South Dakota State University values the knowledge you have gained outside of our classrooms. If you have studied a subject independently, or successfully completed college-level coursework for which an acceptable transcript is not available, you may still be able to gain academic credit for this learning and knowledge gained through several options SDSU has in place. To get started, explore the options listed below to determine what may be a good fit for you.
National Examinations
Institutional Challenge by Examination
Institutional Challenge by Portfolio
| Course Name | Course Number | Credit(s) | Special Directions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fundamentals of Flight Theory (3) and Introductory Flight I (2) | AVIA 170 and AVIA 171 | 5 | Credit is awarded when the SDSU Aviation Prior Learning Credit DocuSign form is signed by the Aviation Program Coordinator and is routed to the Testing Center; a current pilot's license is uploaded into Register Blast; and payment for the credit is paid for in Register Blast. |
| Pre-Professional First Aid & CPR | HLTH 250/250L | 2 | The SDSU Prior Learning Credit DocuSign form must be signed by the student's advisor, the Health Education Coordinator, College Dean and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs prior to the exam. Students must pass a supplemental First Aid exam with a 70% or greater. The exam is administered in the Testing Center at SDSU. The appointment is made on RegisterBlast where current First Aid and CPR cards must be uploaded and payment is made prior to the exam. |
| Emergency Medical Technician & Lab | HLTH 364/L364 | 4 | Credit is awarded when the SDSU EMT Prior Learning Credit DocuSign form is signed by the student's advisor, the EMT Program Coordinator, College Dean and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and is routed to the Testing Center; a current certificate from the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians is uploaded into Register Blast; and payment for the credit is paid for in Register Blast. |
| Foodservice Sanitation | HMGT 251 | 1 | Credit is awarded when the SDSU Foodservice Sanitation Prior Learning Credit DocuSign form is signed by the student's advisor, the Course Instructor, College Dean and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and is routed to the Testing Center; a current certificate from the National Restaurant Association Education Foundation with the ServSafe© registration number is uploaded into Register Blast; and payment for the credit is paid for in Register Blast. |
| Medical Terminology | NURS 201 | 1 | Credit is awarded when the SDSU Medical Terminology Prior Learning Credit DocuSign form is signed by the student's advisor, College Dean and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs and is routed to the Testing Center; a current certificate or transcript is uploaded into Register Blast; and payment for the credit is paid for in Register Blast. |
To have Prior Learning Credit placed upon a transcript, you must be or have once been a degree seeking student at a South Dakota Board of Regents institution.
Not sure if Credit for Prior Learning is right for you? Consider the following questions:
- Have you participated in formal or informal work training?
- Have you participated in continuing education programs?
- Have you studied a subject area or areas independently?
- Have you obtained professional certifications?
- What other learning experiences have you participated in?