Industry-Recognized Credentials
Some professions require employees to become certified or licensed. If you completed formal training that resulted in an industry-recognized credential, you may be eligible for college credit. COTC will need a copy of your professional license or certification and a form must be completed. The state of Ohio also has programs like the One-Year Option and ITAG. Learn more below.
Accepted certifications and licensure include, but are not limited to:
- Chemical Dependence Counselor Assistant (CDCA) certification
- CompTIA A+ certification
- Cosmetology license
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification
One-Year Option
The state of Ohio has a One-Year Option program that allows public colleges and universities to award licensed professionals college credit hours, to provide students an opportunity to complete an associate degree in half the time (typically “one year” – or less).
For example, students who complete a cosmetology program (900+ hours) and get a cosmetology license are eligible for 30 college credit hours (which is enough credit to be halfway done with an associate degree).
View the currently approved programs in the One-Year Option established by the state of Ohio.
Students who apply to COTC and have a professional certification or license, will need to submit a copy of their current professional certification or license to be reviewed and awarded college credit.
ITAG
The state of Ohio has developed an ITAG initiative that will award students college credit for learning the skills and knowledge in designated professions.
Students interested in attending COTC, may be eligible for college credit through ITAG if they have obtained certification or licensure in the following professions:
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Information Technology (IT)
To learn more about college credit that can be earned through the ITAG initiative, view the information specific to each profession.