[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke”] [hen-ui-flex direction=”column” gap=”lg”] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Key Takeaways[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”check” marker-color=”secondary”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]To earn college credit for work experience, students can submit military transcripts, pass exams like the CLEP, or complete portfolio assessments through prior learning evaluations.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ACE-reviewed corporate training, licenses, and professional certifications may also count toward degree requirements.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Credit for prior learning can reduce time to graduation and save thousands in tuition, but eligibility and policies vary by institution.[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-flex] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Experiences outside a college classroom can be as valuable as those inside. Real-world activities, such as on-the-job training, professional seminars, and military service, can sometimes lead to college credit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This is especially true at many [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/start-anytime/”]online colleges[/hen-ui-link], which often have flexible policies for evaluating prior learning. If you earn credit for work experience, it counts toward your degree. Schools base this credit on your past jobs, internships, or training related to your field.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Discover how schools evaluate and award college credit for work experience in the following guide.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]5 Ways to Get College Credit for Work and Life Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]There are several ways to turn your work and life experience into college credits, including passing exams, obtaining licenses or certifications, and leveraging relevant professional experience. Below is an overview of five popular options.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”ordered” bullet-style=”number”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#military”]Military Experience[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#corporate”]Corporate Training[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#licenses”]Professional Licenses and Certifications[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#portfolio”]Portfolio Assessments[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”#learning-assessments”]Prior Learning Assessments[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”military”]1. Military Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Military-connected students can often receive academic credit for their military learning experience and service. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Students.aspx/” target=”_blank”]American Council on Education[/hen-ui-link] (ACE) makes recommendations on how many credits military service members and veterans should receive for their experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If you’re a military-connected student, you should request a transcript listing your training and military jobs. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.va.gov/resources/how-do-i-get-college-credits-for-my-military-service/” target=”_blank”]U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs[/hen-ui-link] provides additional information on requesting transcripts. That transcript will list the number of credits ACE recommends colleges grant for your military experience. Schools then decide how much credit to award.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”corporate”]2. Corporate Training[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Workplace training programs and professional certifications may also translate into college credits. ACE reviews workplace training programs and recommends academic credit policies. The [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenet.edu/National-Guide/Pages/Seeking-Credit.aspx/” target=”_blank”]ACE National Guide[/hen-ui-link] provides additional information on credit for corporate training.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some colleges grant credit for professional licenses and certifications as well. For example, many [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-rn-bsn/”]RN-to-BSN programs[/hen-ui-link] grant credit for passing the NCLEX exam and holding a valid [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/nursing/”]registered nurse license[/hen-ui-link]. Industry certifications in healthcare, technology, or business may also qualify for college credit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”licenses”]3. Professional Licenses and Certifications[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You might qualify for college credit based on the professional licenses and certifications you’ve earned. Many colleges recognize the skills and expertise these credentials represent, treating them as prior learning. This can allow you to bypass certain courses and accelerate your path to graduation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]For example, Purdue Global partners with ACE and the National College Credit Recommendation Service. These organizations assess and recommend licenses and certifications for college credit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”portfolio”]4. Portfolio Assessments[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A portfolio assessment allows you to earn college credit for learning that occurred outside a traditional classroom. You can present your experience by submitting essays and publicly verifiable documentation.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The types of experiences eligible for portfolio assessment vary by institution. For example, at Penn State, college-level learning may be demonstrated through experience in full- or part-time jobs, independent reading or study, volunteer work, or military service.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″ id=”learning-assessments”]5. Prior Learning Assessments[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You can earn credit for your work experience by demonstrating your knowledge through nationally recognized exams, often referred to as prior learning assessments. The two most common exams include the [hen-ui-link href=”https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-benefits-for-everyone” target=”_blank”]College-Level Examination Program[/hen-ui-link] (CLEP) and the [hen-ui-link href=”https://getcollegecredit.com/dsst-exams/” target=”_blank”]DANTES Subject Standardized Tests[/hen-ui-link] (DSST).[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The CLEP is the most [hen-ui-link href=”https://clep.collegeboard.org/clep-college-credit-policy-search” target=”_blank”]widely accepted credit-by-exam[/hen-ui-link] program, utilized by more than 2,900 colleges in the U.S. The DSST is another popular option, with more than 1,500 [hen-ui-link href=”https://getcollegecredit.com/find-a-test-center/” target=”_blank”]colleges awarding credit for DSST[/hen-ui-link] scores.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Both the CLEP and DSST exams award college credit for passing scores. However, their tests cover different topics, and not every school accepts both exams. Before registering for either test, check which one your school accepts.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]CLEP vs. DSST Exams[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-lg=”2″ gap=”md”] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]CLEP[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offers exams in 34 subjects, including business, composition and literature, history and social sciences, science and mathematics, and world languages[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Costs $95 per exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Utilized by more than 2,900 colleges[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [hen-ui-card variant=”background-white” border=”stroke” rounded=”lg” padding=”lg”] [hen-ui-card-content] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″]DSST[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Offers exams in 37 subjects, including social sciences, math, applied technology, business, physical sciences, and humanities[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Costs $100 per exam[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Utilized by more than 1,500 colleges[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [/hen-ui-card-content] [/hen-ui-card] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]10 Online Colleges That Give Credit for Work and Life Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Some of [hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/online-colleges/”]the best online colleges[/hen-ui-link] also give credit for work and life experience, anywhere from six to 90 credits towards your bachelor’s degree. Below is an overview of some top programs that can help you earn more college credits to save more and graduate faster.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-table-caption]Colleges That Give Credit For Work and Life Experiences[/hen-ui-table-caption] [hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Colleges[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)[/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”]Fee for Portfolio Submission[/hen-ui-table-head] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-header] [hen-ui-table-body] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://online.berklee.edu/degrees/about/undergraduate-prior-learning-credit” target=”_blank”]Berklee College of Music[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]30[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]Yes; $150[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cmich.edu/academics/innovation-online/resources/credit-for-prior-learning” target=”_blank”]Central Michigan University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]60 (bachelor’s); 12 (master’s)[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]Yes; $125[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://csuglobal.edu/admissions/transfer-students/alternative-credit-options/online-prior-learning-assessment-pla-programs” target=”_blank”]Colorado State University Global[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]30[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]Yes; $150[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.linfield.edu/admission/oce-admission/credit-for-prior-learning.html” target=”_blank”]Linfield University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]31[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.purdueglobal.edu/transfer-students/work-life-experience/” target=”_blank”]Purdue University Global[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]33*[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]Yes[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.snhu.edu/admission/transferring-credits/work-life-experience#/home” target=”_blank”]Southern New Hampshire University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]90[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.umgc.edu/transfers-and-credits/fast-paths-to-credit/prior-learning” target=”_blank”]University of Maryland Global Campus[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]48[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]Yes; $972[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://catalog.asu.edu/credit_exam” target=”_blank”]Arizona State University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]60[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://transfer.fiu.edu/student-type/adult-learners/credit-for-prior-learning/” target=”_blank”]Florida International University[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]60[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-row] [hen-ui-table-head scope=”col”][hen-ui-link href=”https://catalog.arizona.edu/policy/courses-credit/credit/credit-prior-learning” target=”_blank”]The University of Arizona[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-table-head] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Colleges”]6[/hen-ui-table-cell] [hen-ui-table-cell data-title=”Max Amount of Credits (or Average Awarded Credits)”]No[/hen-ui-table-cell] [/hen-ui-table-row] [/hen-ui-table-body] [/hen-ui-table] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Benefits of College Credit for Work Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning college credit for work experience can save you time and money on your degree. By applying CPL, you may be able to graduate faster. For instance, undergraduates who earn 30 credits through work experience can complete their [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/how-to-get-a-bachelors-quickly/”]bachelor’s degree up to a year earlier[/hen-ui-link] than traditional students.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This approach is also significantly more affordable. At public four-year institutions, students pay [hen-ui-link href=”https://educationdata.org/cost-of-a-college-class-or-credit-hour/” target=”_blank”]$406 per credit[/hen-ui-link], on average, meaning a three-credit course costs over $1,200. In contrast, a PLA can award you three credits for just $93 — the cost to take the exam. Additionally, this process recognizes the value of what you already know, turning your experience into tangible progress toward your degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Tips for Earning College Credits for Work Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CLEP exams, military service, and even professional licenses do not guarantee college credits. You need to carefully research college policies on PLAs and CPL before [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/applying-to-college/how-to-apply-for-college/”]applying to schools[/hen-ui-link]. Choosing a college with a more generous CPL policy can pay off.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]You should also research the school’s specific certifications or corporate training programs to maximize your opportunities for credit.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Finally, check with colleges about their own PLA programs. Many colleges offer their own exams to test out of lower-division math, English, or world language courses. These programs can help you graduate faster.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Organizations That Help You Get College Credit for Work Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]In addition to colleges and universities offering their own CPL and PLA programs, there are also organizations dedicated to helping you turn your work and life experiences into college credit. These organizations are working toward standardized policies that emphasize affordability.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Students.aspx” target=”_blank”]American Council on Education[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]ACE learning evaluations can help you receive college credit for a variety of educational, work, and life experiences, allowing you to earn credits, save money, and graduate sooner. You can take ACE evaluations for experiences including:[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-list variant=”unordered” bullet-style=”bullet”] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Workplace training at companies, government agencies, or nonprofits[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Apprenticeships[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Standardized exams[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Military service[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [hen-ui-list-item][hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online courses or experiential learning[/hen-ui-text][/hen-ui-list-item] [/hen-ui-list] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]If your college allows ACE credit for prior learning, a team of faculty members and other subject matter experts will assess your relevant learning. They will determine if your knowledge aligns with the recommended coursework for your college and suggest the appropriate academic credits.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h4″][hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cael.org/lp/pla” target=”_blank”]Council for Adult and Experiential Learning[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The CAEL provider network is a nationwide list of public and private institutions that offer credit for prior learning or work. On CAEL’s interactive map, you can [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.cael.org/cplsearchnetwork-0?hsCtaTracking=b53f5891-7caf-4d55-8c42-2a62643ed25b%7Ca938bc44-469e-410c-8680-2cc9e6fa43bb” target=”_blank”]search the nationwide network by institution or region[/hen-ui-link] to find postsecondary institutions that offer prior learning credits for your experience.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]CAEL supports registered institutions in assessing and awarding credit but does not charge students a fee for prior learning assessment. However, your college may charge a prior learning assessment fee independently of CAEL.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Frequently Asked Questions About College Credit for Work Experience[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many college credits can you earn from work experience?” expanded=”true”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]The number of college credits you can earn from work experience varies by school, [hen-ui-link href=”/degrees/college-degree-levels/”]degree level[/hen-ui-link], and the specific degree program. Some colleges allow up to 30 credits, while others may accept as many as 60.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can credit for work experience help you graduate faster?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Yes, earning credit for work experience can significantly accelerate your path to graduation. Put simply, the more credits you earn for prior experience, the faster you can graduate. For example, 60 credits are equivalent to two years of full-time study. By maximizing CPL, you can significantly reduce the time and cost required to complete your degree.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How many credits do you need to graduate college?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning a bachelor’s degree generally requires 120 credits. Full-time students taking 30 credits per year typically complete their degree programs in four years. Many colleges accept 60-90 [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transfer-credits-online-colleges/”]transfer credits[/hen-ui-link] toward a bachelor’s degree, which can speed up time to completion.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Do college credits expire?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]College credits don’t technically expire. However, their applicability to a new degree depends on their relevance and transferability. Some credits earned 10 years ago may not count toward your current degree if the program’s requirements have changed or the courses are no longer considered relevant.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Can you transfer work experience credits to another college?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Transferring work experience [hen-ui-link href=”/resources/transferring-to-online-college/”]credits to another college[/hen-ui-link] is possible, but not all institutions accept them. Colleges that accept transfer credits for work experience often utilize a PLA to evaluate your portfolio and determine if you qualify for equivalent course credits.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Discover More College Resources” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,624,1090″][/hen-ui-article-row]