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Harper College Proficiency Examination Program

Departmental proficiency tests have been created by Harper College faculty for many courses not available through the CLEP program. In some academic areas, students may show proficiency through appropriate means other than written tests. Alternative forms of testing include musical performance, review of art portfolios, review of credentials, work skill evaluations, or any other means.

Follow these steps to pursue proficiency credit

1. Step 1. Apply to the College.
2. Step 2. Receive testing permission from the academic department faculty contact. Information about the eligible courses and the individual to contact are found below.
3. Step 3. After you have received permission, you must pay for the proficiency test in the Testing Center (Building A, Room A148). Each exam costs $30 per course credit hour. For example:

   ENG101 Composition is a 3 credit hour course. 3 x $30 per credit hour = $90 to take the ENG101 Proficiency Test.

4. Step 4. Make arrangements to take the test. Some experiences such as comprehensive tests will be given in the Testing Center, while others are given by the faculty contact.
5. Step 5. The Faculty Contact will review your submission to determine if credits have been earned. If you have successfully earned course credits, they will be posted to your permanent record as ungraded credit but will not show on your end of semester grade report.

Methods for earning credit

Proficiency Credit can be earned by one or a combination of the following methods:

• Comprehensive Exam - A exam that tests the student's understanding of the course's learning outcomes. Testing methods include, but are not limited to multiple-choice exams (paper/pencil or computer-based), written submissions/essays, short answer tests, etc.
• Portfolio Review - An assemblage of relevant materials such as industry credentials, certificates, licenses, physical artifacts such as works of art, etc.
• Practical - A "hands-on" demonstration of the necessary skills required to meet the core learning outcomes of the course.

Courses available

ECE credits available (courses available with current CDA credential)

Students with a current (i.e. not expired) Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ could earn the following Early Childhood Education (ECE) credits at Harper College:

• Preschool CDA: ECE 101, ECE 149
• Infant/Toddler CDA: ECE 101, ECE 149
• Family Childcare CDA: ECE 101, ECE 140

The Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential™ is a widely recognized credential in early childhood education administered by the Council for Professional Development. The CDA Credential guides early child care professionals as they work toward becoming qualified teachers of young children. Obtaining a CDA is an important accomplishment and one that develops well informed practitioners knowledgeable in child development and best practices for teaching young children.

For more information, please contact ECE Department Chairperson, Kathleen Nikolai.

HIT course credits available with current medical coding credentials

CCS®

Students with a current (not expired) Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

• HIT 165 – Pathopharmacology for Health Information Professionals
• HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
• HIT 197 – International Classification of Disease (ICD) Coding
• HIT 199 – Healthcare Reimbursement
• HIT 235 – Advanced Medical Coding

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS®) credential is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and demonstrates a practitioner’s tested skills in data quality and accuracy as well as mastery of coding proficiency.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis.

CCS-P®

Students with a current (not expired) Certified Coding Specialist—Physician-based (CCS-P®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

• HIT 165 – Pathopharmacology for Health Information Professionals
• HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding

The Certified Coding Specialist (CCS-P®) credential is offered through the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and demonstrates mastery-level coding proficiency performed in physician offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics, or specialty centers.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis.

CPC®

Students with a current (i.e. not expired) Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) Certification could earn the following Health Information Technology (HIT) credits at Harper College:

• HIT 196 – Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding

The Certified Professional Coder (CPC®) credential is offered through AAPC and demonstrates expertise in coding medical services and procedures performed by physicians.

For more information, please contact HIT Program Coordinator, Paula Akialis.

Information technology proficiency and bypass tests

Bypass and proficiency exams are available for certain CAS, CIS and NET courses. Whenever possible, nationally recognized education and industry exams are used to determine course placement or proficiency. Bypass allows students to skip (bypass) the course indicated. Bypass exams do not grant academic credit. Proficiency exams grant academic credit for the indicated course. Review the full list of eligible courses and exams.