Academic Credit for Prior Learning

We welcome Veteran students to Renton Technical College! RTC can articulate military credits that are equivalent to an RTC course. When a direct course equivalent does not exist, elective credit will be awarded when possible. Veteran students must submit official Joint Service transcripts and official transcripts from all previously attended colleges or universities.

Request your JST

For service members and veterans of the U.S. Army, NAVY, Marine Corps, and U.S. Coast Guard RTC will need an official Joint Services Transcript (JST).

• For service members and veterans of the U.S. Air Force, RTC will need an official transcript from Air University (formerly the Community College of the Air Force)
• For service members who left the military before 1976, the College can evaluate military credit from a notarized DD 214 form

Credit for Non-Traditional Learning

Students with military training can also pursue credit attainment through other methods of approved prior learning assessment (credit by exam, portfolio, etc.). Please contact your instructor or program Dean for guidance and further information.

Veteran Services Resources

For additional information and Veteran student resources at RTC, please visit RTC’s Veteran Services page.

Renton Technical College accepts credit from Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International A-Levels, and College Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams.

To award credit, official exam scores must be sent to RTC. We will not accept high school transcripts. Please send official exam scores to:

ATTN: Credentials Enrollment Services, Renton Technical College 3000 NE 4th St Renton, WA 98056

• Exam credits will be added to your official Renton Technical College transcript with a grade of “CR.” Exam credits do not affect your GPA
• Credit by Exam may take four to six weeks to be processed after RTC receives your official exam scores

See how your exam credit can transfer to RTC:

• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Cambridge International A-Levels
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
  • CLEP exams are offered at the RTC Testing Center

• Course Challenge: Professional Certificate or License or Occupational Crosswalk: $75 (per course, no matter the number of credits)
• Course Challenge Exam: $75 (per course, no matter the number of credits)
• Veteran students submitting Joint Service Transcripts (JST’s): Free
• Credit by Testing (AP, CLEP, DSST): Free
• HS+: Free

Need assistance with the ACPL $75 Course Challenge fee?

• Complete a Foundation Scholarship
• Email: scholarships@rtc.edu

How long does it take to receive Academic Credit for Prior Learning?

If the required completed documentation and payment is received, the process of awarding ACPL can take up to two weeks.

How much does it cost for a JST (Joint Services Transcript) evaluation?

There is no cost to evaluate a JST transcript.

How will I know ACPL was awarded?

An email will be sent to you, and it will appear on your RTC transcript.

Is the ACPL Course Challenge fee refundable?

The fee to challenge or petition is nonrefundable, regardless of the outcome.

May I use ACPL for a course I took at RTC however received a lower grade and now I want to use my certification or take a course challenge instead of retaking the course?

By our policy, a student cannot do a challenge exam in this scenario.

How can I get ACPL if I am a high school student?

Work with faculty in RTC's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Course to share relevant education, work and life experience that may not be on your transcript to be assessed for mastery and credit towards your high school credential. This is a standard part of HS+ and does not require an additional process.