To receive a military evaluation, you must have earned at least six semester hours with Central Texas College (CTC) with a 2.0 GPA. This can be achieved by taking conventional classes at any CTC Site or through our Distance Learning Program

I have my six semester hours. What do I do now?

Evaluation Request. An evaluation request must accompany all paperwork sent to CTC. Click here for the standardized evaluation request form. On your request form, be sure to include your name, social security number, dates of attendance, locations you attended CTC, a list of transcripts that have been requested and the degree plan(s) in which you wish to be evaluated. To maximize the amount of evaluated credit that can be awarded, it is recommended that you apply for the Associate in General Studies degree plan. If you desire a more specific field of study, select one additional degree plan from our catalog. If an official CTC transcript is desired at the completion of your evaluation, please be sure to include that form. Click here for standardized transcript request form. Your initial transcript from CTC is free. In most instances, your promotion board will only accept an official transcript to award points.
Transcripts from Other Schools
Without exception, all official transcripts from all regionally accredited colleges and universities you have attended must be on file with CTC before your evaluation process can begin. CTC must receive these transcripts directly from the issuing institution. This includes JST transcripts.
Military Documentation. You must submit the following documentation to our main campus or to your local CTC site. Documents required are based on the branch of service and, rating or MOS level you hold. These documents cannot be faxed or scanned.

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Army	Navy	Air Force	Marine
Select one: Certified True Copy/Enlisted Record Brief from PAC Official JST transcript requested from Fort Knox, sent to CTC. Because JST is moving to exclusively electronic processing, soldiers need to request an official JST either through the dropdown list on the JST website at https://jst.doded.mil/. E-5 and above must also submit one of the following: Certified True Copy of your most recent NCOER. Signed Commander's certification stating that you are proficient in the MOS at the current level you hold. Click here for Commander's Certificate form. Warrant Officers must also submit the following documents: Certified True Copy Officer Record Brief Certified True Copy Officer Evaluation Report	Official JST transcript.	Official Community College of the Air Force transcript Address: 130 West Maxwell Blvd Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6617 Website: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf	Official JST transcript.
Prior Army	Prior Navy	Prior Air Force	Prior Marine
Copy of DD Form 214 E-5 and above: Copy of NCOERs for each MOS held Copies of any DA Forms 1059 or certificates that you would like reviewed. Courses less than 40 hours in length are usually not recommended for credit. Credit may be awarded for Primary and Secondary MOSs and selected service schools. Credit is not given for Army correspondence courses.	Copy of DD Form 214	Official Community College of the Air Force transcript Address: 130 West Maxwell Blvd Maxwell AFB, AL 36112-6617 Website: http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf	Copy of DD Form 214

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Testing

CTC does accept specific CLEP, DANTES, ASE, APP and other tests. Official score reports must be sent directly from CLEP/DANTES to CTC.

The address for CLEP/DANTES is:

    The Chauncey Group International
    P.O. Box 6604
    Princeton, NJ 08541-6604

Website: http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/danteshome.asp?Flag=True

Where do I send my documentation?

Send all documentation to:

    Central Texas College
    ATTN: Evaluations
    P.O. Box 1800
    Killeen, TX 76540-1800

How long does this process take?

Evaluations are normally completed within four to six weeks after receipt of all required documents and transcripts. After receipt of the initial packet your evaluation request may be placed on suspense if documents are missing or do not meet the above listed requirements. A letter will be sent to you identifying the reason your evaluation cannot be processed at this time.

I can't wait six weeks. Can I speed up this process?

Your evaluation request can be sent via Federal Express with a postage paid, self-addressed return Federal Express envelope included. Upon receipt of all official documents in the Evaluations Office, your evaluation will be completed within three business days.

NOTE: Evaluation requests that are forwarded to department chairs for review may take longer than three business days to process.

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What will I receive when my evaluation is finished?

Upon completion, you will receive a Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) Student Agreement. This document is your degree plan. It lists all degree requirements to include CTC resident and transfer credits from other schools, evaluated credit awarded for service schools attended and MOSs held, credit awarded for tests taken, and/or civilian work experience. The plan also includes a column indicating the classes still required to graduate. The final column lists the basis for award of specific credit. All schools reviewed for acceptance of transfer credit are listed at the bottom of your SOC Agreement. The name of the school is listed, along with the last year attended, the number of credits listed on that transcript and the number of credits accepted in transfer. Each column total is listed across the bottom of the agreement.

Along with the SOC Agreement, you will receive a Credit Award Memo which indicates the evaluated credit you were awarded.

If you requested a transcript with your evaluation request, it will be sent under separate cover from our Transcripts Department.

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How much credit can I expect to receive?

Credit awards for military experiences are based upon American Council on Education (ACE) Guide recommendations and credits will be awarded only when they apply to your degree(s). The maximum number of credits awarded by CTC at the time of the initial evaluation will not exceed 45 semester hours

EVALUATING CIVILIAN WORK EXPERIENCE

I have never been in the military. Can I get credit for previous work experience?

Yes, you may be eligible for evaluated credit based on previous work experience. Evaluated credit may be awarded only after you have successfully completed six semester hours with a 2.0 GPA.

What procedure do I follow to have my work experience evaluated?

Using the CTC catalog, determine which courses you believe to be eligible for credit consideration. Then, write a paragraph for each course you have selected, indicating how your prior work experience has given you the knowledge this course entails. Be specific and concise.

You will also need to provide your most current resume. Along with this, submit written verification on company letterhead from present and past employers stating that applicable experience with their organizations are correct and true. This may be in the format of performance evaluations.

If you are licensed in a certain profession or have certificates of completion verifying course completion, you must submit certified true copies of these documents.

Click here for a standardized Evaluation Request Form.

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How long does this process take?

After receipt of your documents, as listed above, your package is screened for completeness and sent to the appropriate department chair(s) for review. It usually takes departments 2 to 4 weeks to return your package.

What kind of civilian credit can I expect to receive?

Degree-specific technical credit (i.e., CDEC, POFI, BMGT, POFT, or CJSA classes) can be awarded based on your documentation and the decision of the department chair. A maximum of 15 semester hours can be awarded. Academic classes such as math, science, or English cannot be awarded based upon civilian work experience.

What will I receive when my civilian evaluation is finished?

If credit was awarded, you will receive a Credit Award Memo as well as an updated degree plan. Awarded credit will have already been posted to your transcript. If there was no recommendation for award, you will receive a letter indicating the reason(s) why credit was not awarded.

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GRADUATION

I think I am ready to graduate. What now?

It is your responsibility as the student to know when you are ready. To verify this, we suggest that you request an update before applying for graduation. See Updating Your SOC Degree Plan for additional information. eArmyU and GoArmyEd students should use the preliminary Degree Audit request located on the CTC Distance Learning website. See http://online.ctcd.edu/military/grad.cfm. All students are encouraged to request an update when they are within 9-12 hours of graduation.

I have verified that I am ready to graduate. How do I apply?

Degrees and certificates are conferred three times each year, in December, May and August. It is your responsibility to submit the graduation application by the published deadline to be considered a candidate for a particular graduation.

Deadlines for application submission are:

December graduation October 1
May graduation February 1
August graduation June 10

Postmarks are accepted as meeting the deadline dates. You may download the Application for Degree/Certificate or call 1-800-792-3348, ext. 1592 and request an application be mailed to you. Your application can be turned in to the CTC Student Services Offices on Fort Hood, the Central Campus in Killeen, or to your local CTC C&I site representative. eArmyU and GoArmyEd students can apply online using the eArmyU Degree Audit/Application for Degree/Certificate at http://online.ctcd.edu/military/grad.cfm

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I am enrolled in my last class. Can I apply?

Yes, you can apply. However, you must complete all course requirements by the end of the month of graduation (e.g., May, August, or Dec 31st). If you are completing coursework at a different institution and require that they be transferred in, make sure to have the official transcript sent directly to CTC at the completion of the course. Have it sent to the attention of the Graduation Department. This document can arrive at any time after the graduation date. If, for any reason, you are unable to complete graduation requirements by the deadline, you will be required to resubmit your application for a subsequent graduation.

I have submitted my application. When will I receive a response?

CTC conducts graduation reviews on or after the respective application submission deadlines. For example, we will not review candidate applications for December graduation before October 1. If you submit your application early, do not expect a response until after the respective final submission deadline for applications.

What will I receive after I apply?

You will initially receive several forms in the mail. A letter explaining the procedure your application goes through; a Prospective Graduate Checklist; and a Marching Request form. These documents come with instructions on what to do with them. Once your official review has been completed, if it is determined that all degree requirements have been met, your diploma and complimentary official transcript will be mailed out.

If it is determined that you have not met all graduation requirements, a letter will be issued listing all missing documentation and/or coursework needed. You are responsible for timely submission of missing requirements.

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I do not want to participate in a ceremony. Can I just get my diploma?

Taking part in a ceremony does not confer graduation; it is public recognition of your achievement, so participation is voluntary. Only upon receipt of your official CTC transcript are you considered a graduate. Deadline and official graduation dates do not coincide with any specific marching ceremony.

I want to march in a ceremony. What can I do?

After you apply for graduation, a Marching Request Form will be mailed out. If you are interested in participating in the annual Texas ceremony held in May each year, be sure to return the form marking the appropriate response. In the spring, you will be sent additional information in reference to the ceremony, rehearsal, caps and gowns, etc. To be eligible to march in the Texas ceremony, you must have graduated in the current academic year. If you wish to participate in a ceremony at a CTC site near you, contact that site directly as they will be handling everything related to their ceremony.

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GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING (Central Campus)

When and why do I need to see a counselor?

Once you have completed the Admissions process, you will be referred to a counselor to verify your testing requirements under the state mandated policy of TSI or for interpreting your scores or transfer credit for placement purposes and to establish a degree plan. At this time, you will be cleared to register during the posted registration dates.

Can I see a counselor before I submit my Application for Admissions?

Yes. However, some of your questions may be answered during the visit to the Admissions Office. Counselors are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Friday, 8:00 to 11:00 a.m.

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When can I get a degree plan to take to Financial Aid, Veterans Services, or any other program requiring a copy of the degree plan?

Once you complete the Admissions process and required testing or provide documentation of transfer credits, a Counselor will complete a degree plan for you and provide an appropriate number of copies.

When and how do I register?

During the scheduled registration times listed in the Schedule Bulletin, based on the last four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).

How do I know what courses to take?

During your visit with a counselor, you will be provided a "Roadmap to Success" explaining your test scores or transfer credits that satisfy the testing requirements and the prerequisites to enroll in courses listed on the degree plan which is also completed at this time. Prerequisites for courses can be found in the Course Descriptions listed in the back of the catalog or by "right clicking" on the course name on WebAdvisor as you are looking up courses for scheduling.

When do I pay?

The same day you register. See Schedule Bulletin.

Will my courses transfer to another college?

Yes, see the current catalog Core Requirements that apply to all degree plans at Texas public colleges/universities. We can adjust our degree plans to meet the requirements of a university.

What is academic probation/suspension?

See Academic Policies in the current college catalog. Students who are designated in this category(s) must see a counselor to determine eligibility and to complete an agreement in which courses they will be allowed to enroll.

When can I drop/withdraw from a class?

See the Academic Calendar in the front of the current Schedule Bulletin.

How can I drop/withdraw from a class?

Drop or withdraw from classes using WebAdvisor or in person in Building 119.

NOTE: For other questions and important information, see "Where to Call" printed in the back of the Schedule Bulletin.

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UPDATING YOUR SOC DEGREE PLAN

I have previously been placed on a SOC degree plan. Is there a time limitation on completion?

In most instances there is no time limit for degree completion. There is a five year limitation on most Associate of Applied Science degree plans. What this means is that due to technological advances, you may be required to repeat core courses older than five years to ensure that knowledge obtained is up to date with advances in the particular field.

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Am I eligible for additional military/civilian credit evaluation after my initial evaluation?

Yes, you may be. Evaluated credit may be awarded only when it can be used to satisfy a requirement on your degree plan. Once all elective hours are filled, only courses that fit specific degree plan requirements may be awarded. Additional credit may not be awarded after graduation unless you are pursuing a second degree with CTC and the credit can be used on your new plan.

What do I need to send in for an evaluation update?

To maximize all possible credit, we recommend that you resubmit all military documentation required for your branch of service as listed on the CTC Evaluation Request Form. It would be helpful to send a copy of the degree plan you want updated. Click here for an Evaluation Request Form.

Do I need to have other schools resubmit my official transcripts to CTC?

Only if you have completed coursework with other schools since your last evaluation.

I noted a residency requirement on my first SOC Agreement. What does that mean?

To receive a degree from CTC, you must complete a minimum of 25% of the degree requirements through CTC coursework. Your numerical residency requirement is listed on your SOC agreement in the upper right-hand corner under the evaluator's signature. This requirement is usually between 16 and 18 semester hours.

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How can I achieve residency?

Residency is achieved by taking traditional classes at any CTC site or through our Distance Learning program.

I am not at a CTC site. How can I complete my SOC Agreement?

As noted above, you must complete residency requirements with CTC. This is a nonwaivable requirement. If you have not completed residency requirements, we recommend that you take courses through our distance learning program. Other classes may be taken at any regionally accredited college or university and transferred back to CTC. These classes must be at the freshman or sophomore level.

How do I know my classes will transfer?

Students attending SOC-designated schools are guaranteed course transferability. When you are attending another SOC school, an advisor can provide to you a listing of transferable courses. Once you have this list, contact CTC in writing to verify final approval. If you are not attending a SOC-designated school, you must submit a catalog from that school along with a request for transfer approval. Please allow sufficient time for this to be accomplished before your registration deadline. It is your responsibility to ensure that courses selected will be accepted by CTC.

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VA (VETERANS ADMINISTRATION)

How do I get my GI Education Benefits started?

Go to www.GIBill.VA.Gov, create a VONAPP account and complete the online application.

Why didn't I get paid?

Did you notify the CTC Office of Veterans Services that you are enrolled in classes and if so, when? It takes approximately 5-10 days to process and submit your paperwork.

When will I get paid?

The VA does not pay living stipends until after you have been in class for one whole calendar month. YOU WILL NOT GET PAID IF YOU DO NOT TURN ALL DOCUMENTS IN TO THE CTC OFFICE OF VETERANS SERVICES.

Why don't you do advance pay?

Due to the complexity of the many worldwide CTC locations and the large number of enrollments, advance pay is not available.

Why am I not in the VA system yet?

Did you complete your online application and are you enrolled in classes? Did you submit all documents to the Office of Veterans Services notifying us that you had registered?

I have used my GI Bill at CTC before; why am I not getting paid this semester?

Did you notify the CTC Office of Veterans Services of your current enrollment? Every time you add or drop a class you must turn in documentation to the CTC Office of Veterans Services.

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Student Services Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Directory

Student Services
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Directory