Foreign language credit - ACTFL vs. Avant vs. other?

[degreedude80]

Unique situation here.  I need 60 credit hours for professional licensure.  I am a native speaker in a non-English language, and was looking into getting credit via proficiency.  From what I have read, people usually take an ACTFL assessment.  I also saw something about Avant as well.  

1. It seems that UMPI historically has been open to granting credit for ACTFL/ACE credentials.  Would this be the suggestion here?
2. I am not a UMPI student yet.  Do I apply under YourPace, or Traditional?
3. What option is recommended for foreign language assessment?

Thanks

[Jonathan Whatley]

I consolidated your two threads on the same topic into this one thread in the UMPI forum. Please avoid copying much the same material to more than one forum here.

1. Yes. I believe not every ACTFL assessment has ACE credit, but many do. Before you book an ACTFL assessment make sure it has a current credit recommendation in the ACE National Guide.. Avant is also an option, also in the ACE National Guide. The MaineStreet transfer portal indicates some history of accepting them. Avant has been less discussed here because it’s newer.

2. Probably YourPace, but see my question below.

3. Often recommended: Sophia currently for Spanish I & II and French I, or Study.com for Spanish I & II. ACTFL. CLEP French, Spanish, or German if you’re in the US or live near an international public CLEP testing center.

Do you intend to take at any coursework from UMPI? Meaning at least a term of UMPI YourPace, or any non-YourPace semester-based courses (they have some such online courses). If your plan is to use UMPI entirely as a “credit bank” for credits earned elsewhere, that might not work.

[degreedude80]

Thanks. I may eventually pursue courses at UMPI.

The language I planned to take is not a "common" one (not uncommon per se, just not the popular options like Spanish, Frech, etc), but it is listed under the credit recommendation options for the ACE national guide.

Is UMPI the best option for obtaining credit for languages via ACE?

[Jonathan Whatley]

I’m not sure whether UMPI would issue a transcript for a student with only transfer credit who had never taken a course at UMPI. It’s fairly uncommon for schools to do this. When a school does issue a transcript for a student with no course or degree from that school, that’s called credit banking. You might need to pivot to asking where you can credit-bank.

[degreedude80]

I am currently pursuing an associates degree at my local community college, and have 50+ credits. I considered the Pierpont BOG AAS, but the rules have since changed so this is no longer appealing.

I am currently debating between my school's current AAS path (in a career area), or a WV CC BOG AAS (some other options have been mentioned here), but I do eventually plan to pursue a bachelor's degree. I have looked into TESU and UPMI, and UPMI was appealing for this reason. Getting credit via ACE at a community college has been challenging so far.

In the mean time - are there places that will credit bank ACTFL exams?

[bjcheung77]

And that's why I recommend to provide more details, it's best to fill in the addendum and template to get the overall picture of your scenario. Even the simple format with brief yet concise info will help those wanting to assist you further. We don't even know what "non English" language you're referring to is... That's one of the basic details I would provide if I was asking questions... Link: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...Area-works

[degreedude80]

Addendum & Template (answer in brief, compact, concise phrases - don't need long sentences):
Your Location: Midwest US
Your Age: Late 30s
What kind of degree do you want?: Currently need 60 hours for licensure as a paraprofessional. Eventually want to get an AA/AAS and BA (long shot, but it's the plan)

Current Regional Accredited Credits: 52

Current ACE, CLEP, or NCCRS Credits: Have modern states voucher for one exam, need to take it

Any certifications or military experience?: No*

Budget: Cheaper the better

Commitments: Occupied full time (work and parenting)

Dedicated time to study: 2 hours a day

Timeline: Summer 2026

I am a native Hindi speaker and was looking into getting credit via ATCFL or equivalent. Suggestions welcome.