Coastline College recognizes experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. Students may receive a maximum of 40 units through experiential learning, including American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations, military training and experience, CLEP, DSST, and Advanced Placement towards the experiences in similar subject areas.Additional college credit is awarded for prior learning as further described below:

Credit by Examination

$46 per unit. Students with appropriate post high school experience may petition for “Credit by Examination” and receive college credit in courses reflecting this experience, providing the:

1. Student is in good standing;
2. Course is appropriate for credit by examination;
3. Course is listed in the college catalog and
4. Appropriate instructor, currently teaching the classroom course, is willing to assist the student in completing “Credit by Examination.”

The appropriate number of units may be posted to the student’s transcript upon completion of 12 units at Coastline. This credit will be designated “Credit by Examination” and will be awarded the grade of “Pass” if the student successfully passes the examination; the grade of “No Pass” will be assigned if the student fails the examination.

Credit by Examination may be offered on a limited basis at the discretion of the respective Instructional Division. Students who have completed a minimum of 12 units at Coastline College, with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.4 (C+) may inquire with the respective Division Office regarding eligible courses. If the course is eligible, students may petition and seek approval. Since Credit by Examination may not transfer to other institutions, students are strongly recommended to make an appointment with a counselor. The final approval is determined by the respective Division Office.

Licensure Credit

Licenses issued by the State of California or other entities will be considered upon petition as appropriate.

Military Service Credit

Coastline recognizes that U.S. Service members receive intensive training and educational instruction unmatched by many others in our society. Coastline will award a maximum of 40 units of credit for military training and experience as recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE).

• Military transcripts are evaluated to verify credit applicable to a degree. Transcript documentation includes JST (Joint Service Transcript), DD 295 and DD 2586.
• Military credits may count towards general education, major, areas of emphasis, certificate, and elective credits and are applicable to an associate degree at Coastline.

Work Based Learning

Students pursuing any vocational major at Coastline may earn elective credit for learning on the job through a planned program of goal setting, site visits and evaluations. Concurrent enrollment in Coastline’s vocational classes is required. For further information, contact the Work Based Learning office at (714) 241-6209.

DANTES

(Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)
Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs)

• Coastline accepts DANTES (DSSTs) with scores from 44 to 400 depending on the exam.
• DSST credits will count towards general education, major, or elective credits for the Associate degree. (See DSST chart for applicability)
• DSST scores may not count toward CSU and IGETC certifications.
• DSST scores may or may not be accepted by other colleges and universities. A student must check with the specific transfer institution to determine regulations regarding DSST credit.
• DSST exams may not be used to retake or improve a grade in a course at Coastline or any other institution.
• CLEP/DSST credit posted to another institution’s transcript will be reevaluated based on Coastline’s standards and may or may not be equal to credit received at another institution.

See the DSST Chart.