Glossary

Credit by Exam Glossary

Core Credit by Exam Terms

These terms are used through the Credit by Exam handbook, student instructions, educator instructions, and Credit by Exam Agreements.

Admissions and Records

The college office that processes student records and posts approved college credit to a student transcript after all Credit by Exam requirements are completed and submitted.
Approved Credit by Exam Method
The college faculty-approved method used to measure a student's mastery of college course content. This may include an exam, final project, skills demonstration, rubric-based assessment, industry certification, or another approved assessment method listed in the agreement.
Assessment Methods
The tools used to evaluate student learning and mastery of course content. Examples may include objective tests, essay exams, projects, skills demonstrations, or other discipline-appropriate assessments.
Associate Degree
A college degree that may prepare students for employment, career advancement, transfer to a four-year college or university, or continued education in a related field.
CCCApply
The online application system students use to apply to Grossmont College or Cuyamaca College before eligible Credit by Exam units can be posted to their college record.
College Catalog
The official college publication that explains degree, certificate, major, district, general education, course, and academic requirements. Students should review the catalog and meet with a counselor to understand how Credit by Exam units may apply to their goals.
College Faculty
Grossmont College or Cuyamaca College faculty in the discipline who review course content and determine whether the approved Credit by Exam method adequately measures mastery of the college course content.
Competency Criteria
The required knowledge, skills, abilities, student learning outcomes, and course content students must demonstrate to qualify for college credit through the Credit by Exam process.
Course Outline of Record
The official college course document used to review course content, objectives, student learning outcomes, units, and methods of evaluation.
Course Prerequisites
Courses, skills, or requirements that must be completed before a student enrolls in or receives credit for a specific course, when applicable.
Competency Criteria
The required knowledge, skills, abilities, student learning outcomes, and course content students must demonstrate to qualify for college credit through the Credit by Exam process.
Credit by Exam
A process that allows eligible students to earn college credit after demonstrating mastery of college course content through a faculty-approved examination or assessment method.
Credit by Exam Agreement
A written agreement that identifies the high school or adult school course, GCCCD college course, units, approved Credit by Exam method, competency criteria, implementation plan, and required signatures.
Credit by Exam Certification Process
The process used to confirm that a student met the requirements in the agreement, completed the college application, submitted required documentation, and is eligible to have college credit posted.
Career Technical Education/CTE
Programs that provide academic, technical, and career-ready skills connected to industry, workforce pathways, certificates, degrees, and transfer preparation.
Final Course Grade
The grade earned by the student in the approved high school or adult school course. Students must meet the grade requirement stated in the agreement to be eligible for college credit.
Grade Requirement
The minimum grade a student must earn to qualify for Credit by Exam. Students must earn an A or B in each section of the approved course and on the approved final exam, project, or assessment method, as required by the agreement.
Student Learning Outcomes
The specific knowledge, skills, and abilities students are expected to demonstrate after completing a course.
Student Petition for College Credit by Examination 
The form students complete and submit with required documentation to request eligible college credit after completing the approved course and Credit by Exam method.
Transcript
An official record of courses, units, and grades posted by an educational institution.
Units
College credit earned for a course. Units may apply differently depending on a student's major, certificate, degree, transfer, district, or general education requirements.

Questions? Email ctecollegecredit@gcccd.edu.