Alternative Credit

Technical Competency Credit and Workforce Equivalency

Technical Competency Credit (TCC) is an opportunity that links approved technical high school courses to certificate and degree programs at the postsecondary level. This program provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate and document knowledge of technical skills and abilities acquired in high school technical coursework. TCC can be evaluated for postsecondary transcription as identified in a TCC agreement with a postsecondary institution.

For more information about Technical Competency Credit, ask your high school counselor or professional technical teacher or visit the Technical Competency webpage

Workforce Equivalency Credit: A student may receive Workforce Equivalency Credit for coursework completed through the CSI Workforce Development Office according to approved articulation agreements.

Students are assessed $10 per credit hour for Technical Competency Credit and Workforce Equivalency Credit.

Credit for Prior Learning

Many students entering the College of Southern Idaho bring a depth of knowledge in specific subjects that have been gained through life experiences or a variety of areas of study. Degree-Seeking students currently enrolled in credit-bearing courses may convert this learning into Credit for Prior Learning. Students are assessed 20% of the CSI Idaho resident tuition for each credit acquired by CBE, as well as other associated testing fees. Credit for Prior Learning credits may not be used as part of the credits supporting a student’s financial aid award. Credits received in this manner may count toward the credit requirements for graduation and a grade of “P” (P=Pass) is given. These type of credits are not computed in the student’s Grade Point Average (GPA) and do not count toward the graduation residency requirement or as repeat of a class already completed.  

Experiential-Based Prior Learning

Experiential-Based Prior Learning is the demonstration of competencies acquired through work and life experiences. Students may acquire up to 25% of the credits required in their declared major through Experiential-based Prior Learning methods.

Portfolio: A student may receive credit for a course by producing a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning that aligns with the student learning outcomes of a particular CSI class.

Instructional-Based Prior Learning

Instructional-Based Prior Learning includes learning that has taken place in a classroom, but not within a two- or four-year institution. Students may acquire up to 1/3 of the credits required in their declared major through Instructional-Based Prior Learning. Accepted methods include:

Vertical Credit: A student may receive vertical credit for a prerequisite course with the permission of the instructional dean, department chairperson, and the instructor if the student passes the enrolled course with a grade of “C” or better. Not all courses are eligible for Vertical Credit. Contact the Office of the Registrar at records@csi.edu for more information.

Students who complete ENGL 102, without previously completing ENGL 101, are eligible to pay a transcription fee in order to receive credit for ENGL 101. Students planning to transcribe ENGL 101 credits, upon successful completion of ENGL 102 must demonstrate appropriate placement before attempting ENGL 102. Accepted placement measures include: official ACT, SAT, AP, or CLEP scores; or verified completion of The Write Class survey. 

Credit By Exam: A student may receive Credit By Exam for satisfactory performance on an approved examination. Contact the Office of the Registrar at records@csi.edu for more information.

Options include:

Advanced Placement (AP) - Advanced Placement exams are used by high school students who are advanced enough in a specific subject area to place them in a more advanced term of study in that subject matter. Certain AP score level benchmarks allow students to gain CBE.

American College Testing Program (ACT) - American College Testing assessment measures high school students’ general educational development and their capability to complete college-level work. Certain ACT score level benchmarks allow students to gain CBE.

Recognized Industry Certificates and Credentials - Examinations and assessments that are taken to qualify for various industry certifications (e.g. Microsoft, Cisco, A+) that align directly with CSI course outcomes may be accepted in specific circumstances.

Challenge for Credit Hours - A student may challenge a course with the permission of the instructional dean, department chairperson, and instructor by passing a comprehensive test with a ‘C’ grade or better for that course. Not every course may be challenged. Contact the appropriate department chair for more information.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) - The College of Southern Idaho accepts subject matter CLEP scores for equivalent courses. If the score submitted is at or above the approved score, the student will receive credit for the equivalent course(s). The subject matter examination will show the corresponding CSI course number and title. Students are assessed a fee for CLEP test taken, as well as a CSI testing fee. CLEP tests are administered by the CSI Testing Center.

SAT – SAT provides students a sense of how they will be able to apply reading, writing, and math skills that are critical for success in college course work. Certain SAT score level benchmarks allow students to gain CBE.