Credit for Prior Learning: Experience into Credits
Adult learners often hesitate to return to college because they fear starting at the bottom. However, your years spent in the workforce or military service have value beyond your resume. Colleges are increasingly adopting “Credit for Prior Learning” (CPL) programs to validate these experiences. This approach allows you to translate professional training, certifications, and military drills into tangible academic credits, potentially shaving years off your degree timeline and saving thousands in tuition.
Understanding Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)
Credit for Prior Learning, often called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), is the process by which colleges evaluate your existing knowledge to see if it meets college-level standards. The philosophy is simple: you should not have to pay to learn something you already know.
According to the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), adult students who utilize PLA credits save an average of $1,500 to $10,000 on their degrees. Furthermore, these students earn their degrees 9 to 14 months faster than those who do not use these credits. This is not a loophole. It is an academically rigorous review process backed by major accreditation bodies.
Turning Military Service into a Degree
The military possesses one of the most structured and widely accepted credit transfer systems in the United States. If you have served in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, or Coast Guard, your training has likely already been evaluated for credit potential.
The Joint Services Transcript (JST)
The primary document you need is the Joint Services Transcript (JST). This official transcript lists your military schooling and work history in civilian language. The American Council on Education (ACE) reviews military training and provides specific credit recommendations.
For example, a service member who completed Basic Combat Training might automatically receive credits for physical education or outdoor leadership. A Navy Corpsman or Army Medic could receive substantial credits toward nursing or biology prerequisites.
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
The Air Force operates differently. It runs its own accredited institution, the Community College of the Air Force. Air Force personnel receive an actual college transcript rather than just credit recommendations, which often makes transferring credits to civilian universities like the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) or Purdue Global much smoother.
Corporate Training and Professional Certifications
Workplace training is no longer just for job performance. It is becoming a currency for higher education. Many colleges recognize that corporate certifications are often more rigorous than introductory college courses.
Tech and Business Certifications
The most direct path to credit involves standardized industry certifications. If you hold active certifications, schools like Western Governors University (WGU) or Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) will often waive corresponding courses. Common examples include:
- CompTIA A+ or Network+: Often counts as 3 to 6 credits in IT programs.
- Project Management Professional (PMP): Can replace an upper-level management course.
- SHRM-CP: Translates to credits in Human Resources management.
The Google Career Certificate Model
A recent development in this space is the Google Career Certificate program. Available on Coursera, these certificates cover fields like Data Analytics, UX Design, and IT Support. ACE has recommended these certificates for up to 12 college credits. Universities such as Northeastern University and the University of London have explicit pathways to accept these credentials.
Standardized Exams: The CLEP and DSST Strategy
If you have knowledge but no paper trail (like a certificate or transcript), you can prove your proficiency through testing. This is the fastest and most cost-effective method for earning credit.
CLEP Exams
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) offers 34 exams that cover introductory college level material. A single exam costs approximately $93 (plus a small test center fee), significantly cheaper than a $1,000 college course. If you speak Spanish fluently, for instance, taking the Spanish Language CLEP could net you between 6 and 12 credits in a single afternoon.
DSST Exams
Formerly known as DANTES, DSST exams were originally created for military personnel but are now open to civilians. They cover more specialized subjects than CLEP, such as “Personal Finance,” “Introduction to Business,” or “Ethics in America.” Passing these exams demonstrates that you have mastered the subject matter without sitting in a classroom for 16 weeks.
Portfolio Assessment: Documenting Life Experience
For experience that does not fit into a standardized test or a military transcript, many colleges offer a Portfolio Assessment. This is a more labor-intensive route but allows for high customization.
In this process, you enroll in a specific portfolio course. You write narratives and compile evidence (work samples, awards, business plans you authored, software you designed) to prove you meet the learning outcomes of a specific college course.
Organizations like LearningCounts, operated by CAEL, facilitate this process for students at participating colleges. You submit your portfolio to a faculty assessor who determines if your work merits credit. This is excellent for professionals with niche skills, such as a marketing director who has managed million-dollar budgets but lacks a business degree.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a limit to how many credits I can transfer?
Yes. Most colleges have a “residency requirement.” Typically, you must complete at least 25% of your credits at the institution awarding the degree. This means you could potentially transfer in up to 90 credits for a 120-credit bachelor’s degree, but you should check the specific transfer policy of your target school.
Do these credits affect my GPA?
Generally, no. Credits earned through prior learning assessment, CLEP, or military transcripts usually appear on your transcript as “Pass,” “Satisfactory,” or “Transfer Credit.” They count toward graduation requirements but are not calculated into your Grade Point Average.
Will top-tier universities accept these credits?
It depends on the institution. Ivy League and highly competitive research universities are generally less likely to accept large amounts of non-traditional credit. However, state universities, community colleges, and schools specifically designed for adult learners (like Thomas Edison State University or Excelsior University) are very generous with CPL policies.
How do I know if my workplace training counts?
Check if your training program is reviewed by the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). If your company’s training appears in their directories, there is a strong chance you can convert it to college credit.