Getting College Credit for your Fire Department Training

** This page addresses credit that is not earned from colleges and universities.**
To learn about transferring credit to NVCC from other colleges and universities
read the statement at the bottom of this page.

Northern Virginia Community College calls credit received from training outside of the traditional academic environment "Advanced Standing" credit.  You can read about the college's advanced standing policies here: http://www.nvcc.edu/about-nova/directories--offices/administrative-offices/academic/advanced/index.html

Specifically, for NVCC Fire Science students, the Virginia Community College System and the Virginia Department of Fire Programs have developed a guide to Fire Science Advanced standing in a "Crosswalk" format (below).  You can download the PDF version here: http://www.vafire.com/higher_education/crosswalk-summer_09.pdf 

It should be emphasized that 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 Paramedics earn their AAS degree.  Information regarding the EMS program is summarized here. Ms. Holly Frost, Assistant Dean for EMS is the contact for any questions related to the EMS program.

In order to obtain credit for certifications you have that are listed in the Advanced Standing guide, you need to bring copies of your certificates to the student services center at any NVCC campus and fill out a "Transcript Evaluation Request" form 125-049 (here). Make sure you indicate on the form that this is an "Advanced Standing Request."  There is no fee for having these credits transferred to your NVCC transcript.

The Fire Science Department is located on the Annandale Campus (location)and recommends that Fire Science Students use the Annandale Campus student services center, which is located on the 1st floor of  the CA building.

A longer list of courses from the Virginia Department of Fire Programs (including some courses not listed on the "Crosswalk") have been approved by the American Council on Education (ACE) for college credit.  Full 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 here. Although NVCC does not charge a fee for credit transfers, ACE does charge a fee to compile your records process your transcript request.

Other Fire and Rescue training organizations have also been approved for ACE credit.  If you have taken a class at any of these institutions you may have them added to your ACE transcript.

Credit for Experience by Portfolio
The final option for earning credit for training and experience is through the PLACE program.  PLACE stands for "Prior Learning Activity Credit Evaluation" and is a student development course (SDV 298) whereby you can assemble a portfolio of your experience and training/education and use it to challenge for credits for a particular 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 Schaefer; his information is here: http://www.nvcc.edu/home/lschaefer/

The ELI (online) program is coordinated by Ms. Katie Smith.  She may be reached at kpsmith@nvcc.edu

Credit from Testing
Although not recommended for most students, it is possible to earn college credit by examination for many of the required courses.  The advanced standing handbook contains more information, but if you look at the degree breakdown, you can see a column titled "alternative" which lists examinations from various testing authorities that can earn you credit towards your degree.

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 one of the regional accrediting agencies and is comparable to the required course credit in the student's chosen NOVA curriculum. Regional accreditation is the highest level of accreditation in the United States. 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 that accredit colleges and universities. The instructions page for form 125-049 (here) is a good resource.

In order for credit to be transferred to NVCC the accreditation should be from one of the regional accreditation organizations below.  There are six geographic regions of the United States with an agency that accredits college and university higher education programs:

To see if your credits will transfer to NVCC  make sure that the institution is accredited by one of the organization above. You can check the accreditation status of most institutions here: http://www.ope.ed.gov/accreditation/Search.aspx

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.

If you still have questions, please read the Frequently Asked Questions.