science GT-SC2 400 GTP 992 (GT-SC2 Science, no lab) (3 credits)
Ethics in America GT-AH3 400 PHI 112 (3 credits)
Foundations of Education n/a 60 EDU 221 (3 credits)
Fundamentals of College Algebra GT-MA1 400 MAT 121 (4 credits)
General Anthropology GT-SS3 400 ANT 101 (3 credits)
Health & Human Development GT-SS3 400 GTP 989 (GT-SS3 ANT, PSY, SOC, CRJ, ETH) (3 credits)
History of the Soviet Union GT-HI1 400 GTP 986 (GT-HI1 History) (3 credits)
Human/Cultural Geography GT-SS2 400 GEO 105 (3 credits)
Introduction to Computing n/a 50/400 CIS 115 (3 credits)
Introduction to Law Enforcement n/a 50 CRJ 125 (3 credits)
Introduction to World Religions GT-AH3 400 GT-AH3: GTP 985 (3 credits) (PHI 115, Aims doesn't offer)
Lifespan Development Psychology GT-SS3 400 PSY 235 (3 credits)
Management Information Systems n/a 50/400 CIS 267 (3 credits)
Math for Liberal Arts GT-MA1 400 MAT 120 (4 credits)
Organizational GT-SS3 400 GTP 989 (GT-SS3 ANT, PSY, SOC, CRJ, ETH) (3 credits)
Principles of Advanced English Composition GT-CO1 400 ENG 121 (3 credits)
Principles of Finance n/a 65 ACC 121 (4 credits)
Principles of Physical Science GT-SC2 400 SCI 155 (4 credits)
Principles of Statistics GT-MA1 400 MAT 135 (3 credits)
Substance Abuse (formerly Drug and Alcohol Abuse) GT-SS3 400 GTP 989 (GT-SS3 ANT, PSY, SOC, CRJ, ETH) (3 credits)
Technical Writing w/Essay n/a 50 ENG 131 (3 credits)
The Civil War & Reconstruction GT-HI1 400 GT-HI1: GTP 986 (3 credits) (HIS 203, Aims doesn't offer)

These credit equivalencies are for the GED Testing Service's tests taken 1/1/2014 - 12/31/2020. Last Updated: September 4, 2018
GED Testing Service Exam Name Minimum Score Equivalent Aims Course
2014 GED Mathematical Reasoning Test 175 MAT 121 (4 credits)
2014 GED Reasoning Through Language Arts Test 175 HUM 1xx (1 credit Gen Ed elective)
2014 GED Science Test 175 SCI 105 (3 credit science, no lab, category GT-SC2)
2014 GED Social Studies Test 175 ECO 101 (3 credits)

IB Exam Name Score Equivalent Aims Course
Biology SL 4-7 BIO 111 (5 credits)
Biology HL 4 BIO 111 (5 credits)
Biology HL 5-7 BIO 111 and BIO 112 (10 credits)
Chemistry SL 4-7 CHE 111 (5 credits)
Chemistry HL 4 CHE 111 (5 credits)
Chemistry HL 5-7 CHE 111 and CHE 112 (10 credits)
Economics SL 4-7 ECO 201 (3 credits)
Economics HL 4-7 ECO 201 and ECO 202 (6 credits)
English A Language 4 ENG 121 (3 credits)
English A Language 5-7 ENG 121 and ENG 122 (6 credits)
English A Language 4-7 ENG 121 (3 credits)
English A Literature 4-7 LIT 115 (3 credits)
English A Literature 4 LIT 115 (3 credits)
English A Literature 5-7 ENG 121 and LIT 115 (6 credits)
French Language B 4 FRE 111, FRE 112, and FRE 211 (13 credits)
French Language B 5-7 FRE 111, FRE 112, and FRE 212 (13 credits)
French Language B 4 FRE 111 (5 Credits)
French Language B 5-6 FRE 111 and FRE 112 (10 credits)
French Language B 7 FRE 111, FRE 112, and FRE 211 (13 credits)
Geography HL 4-7 GEO 105 and GEO 106 (6 credits)
Geography SL 4-7 GEO 105 (3 credits)
Mathematics SL 4-7 MAT 121 (4 credits)
Mathematics SL 4-7 MAT 121 (4 credits)
Mathematics HL 4-7 MAT 121 (4 credits)
Mathematics Studies SL 4-7 MAT 121 (4 credits)
Music HL 4-7 MUS 110, MUS 120, and MUS 141 (7 credits)
Philosophy HL 4-7 PHI 111 (3 credits)
Philosophy SL 4-7 PHI 111 (3 credits)
Physics HL 4-7 PHY 111 and PHY 112 (10 credits)
Physics SL 4-7 PHY 111 (5 credits)
Psychology HL 4-7 PSY 101 & PSY 102 (6 credits)
Psychology HL 4-7 PSY 101 (3 credits)
Social & Cultural Anthropology HL 4-7 ANT 101 (3 credits)
Social & Cultural Anthropology SL 4-7 ANT 101 (3 credits)
Spanish B HL 4 SPA 211 (3 credits)
Spanish B HL 5-7 SPA 211 and SPA 212 (6 credits)
Spanish B SL 4 SPA 111 (5 credits)
Spanish B SL 5-7 SPA 111 and SPA 112 (10 credits)
Theater HL 4-7 THE 105 (3 credits)
Visual Arts SL 4-7 ART 110 (3 credits)
20th Century World History-The Americas HL 4-7 HIS 121 and HIS 122 (6 credits)
20th Century World History-European HL 4-7 HIS 101 and HIS 102 (6 credits)
20th Century World History SL 4-7 HIS 111 (3 credits)

UExcel Exam Name Minimum Score Equivalent Aims Course
Abnormal Psychology 45 PSY 249 (3 credits)
Anatomy & Physiology 46 BIO 201 & BIO 202 (8 credits)
English Composition I 40 ENG 121 (3 credits)
Ethics: Theory & Practice 46 PHI 112 (3 credits)
Life Span Developmental Psychology 45 PSY 235 (3 credits)
Social Psychology 37 PSY 226 (3 credits)

Prior Experience Credits

A student may challenge a course for which that student believes prior training and/or study is adequate to meet the instructor’s course requirements. All Guaranteed Transfer courses (courses found in the Aims Catalog with an attribute in brackets) and some CTE courses may be challenged. This credit will be allowed based on the following conditions and procedures:

  • You must be currently enrolled at Aims Community College.
  • You may not use a course challenge for a course in which you are currently enrolled.
  • Submit the Course Challenge form to the academic department offering the course. The department may request additional documentation. 
  • Upon approval by the faculty advisor or program chair and the division authority, you will be offered the opportunity to complete the requirements for the course challenge.
  • Upon successfully completing the requirements for the course challenge, you will be awarded full credit for the course. A grade of “S” (Satisfactory) will be recorded when the approved form is submitted to the Student Enrollment Office by the division authority.
  • The credit will not affect your GPA, will not meet residency requirements and will not contribute to eligibility requirements for financial aid or veteran’s benefits.

Credit for business and industry training is based on recommendations contained in the American Council on Education (ACE) National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training, and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). To apply for credit, submit an official transcript to the Student Enrollment & Records Office.

Credit for learning gained in the U.S. Military is based on the American Council on Education (ACE) Military Guide credit recommendations found on a Joint Services Transcript (JST), or a Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) report for current or former Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps or Navy personnel or on a Community College of the Air Force Transcript (CCAF) for Air Force personnel. Service members or veterans can request a copy of their JST on the JST site and, if needed, can request updates or corrections to their JST with service-specific support. The JST eliminates the need for the DD Form 295.

For consideration of transfer credit, have official transcripts or other documentation of military training and occupations sent to Aims.

Military learning experiences must be applicable to the student’s declared degree or certificate program for credit to be awarded. Aims offers credit for achievement and knowledge gained outside the traditional classroom through standardized tests such as: 

ACE ID ACE Course Title Recommended Credit Hours GT Pathways Course Prefix, number, number of credits
AR-1511-0024 Intelligence in combating Terrorism Blank GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
AF-2203-0069 Magnet Capstone 3 GTP 980 (3) (English Comp)
AR-0702-0022 Medical Laboratory Specialist 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
AR-0703-0027 v2 Clinical Laboratory Officer 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
AR-0704-0029 Occupational Therapy Specialist Advanced Leader (ALC) Blank GTP 980 (3) (English Comp)
AR-0704-0029 Occupational Therapy Specialist Advanced Leader (ALC) 3 GTP 980 (3) (English Comp)
AR-0707-0011 v1 Basic Environment Staff Blank GTP 989 (3) (ANT, PSY, SOC, CRJ, ETH)
AR-1401-0009 Finance Officer Advanced 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
AR-1402-0278 Operations Research Systems Analysis (ORSA) Military Application 3 GTP 982 (3) (Math)
AR-1405-0271 Aviation Captain's Career 3 GTP 980 (3) (English Comp)
AR-1405-0304 Civil Support Skills 1 n/a
AR-1405-0304 v2 Civil Support Skills 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
AR-1406-0096 v5 Special Forces Warrant Officer Technical and Tactical Certification 3 GTP 986 (3) (History)
AR-1408-0148 U.S. Army Sergeants Major 3 GTP 986 (3) (History)
AR-1408-0168 U.S. Army Sergeants Major 3 GTP 980 (3) (English Comp)
AR-1408-0293 Departmental Resource Management 1 n/a
AR-1511-0027 Regional Studies 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
AR-1511-0027 Regional Studies 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
AR-1606-0297 Intelligence Analyst Advanced Leader 3 GTP 980 (3) (English Comp)
AR-2202-0001 Democratic Sustainment Blank GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
DD-1511-0001 National Security Management 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
DD-1511-0009 National War College 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
DD-1601-0020 Basic Terrain Analysis Blank GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
DD-1601-0020 Basic Terrain Analysis 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
MC-0501-0007 Career Course DEP 3 GTP 980 (3) (English Comp)
MC-1732-0004 Explosive Ordnance Disposal Exploitation 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
MC-2204-0159 Cannon Crewman 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
NV-0702-0015 Medical Laboratory Technician 4+1 GTP 990 (5) (Science with lab)
NV-0702-0015 v2 Medical Laboratory Technician 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
NV-0707-0002 Preventive Medicine Technician 3 GTP 982 (3) (Math)
NV-0707-0006 v1 Advanced Environmental Management Blank GTP 989 (3) (ANT, PSY, SOC, CRJ, ETH)
NV-0801-0009 Operational Water Chemistry and Radiological Controls 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
NV-0801-0009 v3 Operational Water Chemistry and Radiological Controls 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
NV-0802-0014 v2 Prototype Training (Engineering Laboratory Technician) 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
NV-1304-0013 Aerographer's Mate, Class C-1 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
NV-1304-0013 Aerographer's Mate, Class C-1 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
NV-1715-2239 Electronics Technician (Navigation) Class "A" 3 GTP 982 (3) (Math)
NV-1721-0020 Marine Corps Meteorological Oceanographer Analyst Forecaster 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
NV-1721-0020 Marine Corps Meteorological Oceanographer Analyst Forecaster 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
NV-1732-0026 Naval Power School, Enlisted 4 GTP 982 (3) (Math)
NV-1732-0026 v2 Naval Power School, Enlisted 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
NV-1732-0031 Prospective Nuclear Engineer Officer (PNEO) 3 GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)

CTE Courses

NV-1710-0154 Nuclear Field "A" (Machinist Master) 3 no equivalent
NV-1714-0073 Nuclear Field "A" (Electrician's Master) 3 no equivalent

Approved Occupations from Colorado Faculty Military PLA Review 2018

ACE ID Occupation Name Recommended Credit Hours GT Pathways course prefix, number, number of credits
MOS-18D-003 Special Forces Medical Sergeant 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
MOS-18F-003 Special Forces Assistant Operations and Intelligence Sergeant 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
MOS-351C-001 Area Intelligence Technician 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
MOS-351M-001 Human Intelligence Collection Technician 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
MOS-352G-002 Voice Intercept Technician 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
MOS-35N-003 Signals Intelligence Analyst Blank GTP 982 (3) (Math)
MOS-35P-004 Cryptologic Linguist Blank GTP 982 (3) (Math)
MOS-37F-003 Psychological Operations Specialist 3 GTP 989 (3) (ANT, PSY, SOC, CRJ, ETH)
MOS-38B-001 Civil Affairs Specialist 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
MOS-38B-002 Civil Affairs Specialist 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
MOS-68W-001 Health Care Specialist Blank GTP 992 (3) (Science, no lab)
MOS-92L-001 Petroleum Laboratory Specialist 4 GTP 990 (4) (Science with lab)
MOS-971A-001 Counterintelligence Technician 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
MOS-97B-004 Counterintelligence Agent 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
MOS-97E-003 Interrogator 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
NER-HN-004 Hospitalman 3 GTP 990 (5) (Science with lab)
NER-QM-005 Quartermaster 3 GTP 982 (3) (Math)
NER-SH-002 Ship's Serviceman 3 GTP 987 (3) (ECO or POS)
NER-SO-002 Special Warfare Operator 3 GTP 989 (3) (ANT, PSY, SOC, CRJ, ETH)

Many courses have a national, standardized test that you can take and transfer to Aims. If a standardized test is not available for a course, you may be able to challenge a course or submit a portfolio at Aims to earn credit for prior learning.

Credits will not be awarded simply for years of experience. Rather, students will be required to document and/or demonstrate what content relevant knowledge, skills or competencies they attained as a result of those experiences. 

Please note that because of state licensing or program requirements, there may be some courses for which a challenge is not available.

How It Works

In order to be awarded college credit, a student’s learning must meet certain criteria as outlined below:

  • The learning must be publicly verifiable. The student must be able to demonstrate to an expert in the field what learning occurred, and such an expert will be able to objectively measure and evaluate the learning.
  • The learning must be equivalent to college-level work in terms of quality and must be equivalent to an approved Aims Community College course, based on the most current Aims Catalog. 
  • The learning must have a general applicability outside of the specific situation in which it was acquired. For example, credit will not be awarded for knowing the specific procedures for processing personnel applications that apply to only one company. Students must be able to generalize the learning to many situations, as it relates to the actual course for which credit is sought.
     

Please check with department to find out what courses are eligible for prior learning credit.