I’m considering transferring to a 4-year once I am done at the community college, what are the next steps?

Once you complete your program of study at the Community College, your options are endless! The following schools offers programs which cater specifically to adult learners. For other opportunities visit Transfer Virginia!

ej-green@vccs.edu - September 15, 2021

What is an Industry Recognized Credential?

An industry-recognized credentials include: all occupational licenses and registries provided by state or national professional boards and industry certifications from a valid third party. You may be awarded credit that will apply toward graduation through completion of credentials (certifications) or workforce training. You will find a list of organizations that are awarded credit at least one VCCS. If you have a certification or training not listed, please use the College Connect [link] to contact the school you are interested in to verify if you are eligible for credit.

ej-green@vccs.edu - October 13, 2021

Can I receive credit for life experience?

Some of the colleges in the Virginia Community College System recognize experiential learning (means of being awarded Credit for Prior Learning through an administrative determination) when the experience closely aligns with specific course outcomes. Credit may be awarded based upon an individualized portfolio evaluation, which may be conducted by faculty at the individual colleges.

ej-green@vccs.edu - October 13, 2021

Is there a fee for a Credit for Prior Learning Assessment?

Depending on your college of choice and the CPL for which you are eligible, there may be a fee if faculty have to assess work to determine if work completed aligns with course outcomes. An example where there may be a fee is a portfolio.

ej-green@vccs.edu - October 19, 2021

Where can I complete short-term training?

FastForward is a short-term training program for high-demand industries run out of VCCS, helping Virginians get the jobs they want and the salaries they need. The career training is different from one college to the next because the workforce needs vary from community to community.

ej-green@vccs.edu - October 19, 2021

What is the difference between program types?

Degree Program
A degree program is a broadly structured curriculum leading to the award of an associate’s degree and is listed on the diploma.

Major
A major is a grouping of 100 and 200-level courses that define a discipline or interdisciplinary specialty.

ej-green@vccs.edu - October 27, 2021

What if I cannot find my experience listed?

If you have a certification, training, or military experience not listed, please create an account, fill out the information in the Portfolio under "My Story." Once you've completed the Portfolio, use the College Connect to contact the school you are interested in to verify if you are eligible for credit.

ej-green@vccs.edu - October 27, 2021

What is the difference between full-time and part-time?

Full-time Students: Students enrolled for 12 or more credits in a semester are considered full-time students.

Part-time Students: Students enrolled for fewer than 12 credit hours in a semester are part-time students.

ej-green@vccs.edu - October 27, 2021

What if I have taken college courses in another country?

In the US, you are considered a transfer student if you have completed a minimum of one semester of college work. If you attended any college in your home country, your transcripts will be evaluated to determine if your prior academic work will transfer into your new college. You will want to confirm with the school you are interested in if you will need to have your transcript evaluated by an external evaluation agency.

ej-green@vccs.edu - November 12, 2021

What if English is not my first language?

If English is not your first language, you will need to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking English.

ej-green@vccs.edu - November 15, 2021

Interested in Online Learning?

ej-green@vccs.edu - February 16, 2022

Will I get credit for classes from third party classes?

If you have taken classes from an online educational platform and would like to have them evaluated for academic credit, please submit all relevant documents (syllabi, course description, etc.) to the college. Faculty from the discipline will review and make a final determination.

ej-green@vccs.edu - March 15, 2022

Will the credit a Virginia Community College awards for prior learning transfer if I want to pursue a Bachelor's degree?

The institution you are interested in transferring to will ultimately determine what credits will transfer. If your goal is to earn a Bachelor's degree, it is important to discuss this with your academic advisor, as well as contacting the institution where you wish to transfer.

ej-green@vccs.edu - August 15, 2022

Where can I get my Joint Services Transcript (JST)?

JST is the Joint Services Transcript that has replaced the Coast Guard Institute Transcript, the Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) and the Sailor/Marine American Council on Education Registry Transcript (SMART). JST is an academically accepted document approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) to validate a service members military occupational experience and training along with the corresponding ACE college credit recommendations.

ej-green@vccs.edu - January 30, 2023

How can I use Credits2Careers to help me explain my military experience?

Credits2Careers can help you translate your military experience for a civilian career! Simply follow the steps below to aid you in your career search by enhancing your resume.

ej-green@vccs.edu - June 2, 2025