Test-out
what are the documentation requirements for Test-out?
Neda,
Thank you for your question. What test-out information is included in your school Catalog? Most institutions require an official transcript for evaluation of credit and/or as a prerequisite for testing-out. Otherwise, it is up to the institution to document the basis for test-out. Any credit granted must be documented and justified on the TWC Record of Previous Education & Training form in the student's file along with supporting documentation. Thoroughness and consistency are key. If you are basing a test-out on prior work experience - what type of documentation would you find sufficient? e.g. signed letters from prior employer(s) on company letterhead? Other?
JP Mehlmann
The student must have prior experience or prior education in the class they are trying to test out of. An ASE certification will help the student qualify for the test out. Other departments are also involved in this Challenge test including financial aid and student services.
Jimmy,
That is an excellent point to include other departments - Financial Aid in particular is affected by a test-out. The student should know prior to the test-out how financial aid is affected (i.e. loss of aid eligibility, decrease from full-time to part-time status, etc.)
JP Mehlmann
In addition to transcripts or industry certificates, a candidate could also take a skills test given by the school of the subject to show competency. If the candidate is successful, then a copy of the graded assessment test would be placed in the academic file with the enrollment agreement.
Paulette,
Good point. Our product is our graduate(s) and if the graduate has prior competency or competencies, then they should demonstrate it to receive credit. We wouldn't want to have incompetent graduates representing our school to employers who, are our customers as well. Another benefit of the skill test is for enrollment candidates who do not pass - the skill test can be utilized to help the candidate see the benefits of a course.
JP Mehlmann
