NJ A2119

Secretary of Higher Education must establish statewide standards for assessing and awarding academic credit for prior learning at public colleges and universities, in consultation with multiple education and workforce agencies.

Prior learning eligible for credit includes Advanced Placement exams, CLEP assessments, workforce learning, industry credentials, institutional examinations, and portfolio assessments.

Public institutions must adopt policies consistent with state standards, which may be satisfied through partnerships with Thomas Edison State University or qualified third parties to conduct assessments.

Institutions may charge nominal administrative fees for prior learning assessments but cannot charge per-credit tuition rates for credits awarded through this process.

Secretary must submit annual compliance reports to the Governor and Legislature analyzing institutional adherence and the effect of standards on student academic success.