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Steps to Request Credit for an Approved Certification/Credential:
- Apply for admission and select a program of study (declare a major).
- Enroll in a credit course.
- Submit Form 125-049E (log-in required) and attach a PDF copy of your certificate to be sent to NOVA’s College Records Office.
It takes approximately four to twelve weeks to get credit posted to your record. Updates will be sent to your NOVA student email.
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Credit for Prior Learning Webinar | First Friday of Every Month*, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Click HERE to register.
*Except for April 4, 2025
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Certifications and Credentials
General Information
Northern Virginia Community College accepts industry-standard certifications, credentials and/or professional courses for credit if they have been approved by NOVA faculty, Credit for Prior Learning Committee, Curriculum Committee, and Administrative Council.
Administration of Criminal Justice Certifications and Credentials
Business and Accounting Certifications and Credentials
Education Certifications and Credentials
Advanced Manufacturing and Skilled Trades Certifications and Credentials
Health Sciences Certifications and Credentials
Information Technology Certifications and Credentials
Any student or faculty/staff member may request an evaluation of a certification/credential not listed in this manual for credit by contacting the academic dean of the discipline where the potential NOVA equivalent course is offered. The dean will not approve a new certification or credential for credit upon a student’s or faculty/staff member’s request, but instead he or she will get a formal proposal submitted and reviewed through the approval channels above. Once approved, the new certification or credential will be published in the following academic year’s catalog.
Credential /Certification
|
NOVA Equivalent
|
Credits
|
Source
|
Notes
|
Approved Date
|
| Jail Officer Certification |
ADJ 127 , ADJ 140 |
6 |
Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services |
|
12/2024
|
|
Basic Law Enforcement School Program Completion/ Certificate
|
ADJ 110 ,
ADJ 111 ,
ADJ 127 ,
ADJ 160 ,
ADJ 212 ,
ADJ 228
|
18
|
Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy
OR
Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Academy
OR
Prince William County Public Safety Training Academy |
To receive college credit students must submit a letter of verification from the training academy and a copy of their certificate of completion.
Students may enroll in the experiential learning portfolio development course to potentially earn additional credit for the following courses:
|
On File |
Credential/Certification
|
NOVA Equivalent |
Credits
|
Source
|
Notes
|
Approved Date
|
| Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Certified Professional |
BUS 205 |
3 |
Society for Human Resource Management |
Certification must have been issued within 3 years. |
On File |
| Certified Professional Legal Secretary (PLS) |
ACC 211 , LGL 126 , and BUS 226 |
9 |
National Association of Legal Secretaries |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
Credential/Certification
|
NOVA Equivalent
|
Credits
|
Source
|
Notes
|
Approved Date
|
| Classroom Management Training Certification |
EDU 206 |
3 |
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) |
|
12/2024 |
| Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential |
CHD 120 |
3 |
Council for Professional Recognition (CPR) |
Credential must be current within six months of requesting the credit for prior learning. The credential must be verified by the Council for Professional Recognition.
|
On File |
| Certificate of Achievement, Fairfax County-School Readiness |
CHD 120 |
3 |
Fairfax County Office for Children School Readiness |
Effective Summer 2009. Students should submit a copy of their program completion letter from Fairfax County Office for Children, Institute for Early Learning. |
On File |
| Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (VECF)-Early Educator Fast Track Certificate |
CHD 120 |
3 |
Virginia Early Childhood Foundation |
The VECF certificate must have been issued within 3 years. |
On File |
| VLS Infant and Toddler Certification |
CHD 166 , EDU 235 |
6 |
DoD Virtual Lab School |
Students must submit a copy of the VLS Infant and Toddler certificate to receive credits. |
10/2023 |
| VLS Preschool Certification |
CHD 145 , EDU 235 |
6 |
U.S. Department of Defense Child Development Virtual Laboratory School |
Students must submit a copy of the VLS Preschool certificate of completion to receive credit. |
10/2023 |
| VLS Family Childcare Certification |
CHD 145 , EDU 235 |
6 |
U.S. Department of Defense Child Development Virtual Laboratory School |
Students must submit a copy of the VLS Family Child Care certificate of completion to receive credit. |
10/2023 |
| VLS School-Age Certification |
CHD 145 , EDU 235 |
6 |
U.S. Department of Defense Child Development Virtual Laboratory School |
Students must submit a copy of the VLS School-Age certificate of completion to receive credit. |
10/2023 |
| AAPI Connect Peer Mentoring Certification |
SDV 100 |
1 |
The Asian American Pacific Islander Connect Peer Mentoring Program |
Students must submit a copy of the AAPI Connect Peer Mentoring certificate of completion to receive credit. |
09/2023 |
Credential/Certification
|
NOVA Equivalent
|
Credits
|
Source
|
Notes
|
Approved Date
|
| OSHA 10-General Industry Safety and Health |
SAF 130 |
1 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
Student must submit a 10-hour General Industry Safety and Health Card with the trainer’s name and date of issue. The certification must be current and issued within 5 years. |
On File |
| OSHA 30-Construction Safety and Health |
BLD 215 |
2 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
Student must submit a 30-hour Construction Safety and Health Card with the trainer’s name and date of issue. The certification must be current and issued within 5 years. |
On File |
| Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Section 608 Universal Certification |
AIR 276 |
1 |
Environmental Protection Agency |
Student must submit an EPA certified universal certification card with the date of issue. The certification must have been issued within 10 years. |
On File |
| Fiber Optics Installer (FOI) |
ELE 250 |
3 |
Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) |
Student must present a current ETA FIO certification for CPL credit. |
On File |
| Data Cabling Installer (DCI) |
ELE 189 |
3 |
Electronics Technicians Association (ETA) |
Student must present a current ETA DCI certification for CPL credit. |
On File |
| HVAC Master License |
AIR 111 ,
AIR 121 ,
AIR 122 ,
AIR 134 ,
AIR 154 ,
AIR 205 ,
AIR 207 |
26 |
Commonwealth of Virginia |
Certification or recertification must have been issued within 4 years. |
On File |
| North American Technician Excellence (NATE) Certification |
Under Review |
|
|
|
N/A |
| A1 - Engine Repair Certification |
AUT 112 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| A2 - Automotive Transmission Trans Axle Certification |
AUT 142 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| A3 - Manual Drive, Train and Axle Certification |
AUT 141 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| A4 - Suspension and Steering Certification |
AUT 266 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| A5 - Brakes Certification |
AUT 265 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| A6 - Electrical System Certification |
AUT 241 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| A7 - Heating & Air Conditioning Certification |
AUT 236 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| A8 - Engine Performance Certification |
AUT 111 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| B2 - Painting & Refinishing Certification |
AUB 118 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| B3 - Non Structural Analysis Certification |
AUB 106 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| B4 - Structural Analysis 7 Damage Repair Certification |
AUB 116 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| G1 - Auto Maintenance and Light Repair Certification |
AUT 100 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| L1 - Advanced Engine Performance Certification |
AUT 121 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
On File |
| L3 - Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicle Specialist Certification |
AUT 233 |
4 |
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) |
Certification must be current. |
01/2025 |
Credential/Certification
|
NOVA Equivalent
|
Credits
|
Source
|
Notes
|
Approved Date
|
| Clinical Coding Associate (CCA) |
HIM 110 ,
HIM 111 ,
HIM 199 ,
HIM 250 ,
HIM 254 ,
HIM 255 ,
HIM 260
|
19 |
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) |
Proof of certification and an interview with the Assistant Dean for Health Information Management is required before CPL Credit can be applied. Except for HIM 199, all courses may be applied to the Health Information Management A.A.S degree. |
On File |
| Clinical Coding Specialist Certificate (CSC) |
HIM 110 ,
HIM 111 ,
HIM 250 ,
HIM 190,
HIM 254 ,
HIM 255 ,
HIM 260 |
19 |
American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) |
Proof of certification and an interview with the Assistant Dean for Health Information Management is required before CPL Credit can be applied. Except for HIM 190, all courses may be applied to the Health Information Management A.A.S degree. |
On File |
|
EMT*
*Current National or
Va. OEMS
|
EMS 111
and
EMS 120 |
8
|
Virginia Office of Emergency Medical Services National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
|
Students should contact MEC EMS program to validate certifications before submitting the transfer credit evaluation form.
Credit for prior learning may be awarded to NOVA students presenting current, original Virginia Office of EMS or National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certification cards for the following Emergency Medical Services (EMS) levels:
- EMT-Basic (8 credits)
- EMT-Advanced (12 credits)
- EMT-Intermediate* (27 credits )
- Paramedic (40 credits)
All certifications must be kept current throughout the completion of the EMS program.
Credit is awarded only with an official document showing such certification and only after successful completion of EMS 123: EMS Clinical Preparation for the following certifications:
Furthermore, credit is awarded only with an official document showing such certification and successful completion of EMS 203: Advanced Patient Care for the following certification:
Last, credit is awarded only with an official document showing such certification and successful completion of EMS 206: Pathophysiology for the Health Professions for the following certification:
Students must hold EMT-Basic certification, as well as BIO 141 in order to begin NOVA’s EMS Paramedic (ALS) level coursework.
Additional credit for prior learning may be awarded for specialized certifications (ACLS, etc.).
Please see chart for specific course listings.
*Note: Dependent on the date in which the certification was initially obtained and at the discretion of the EMS program director there could be additional ALS skill assessment requirements in-order to be eligible to sit for the NREMT paramedic credentialing examination.
|
On File |
|
EMT-Advanced*
*Current
Va. OEMS
|
EMS 111 ,
EMS 120 ,
EMS 121 ,
EMS 125 ,
EMS 127
|
12 |
|
EMT-Intermediate*
*Current National or Va. OEMS
|
EMS 111 ,
EMS 120 ,
EMS 121 ,
EMS 123 ,
EMS 125 ,
EMS 126 ,
EMS 127 ,
EMS 128 ,
EMS 135 ,
EMS 136 ,
EMS 137 ,
EMS 138 ,
EMS 139 ,
EMS 140 ,
EMS 141 ,
EMS 142 ,
EMS 175
|
27 |
|
Paramedic*
*Current National
or Va. OEMS
|
EMS 111 ,
EMS 120 ,
EMS 121 ,
EMS 123 ,
EMS 125 ,
EMS 126 ,
EMS 127 ,
EMS 128 ,
EMS 135 ,
EMS 136 ,
EMS 137 ,
EMS 138 ,
EMS 139 ,
EMS 140 ,
EMS 141 ,
EMS 142 ,
EMS 163 ,
EMS 164 ,
EMS 175 ,
EMS 203 ,
EMS 204 ,
EMS 216 ,
EMS 247 ,
EMS 248 ,
EMS 249 ,
|
40 |
|
International Trauma Life Support (ITLS)*
*Provider or Instructor
|
EMS 161 |
1 |
|
Pediatric Basic Trauma Life Support (PBTLS) or Pediatric Education for Pre-hospital Providers (PEPP)*
*Provider or Instructor
|
EMS 162
|
1 |
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)*
*Provider or Instructor |
EMS 165
|
1 |
|
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)*
*Provider or Instructor
|
EMS 169 |
1 |
| Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support (American College of Surgeons PHTLS) |
EMS 163
|
1 |
| Advanced Medical Life Support (NAEMT AMLS) |
EMS 164 |
1 |
| Emergency Pediatrics Course (NAEMT EPC) |
EMS 167 |
1 |
Credential/Certification
|
NOVA Equivalent
|
Credits
|
Source
|
Notes
|
Approved Date
|
| Lifeguard/First Aid Certification |
PED 245 |
2 |
American Red Cross or National Safety Council |
Evidence of completed training within 2 years required. |
On File |
| CPR/Automated External Defibrillator Certification or the Basic Life Support Certification |
HLT 105 |
1 |
Various |
Online Training excluded. Evidence of completed training within 2 years. |
On File |
| Registered Respiratory (RRT) Credentials |
RTH 215 ,
RTH 222 ,
RTH 225 ,
RTH 227 ,
RTH 236 ,
and
RTH 290 |
20 |
The National Board of Respiratory Care |
Student must present a valid credential and successfully complete one of NOVA’s RTH courses with a grade of “C” or better prior to the application of CPL credit. |
On File |
| Neonatal Pediatric Specialist Designation Certification |
RTH 225
|
3 |
| Certified Respiratory Therapy (CRT) Credential |
RTH 102 ,
RTH 111 ,
RTH 120 ,
RTH 121 ,
RTH 131 ,
RTH 135 ,
RTH 145 ,
RTH 151 ,
RTH 196,
RTH 245 ,
and
RTH 296 |
28 |
The National Board for Respiratory Care |
Credit is awarded only with an official document showing such certification and only after successful completion of RTH 236. |
On File |
| Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) |
MDL 101 ,
MDL 125 ,
MDL 130 ,
MDL 140 ,
MDL 215 ,
MDL 216 ,
MDL 225 ,
MDL 243 ,
MDL 251 ,
MDL 260 ,
MDL 263 ,
MDL 266 ,
MDL 276 ,
MDL 277 ,
MDL 278 ,
and
MDL 281 |
45 |
American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), Board of Certification (BOC) |
Student who has completed a military laboratory training program and is certified as a MLT by the ASCP will be granted credit in all major courses. Valid documentation must be presented verifying certification. |
On File |
| Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) or Medical Laboratory Assistant (MLA) Certification |
MDL 106 |
4 |
American Society for Clinical Pathology, (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC)
or
Training through employer in an accredited laboratory.
|
Student who has extensive experience (within the past 10 years) in all aspects of phlebotomy under the direction of a CAP/JC/CLIA accredited laboratory should submit the following documents:
- Active CPT or MLA certification.
- Employment certification letter from a supervisor on the organization’s letterhead verifying experience.
Employment certification letter should contain the following:
- The date when the experience in Phlebotomy started and ended;
- The number of hours per week dedicated to work in Phlebotomy.
- The employer should also indicate in which phlebotomy areas (venipuncture and or skin puncture) the applicant demonstrated proficiency under the employer supervision.
Note: If you are currently working in phlebotomy and have an active CPT or MLA-ASCP BOC certification you will be eligible to receive credit for both MDL 105 and MDL 106 .
|
On File |
| Personal Trainer Certification |
PED 168 |
3 |
- American College of Sports Medicine,
- The American Council on Exercise,
- National Strength and Conditioning Association,
- National Academy of Sports Medicine
|
Student must submit an unexpired certification. |
On File |
| Practical Licensed Nurse Certification |
NSG 100 , NSG 106 , NSG 130 , NSG 152 , NSG 170 |
16 |
Virginia Board of Nursing |
Students must submit a copy of the LPN certificate and be accepted to the Nursing program prior to requesting posting of credits. |
02/2024 |
Credential/Certification
|
NOVA Equivalent
|
Credits
|
Source
|
Notes
|
Approved Date
|
| WDE-Certified Entry-Level Web Developer |
ITD 110 |
3 |
OpenEDG-JS Institute |
10 years or less |
12/2024 |
| PCEP-Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer |
ITP 150 |
3 |
OpenEDG-Python Institute |
10 years or less |
12/2024 |
| PCAP-Certified Associate Python Programmer |
ITP 250 |
3 |
OpenEDG-Python Institute |
10 years or less |
12/2024 |
| Project Management Professional (PMP) |
ITP 170 |
3 |
Project Management Institute (PMI) |
10 years or less |
12/2024 |
| Data+ |
ITD 145 |
3 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
05/2024 |
| Server+ |
ITN 200 |
3 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
05/2024 |
| Cybersecurity Analyst (CySA+) |
ITN 262 |
4 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Network + |
ITN 101 |
3 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Security + |
ITN 260 |
3 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
On File |
| A+ Core Series: Core 1 and Core 2 |
ITN 107 & ITN 106 |
6 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Linux + |
ITN 170 |
3 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Project + |
ITP 170 |
3 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
On File |
| CISSP |
ITN 260 |
3 |
CompTIA |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Cisco CCNA |
ITN 154 , ITN 155 , & ITN 156 |
12 |
Cisco |
10 years or less |
On File |
| AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner |
ITN 257 |
3 |
Amazon |
10 years or less |
On File |
| AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Associate/Professional |
ITN 213 |
3 |
Amazon |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) |
ITN 261 |
4 |
EC-Council |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Information Technology Infrastructure Library (ITIL): Practitioner |
ITP 170 |
3 |
AXELOS |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Google IT Support Professional Certificate |
ITE 152 , ITN 101 , & ITN 260 |
9 |
Google |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Google Data Analytics Certificate |
ITD 145 & ITD 245 |
6 |
Google |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Google UX Design Certificate |
ITD 110 |
3 |
Google |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Google Project Management Certificate |
ITP 170 |
3 |
Google |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Information Technology Specialist: HTML and CSS |
ITD 110 |
3 |
Certiport, Pearson VUE |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Information Technology Specialist: HTML 5 Application Development |
ITP 225 |
4 |
Certiport, Pearson VUE |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Information Technology Specialist: Databases |
ITD 256 |
3 |
Certiport, Pearson VUE |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Information Technology Specialist: Database Analytics |
ITD 145 |
3 |
Certiport, Pearson VUE |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Information Technology Specialist: JavaScript |
ITP 140 |
4 |
Certiport, Pearson VUE |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Information Technology Specialist: Python |
ITP 150 |
4 |
Certiport, Pearson VUE |
10 years or less |
On File |
| Information Technology Specialist: Java |
ITP 120 |
4 |
Certiport, Pearson VUE |
10 years or less |
On File |
Back
Updated 04/2025
|