Introduction to Sociology
Self-paced online Introduction to Sociology course (Sociology 110). ACE and NCCRS recommend 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →IdahoPublic safety
Which online credits can end up on an accredited college transcript
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
Online credits on an accredited college transcript are what Idaho POST counts. Its rules define college credit as credit from a regionally accredited college, proved with an official transcript. ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses can reach that transcript when a college reviews and posts them. Ask the college which courses it will review, and ask POST in writing, before you enrol.
What POST looks for
IDAPA 11.11.01 defines a college credit as a unit of work toward a degree awarded by a college accredited by one of the regional accrediting agencies, or another regional agency POST recognises. Section 071 asks for an official college transcript as proof. So for POST, the question is simple: does the credit sit on an official transcript from such a college?
Where you studied matters less than whose transcript the credit lands on.
How online credit reaches a transcript
There are three common routes.
| Route | How it works | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Online course at a regionally accredited college | The college teaches and grades you, and the credit is on its transcript | Price per credit; schedule |
| ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended course | You finish the course; a college reviews the recommendation and may post the credit | Will the college review this exact course? In writing |
| Credit by exam | You pass an exam; a college may award credit for the score | Which exams the college counts, and the minimum score |
Where ACE and NCCRS fit
ACE and NCCRS review courses from providers that are not colleges and recommend a number of credits. A recommendation is not a transcript. A college decides whether to award credit for it, and then the credit appears on that college's transcript.
Our courses are ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended. Credit moves via a college transcript, and each college decides. UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited.
Choosing the college
Pick the college before you pick the courses. Ask whether it will review ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit, which courses, how many credits it will award, and whether it needs you to enrol in a degree first. Some colleges post outside credit only for enrolled students.
TESU, UoPeople and Newlane are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit. An Idaho community college may also give credit for your POST academy; ask it too.
Questions to put in writing
Send two short emails and keep the replies.
- To the college: will you review these named courses, and how many credits would each carry?
- To the college: do I need to be enrolled before credit is posted?
- To POST: will an official transcript from this college count as college credit for my advanced certificate?
- To your agency: is there tuition help or a pay step for credits?
Common mistakes
Officers sometimes finish courses and only then look for a college. That can leave credits with nowhere to go. Others send POST a course certificate, which is not a college transcript. Avoid both by getting written answers first and ordering an official transcript once the credit is posted.
A third mistake is assuming a transcript from any school will do. POST names regional accrediting agencies in its rules, so check that the college holds one of those accreditations before you rely on its transcript. The college's own accreditation page usually says which agency accredits it, and POST can confirm in writing.
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask the college in writing which courses it will review, and ask Idaho POST in writing that a transcript from that college will count toward your certificate, before you enrol.
UPI Study is not a college and is not accredited. ACE and NCCRS review our courses and recommend credit; a college decides whether to give that credit and records it on its own transcript.
ACE and NCCRS have over 2,100 cooperating colleges that will consider accepting credits; the final decision is with the universities.
Questions people ask
Is an ACE or NCCRS certificate enough for POST?
No. POST asks for an official college transcript from a regionally accredited college. A recommendation helps a college decide whether to award credit, but POST counts the credit only once it appears on that college's transcript.
Does POST care whether a course was online?
The rule talks about who awarded the credit and how you prove it, not the format. Credit on an official transcript from a regionally accredited college is what counts. Ask POST in writing if you are unsure about a college.
How long does it take for credit to post?
It depends on the college. Some post within weeks once you are enrolled; some only after you finish a set number of their own credits. Ask the college for its timeline before you plan your application date.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
Ethics in the Social Sciences
Self-paced online Ethics in the Social Sciences course (Social Science 110). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
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English Composition 1
Self-paced online English Composition 1 course (ENG 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →Start when you have it in writing
Criminology, psychology, sociology, ethics and writing are on PRO. Ask your college and POST in writing first.
Sources
- IDAPA 11.11.01: Rules of the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training Council (current) (official)Definition 08: college credit is awarded by a college accredited by a listed regional agency or other POST-recognised regional agency. 071.06: one semester hour = one college credit; one quarter hour = two-thirds; one credit = 20 POST training hours; official transcript required. 072.01: intermediate tables (peace officer: 600 hours and 8 years down to 1,800 hours and 4 years; associate degree and 4 years; bachelor's and 2 years). 072.02: advanced peace officer table (500 hours and 15 credits with 13 years; 600/20/12; 700/30/11; 800/40/10; 900/45/9; 1,200/60/8; associate 8; bachelor's 6; master's or PhD 4). 072.03: six months' probation first. 074: master certificate needs 1,500 hours and 15 years. Basic eligibility includes a high school diploma, GED or 15 credits at a regionally accredited college. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.