Credit received from training outside of the traditional academic environment is recognized as Advanced Standing Credit. You can read about the College's Advanced Standing Policies here.

The Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (VDFP) have developed a guide to Fire Science Advanced Standing in a "Crosswalk" format for NOVA Fire Science students.

NOTE: The conversions in the crosswalk are one way.   

The EMS program also has advanced standing to allow EMT-basic and enhanced personnel to bridge to EMT-intermediate, EMT-IS to bridge to paramedic, and allow paramedics to earn their AAS degree. For more information regarding the EMS program contact Holly Frost, assistant dean of the program.

To obtain credit you already have for certifications that are listed in the Advanced Standing guide, you will need to bring copies of your certificates to the Student Services Center at any NOVA campus and fill out a Request Transcript Evaluation form. Be sure to indicate that this is an Advanced Standing Request. There is no fee to have these credits transferred to your NOVA transcript.

The Fire Science Department is located at the Annandale Campus. It is recommended that Fire Science Students use the Annandale Campus Student Services Center, located on the 1st floor of the CA Building.

A more detailed list of courses from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (including some courses not listed on the "Crosswalk") has been approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) for college credit. 

Details on each of these courses, as well as conditions of approval and eligible course dates as of Spring 2010, are listed here. A summary of that information is in the table below. In order to get college credit for the entire list of classes you can get a transcript from ACE reflecting your training, which you can bring to the Student Services Center as described above. The VDFP has provided instructions on how to obtain an ACE transcript. Although NOVA does not charge a fee for credit transfers, ACE does charge a fee to compile your records and process your transcript request.

Other Fire and Rescue training organizations have also been approved for ACE credit. If you have earned credits at any of these institutions they may be added to your ACE transcript.

Credit for Experience by Portfolio

The final option for earning credit for training and experience is through the Prior Learning Activity Credit Evaluation (PLACE) program. PLACE is a student development course (SDV 298) that will allow you to assemble a portfolio of your experience and training/education, and use it to challenge for credits for a specific class. You can earn up to 15 credits with this method.

If you are considering SDV 298, you are encouraged to contact one of the instructors. The in-person program is coordinated by professor Larry Schaefer. The distance learning (ELI) program is coordinated by Katie Smith. 

Credit From Testing

It is possible to earn college credit by examination for many of the required courses, but this is not recommended for all students. For more information, check out the Advanced Standing handbook.

Transferring Credit to NOVA From Other Colleges and Universities

Credit is generally acceptable for transfer if it is earned from an institution that is accredited by the Commission on Colleges or the Commission on Higher Education by one of the regional accrediting agencies, and is comparable to the required course credit in the student's chosen NOVA curriculum. Credit also may be transferred from institutions if the Transfer of Credit Practices of Designated Educational Institutions, published by AACARO, states that credit from the institution is generally accepted for courses that are appropriate to the reporting institution's baccalaureate programs.

Credits earned at other post-secondary institutions usually do not transfer to NOVA, even if the institution is accredited through a commission other than those previously listed.

The instructions page for Form 125-049 is also a good resource. The form can be found in the NOVA Forms Library.

Disclaimer

Policies are always subject to change. Students should always consult the most current version of the Advanced Standing handbook and the College Catalog. Check this site frequently for updates.

Remember that 25% of the credits used towards your degree must be earned through actual classes at NOVA, so even if you have advanced standing, PLACE credit, or testing credit for every class, you will not be eligible to graduate. Please contact a counselor or your advisor for more information.

For answers to the most commonly asked questions go to the FAQ page.