College Credit
Here’s just one example of how you can apply the LHBI course towards your college degree:
Bachelors of Science in Religion Degree Completion Plan
For Graduates of the Liberty Home Bible Institute
The Liberty Home Bible Institute (LHBI) is a rich and valuable learning experience for many people around the world. Liberty University’s Distance Learning Program has made it possible for graduates of the LHBI certificate program to earn college credit. Graduates may earn up to 42 college credits, based on a portfolio and validation exam. The Distance Learning Program has assisted hundreds of enthusiastic LHBI graduates to achieve college degrees through Liberty University.
Getting Started
Step One: Apply for admission to the Distance Learning Program
Step Two: Request college transcripts
Step Three: Review Degree Completion Plan with Academic Advisor
Step Four: Register for EDUC 205 (Learning Theory & Portfolio Development)
Step Five: Apply for Test Proctor via the Test Proctor Application form
Step Six: Complete one portfolio and mail to the Portfolio Coordinator of Liberty University’s Distance Learning Program
Step Seven: Request the Validation Exam
Step Eight: Pay Assessment fees ($100 per course) upon completion of the Validation exam and final test results
LHBI Degree Completion Plan
Distance Learning Program
Bachelors of Science in Religion
| GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS (45 hrs) | MAJOR: RELIGION (36 hrs) | ||||||
| Course | Hrs | Sem/Tr | Gr/Clg | Course | Hrs | Sem/Tr | Gr/Clg |
| ENGL 101 | 3 | ______ | ______ | BIBL 323 | 3 | pf | LHBI |
| ENGL 102 | 3 | ______ | ______ | BIBL 350 | 3 | ______ | ______ |
| COMS 101 | 3 | ______ | ______ | BIBL 410 | 3 | pf | LHBI |
| MATH _____ | 3 | ______ | ______ | BIBL 424 | 3 | pf | LHBI |
| EVAN 101 | 3 | pf | LHBI | BIBL 425 | 3 | ______ | ______ |
| Natural Sc. | 3 | ______ | ______ | BIBL 450 | 3 | pf | LHBI |
| History | 3 | ______ | ______ | CHHI 301 | 3 | pf | LHBI |
| Soc. Science | 3 | ______ | ______ | CHHI 302 | 3 | pf | LHBI |
| Humanities | 3 | ______ | ______ | CHMN 201 | 3 | ______ | ______ |
| Gen. Ed. Elect. | 3 | ______ | ______ | THEO 250 | 3 | ______ | ______ |
| PHIL 201 | 3 | ______ | ______ | Rel. Electives: | 6 | ||
| BIBL 105 | 3 | pf | LHBI | ____________ | ______ | ______ | |
| BIBL 110 | 3 | pf | LHBI | ____________ | ______ | ______ | |
| THEO 201 | 3 | pf | LHBI | ||||
| THEO 202 | 3 | pf | LHBI | ELECTIVES (36 hrs) | |||
| BIBL 324 | 3 | pf | LHBI | ||||
| GRADUATION REQUIREMENT (3 hrs) | CHMN 497 | 3 | pf | LHBI | |||
| CRST 290 | 3 | ______ | ______ | CHMN 387 | 3 | pf | LHBI |
| EDUC 205 | 3 | ______ | ______ | ||||
| Free Electives | 24 | ______ | ______ | ||||
| Note: Pf = pass/fail based on LHBI validation exam scores | |||||||
Degree Requirements:
120 hours minimum
30 hours must be upper level
2.00 minimum GPA
50 % of major coursework must be completed through LU
30 hours must be completed through LU
Degree completion summary:
LHBI certificate + EDUC 205 + portfolio + examination = up to 45 hours
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I earn college credit if I started LHBI and have not completed the certificate program?
No, you cannot submit a portfolio or take the validation exam unless you have received your certificate.
Can I pursue an Associates degree or another Bachelors Degree other than the B.S. Religion degree?
Yes. However, we strongly recommend the B.S. Religion degree completion plan as a way to apply the maximum credit that you are eligible to receive for LHBI. The credit you are eligible to receive for LHBI will not apply as generously to other degree programs.
Why don’t you give direct transfer credit for LHBI?
LHBI is a certificate program and is not earned from an accredited degree program. The credit from LHBI is non-transferable to regionally accredited institutions of higher learning; however, Liberty University has developed an assessment process that validates the knowledge of LHBI certificate holders.
Why do you require the Portfolio and Validation Exam?
The portfolio/validation exam process is an assessment tool recommended by the Council for Adult & Experiential Learning (CAEL) which recognizes that learning is a life-long activity and that college credit may be awarded for learning acquired through non-academic programs. The portfolio is the initial assessment tool. The validation exam results determine how much credit and which credit the LHBI certificate holder is eligible to receive.
How much does the assessment process cost?
Each student is required to enroll in EDUC 205 and pay the tuition costs and fees for this course. Upon completion of the portfolio/validation exam, there is a $100 administrative fee per course. The LHBI graduate will pay up to $1,400 (based on 14 courses or 42 credits). The administrative fees cover the administrative and assessment costs which make it possible to award college credit for LHBI certificate holders.
What is EDUC 205 and why is it required?
The course will teach you to write your Autobiography, Chronological Record, and Professional Development Profile which are used to assess your eligibility to receive college credit. You must demonstrate your ability to write successfully at the college level prior to taking the validation exam. The course will apply as an elective in your degree program for 3 credits.
What is the portfolio?
You will submit one (1) portfolio for LHBI. The portfolio will include your 1) Autobiography, 2) Chronological Record, 3) Professional Development Profiles and 4) LHBI certificate of completion.
The portfolio will consist of approximately twenty (20) type-written pages. You are not required to submit the Course Competency Chart or Chronological Record, but you must complete all of the EDUC 205 assignments in order to receive a successful grade in the course.
Can I submit other portfolios in addition to LHBI?
LHBI certificate holders are limited to a total of 42 credits via portfolio. You can submit additional portfolios, depending on your experiences, if you do not meet the maximum threshold of 42 credits.
For example, if you receive 36 credits for LHBI, you can submit additional portfolios for up to 42 credits. You would need to coordinate this carefully with the Portfolio Coordinator in order to choose the right portfolios for your degree completion plan.
Where do I mail the LHBI portfolio?
Liberty University
Distance Learning Program
Attn: Portfolio Coordinator
1971 University Blvd.
Lynchburg, VA 24502
How many validation exams will be required?
You will take one (1) validation exam which consists of approximately 150 questions.
How should I study and prepare for the validation exam?
The validation exam will test your overall knowledge and learning experience as an LHBI certificate holder. We recommend that you take the validation exam soon after completion of LHBI. The questions are based on Liberty University exams for courses such as BIBL 105, BIBL 110, THEO 201, THEO 202, etc. For a complete listing of courses that you will be tested for, refer to page 3. The validation exam results will help us to determine which courses you have received sufficient learning for and what credit may be awarded.
How do I take the validation exam?
First, you must submit the Test Proctor Application. Once the test proctor has been approved, and upon submission of your portfolio, you may request the validation exam. Further instructions will be given at the time that you request your validation exam.
Do I have to pass the whole exam in order to receive credit?
No. You will be tested on 14 different courses and you may receive credit for courses that you pass. You will not receive credit for courses if you fail to meet the cut-off-score for those particular courses.
What type of grade do I receive?
A grade of P (pass) will be recorded on your official transcript record for each course that you successful pass on the validation exam. If you do not pass a particular course, then you will not receive any grade on the transcript. Please note that these courses are not usually transferable to other institutions of higher learning with a grade of P.
What is the success rate for the validation exam?
Most students receive an average of 27-33 credits based on the validation exam scores. The best way to prepare for the exam is to begin the portfolio/validation process soon after completion of the LHBI certificate program while the material is still fresh.