Prior Learning Experience

For many adults, getting a "jump" on earning college credit is critical to pursuing and completing a degree. Many adults with years of work experience can earn academic credit for the knowledge gained from some of those experiences. Through a process called "prior learning assessment" you can complete a thorough review and documentation of your work (portfolio) and have it assessed for college credit. To learn more about these assessments, whether it is right for you, and tools and tips about prior learning experience, follow the links below.

How can I earn credit for life experience?

First, credits are not granted for life experience but rather the knowledge you have attained and can demonstrate for those life experiences. This requires you to demonstrate through a testing process or documenting your knowledge and learning experiences through portfolio development and assessment. There are a number of resources and services available for you to consider that can assess your knowledge of prior learning experiences. Links to national programs and to colleges and universities in SREB states that provide portfolio development services and award credit are listed below. YOU ARE CAUTIONED THAT NOT ALL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES ACCEPT PRIOR LEARNING CREDITS OR MAY LIMIT THE NUMBER OF CREDITS THAT WILL BE ACCEPTED. YOU SHOULD CHECK WITH THE COLLEGES OF YOUR CHOICE ABOUT THEIR POLICIES ON THE ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH CREDITS. Use the Campus Tours section of the Electronic Campus to visit the campuses of your choice.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

The College Level Examination Program, or CLEP, is administered by the College Board and is the most widely accepted credit by testing program in the U.S. Successful scores on a CLEP exam, administered by computer, can be converted to credits in specific courses at many colleges and universities. The link above will take you to the CLEP site where you can review information about the exams, registration and fees, and credit policies relating to the program.

The College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT)

The American Council on Education's CREDIT program assists adults in securing credit for learning activities outside the traditional college and university. The program reviews examinations and training offered by business, labor unions, professional organizations, schools, and government agencies and assesses the equivalent credit that an individual might earn for those experiences. The link above will take you to the CREDIT program and to information on the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs.

The Defense Activity for Nontraditional Educational Support (DANTES)
DANTES Subject Standard Test

Military servicemen and women may be able to obtain college credit from the performance and training in the military through DANTES. DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) originally developed for the military, and now used by a variety of colleges and employers. Testing subject areas include Business, Physical Science, Humanities, Social Science, and Applied Technology. Follow the links above for more information about these programs.

Departmental Credit

Some colleges and universities may allow you to "test out" or "challenge" a particular course based upon your prior academic or work experience. These department level examinations vary greatly from college to college (indeed may not be available at all institutions). While some departments may grant credit for passing an examination, many will simply "waive" a particular course requirement or allow you to begin study at a higher level.