College Algebra
Self-paced online College Algebra course (Math 111). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
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Does transfer credit count toward the Nebraska substitute credit rule?
By the team. Checked 15 Nov 2026.
The short answer
Transfer credit can count toward the 48 semester hours for a Nebraska Local Substitute Permit when it appears on an official college transcript sent directly to NDE. NDE reads the transcript, not a course certificate. Credit from ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses is usable only after a college posts it. Ask NDE in writing first.
What NDE actually looks at
The Local Substitute Permit page asks for official transcripts showing at least 48 semester hours, and it says the transcripts must come directly from the college or university. That one sentence answers most transfer questions: NDE counts what a college has put on its transcript. A course provider's completion certificate, a workshop record or a score report is not a college transcript.
Three kinds of credit and how they reach NDE
Here is how the usual sources of credit end up in front of NDE.
| Kind of credit | How it reaches NDE | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Courses taken at a college | That college's official transcript | Send it directly to NDE |
| Credit transferred into a college | The receiving college's transcript, if it lists the transfer credit | Some transcripts list transfer credit as a total only; ask NDE if that is enough or send the first college's transcript too |
| ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses | Only after a college reviews and posts them on its transcript | Ask the college and NDE in writing before you enrol |
Quarter hours and semester hours
The Nebraska rule is written in semester credit hours. Metropolitan Community College in Omaha runs on quarters, and so do some out-of-state colleges. A quarter hour is generally two-thirds of a semester hour, so 72 quarter hours is about 48 semester hours. If your transcripts mix both, add them up in semester hours and ask NDE to confirm your total if you are close to 48.
- 45 quarter hours = about 30 semester hours
- 60 quarter hours = about 40 semester hours
- 72 quarter hours = about 48 semester hours
Using ACE or NCCRS recommendations for a gap
UPI Study courses carry ACE or NCCRS credit recommendations. Those recommendations are advice to colleges; a college decides whether to put the credit on its transcript. TESU and UoPeople are partner colleges that consider ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended credit, and many other colleges review it too. Once a college posts the credit and sends its official transcript to NDE, NDE counts it like any other transcript credit, subject to NDE's own review.
Because the decision sits with the college and then NDE, put both questions in writing before you pay for anything.
What to ask in writing
Send short, specific questions and keep the replies.
- To the college: will you review ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, how many credits can you post, is there a fee, and will the credit show by course on your transcript?
- To NDE (nde.tcertweb@nebraska.gov): I have X semester hours; if a college posts Y more on its official transcript, will that meet the 48 for a Local Substitute Permit?
- To the district: do you have any extra hiring rule beyond the NDE permit?
What to ask in writing
Before you enrol
Ask NDE Educator Certification and the college that will post your credit, both in writing, whether credit from ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses will count toward your 48 hours 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
Does NDE count credit transferred from another college?
NDE reads official transcripts sent directly from colleges. If the college you finished at lists your transfer credit, that transcript may show it; if it only shows a total, send the original college's transcript too, or ask NDE which it wants.
Do CLEP or exam credits count for the Nebraska substitute permit?
Exam credit can only reach NDE if a college has posted it on its official transcript. NDE does not read score reports. Check with the college about how it records exam credit and then confirm with NDE in writing.
Does the Human Relations Training course count toward the 48 hours?
Human Relations Training is its own requirement and must come from NDE's approved list. Whether a particular approved course also carries college credit depends on the course. Check the course details and ask NDE if you plan to count it.
Courses that fit
ACE-recommended or NCCRS-recommended courses, studied online at your own pace.
US History 1
Self-paced online US History 1 course (HIST 101). NCCRS recommends 3 semester credits; each college decides how it applies them.
See the course →
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 →Start when you have it in writing
For a credit gap toward 48 hours: confirm with NDE and your college in writing first, then take the courses you need.
Sources
- NDE: Local Substitute Permit (official)At least 48 semester credit hours; valid in all Nebraska school systems; up to 90 full-time days per system per year; 5-year permit expiring 30 September; apply through TEACH; official transcripts must come directly from the college. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.
- NDE: Substitute Teacher permits (official)The three substitute permits (Local, State, Paraprofessional), the 5-year expiry, the State permit's educator-preparation requirement and 50-day renewal rule, and the district-only Paraprofessional permit. Checked on 15 Nov 2026.