{"id":46702,"date":"2022-09-29T16:49:39","date_gmt":"2022-09-29T16:49:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/?p=46702"},"modified":"2022-09-29T16:49:40","modified_gmt":"2022-09-29T16:49:40","slug":"college-credit-for-work-experience","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/resources\/college-credit-for-work-experience\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding College Credit for Work Experience"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As you consider your future college options &#8211; after spending some time exploring the job market, it is important to determine if the programs of interest are offered by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/resources\/finding-a-school\/understanding-accreditation\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"3130\">accredited colleges<\/a> that give credit for work experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most colleges that accept work experience for credit do so by granting credits for a variety of previous experiences that may include military experience, certifications at the professional level, and workplace training. There are even exams designed to test aspiring degree candidates&#8217;&nbsp;competency that lead to getting college credit for work experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These potential credits \u2013 known as <em>Credits For Prior Learning<\/em>, or CPLs, are policies set forth by institutions of higher education that offer students the opportunity to accelerate a specific degree program. Undergraduate students may have the ability to apply CPLs toward a college degree, sometimes shaving off a year, or more, of studying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-christina-morillo-1181690-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"pexels christina morillo 1181690\" class=\"wp-image-46717\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-christina-morillo-1181690-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-christina-morillo-1181690-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-christina-morillo-1181690-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-christina-morillo-1181690-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-christina-morillo-1181690.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Benefits Offered by Colleges that Give Credit for Work Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When considering which campus or online college that gives credit for work experience will suit your situation best, be certain you can take advantage of all the benefits CPLs offer students vying for a degree.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>When you get college credit for work experience, students have the potential to complete their degree program in less time. The amount of CPL credits permitted by any program or school will vary and can go as high as 90 earned credits for an academic program that requires 120 semester credits to meet program requirements.<\/li><li>Income degree candidates can save money because the cost of a CPL credit vs. a traditional academic credit differs significantly. <em>Credit for Prior Learning, <\/em>when comparing cost per credit hour, is dramatically less.<\/li><li>Students receive appropriate credit for knowledge and competencies they have already mastered. Adult students will avoid having to relearn information which can waste time and money. Instead, they can use the time to learn something new while accelerating their pathway to the degree.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Another benefit this process offers is a chance to personally assess their proficiencies as they move closer to choosing a program, school, and the next stage of their career. This is a great time to categorize and consolidate one\u2019s knowledge and schools to refine how you want to apply your talents and skills to a career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, be honest with yourself because, for some, it may be wiser to take the course, especially if your knowledge and confidence could use academic reinforcements on topics not learned through formal education. <img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Anchor\" src=\"blob:https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/ad2b1ad0-02e2-46a8-80bf-984a13546db4\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you are confused as to the best path regarding certain CPLs, it is essential to consult with a college counselor to determine the appropriate path. The ultimate goal is to graduate not only with an academic degree, but the skills required to successfully navigate a path to your career objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560138-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"pexels ketut subiyanto 4560138\" class=\"wp-image-46718\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560138-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560138-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560138-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560138-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/pexels-ketut-subiyanto-4560138.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to Obtain <em>Credit for Prior Learning <\/em>&amp; Life Experience<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Proficiency exams are designed to test the current knowledge of adults regarding college-level subjects. Although modest, there is typically a fee for anyone who wishes to take an exam \u2013 which is offered at many testing sites. CPL exams are typically designed as multiple-choice tests that generally last about an hour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">College Credit for CLEP Exams<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <em>College Level Exam Program<\/em> \u2013 also referred to as <a href=\"https:\/\/clep.collegeboard.org\/\">CLEP,<\/a> is recognized to be among the most widely accepted challenge exams; designed to demonstrate an adult student\u2019s \u201clife experience.\u201d It can be taken at more than 2,000 testing sites nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CLEP offers five general exams or nearly three dozen single-subject college subjects \u2013 accepted by more than 2,900 accredited campus-based and online colleges and universities. It is noted that more institutions of higher learning accept CLEP exam results than any of the other prior learning exams. Check the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/clep.collegeboard.org\/clep-college-credit-policy-search\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">CLEP college credit policy database<\/a>&nbsp;to confirm the schools of interest are included.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CLEP single-subject tests are available for classes typically taught at a basic or introductory level. Among the available tests are biology, U.S. History, English composition, Pre-calculus, languages of the world, financial accounting, and marketing, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>CLEP\u2019s five general exams cover English composition, college mathematics, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences \u2013 all at the freshman level. If a student passes all five general, they may be granted 30 college credits which are equivalent to the credits earned in one year of full-time studies!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each <a href=\"https:\/\/clep.collegeboard.org\/register-for-an-exam\">CLEP<\/a> exam costs $89\u2014 which is a small fraction of tuition costs just for a single college-level class. Note military students and their spouses (and even some civilian employees working for the military) can have the fees for the exam waived. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition, college credits can be earned by taking&nbsp;DSST exams. The DSST was originally designed to award academic credit for military experience but is now available to everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">DSST Standardized Subject Tests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dantes.doded.mil\/EducationPrograms\/get-credit\/creditexam.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">DSST<\/a> offers 37 specific subject exams that cover business, human resources, education, computer and information technology, personal finance, social science, humanities, math, the physical sciences, and technology, to name a few.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The DSST exam has a similar fee to the CLEP exam but is waived for military members for the first test in each subject. Mare than 1,500 colleges grant credit for those students applying with DSST score results. Prospective test takers can search the\u00a0institutions that accept DSST for credit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The CLEP and DSST tests both grant college credit for passing scores. However, each exam covers varying subjects, and some schools only accept one exam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Military Experience Credit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Military-connected students are often granted academic credit for military service, learning, and experience. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.acenet.edu\/Programs-Services\/Pages\/Credit-Transcripts\/Students.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Council on Education<\/a>&nbsp;(ACE) offers online advice. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.va.gov\/resources\/how-do-i-get-college-credits-for-my-military-service\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs<\/a>&nbsp;also provides information on how and where to request your transcript \u2013 the paperwork that details ACE\u2019s recommended college credits. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Corporate Training Experience Credit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Workplace training programs and professional certifications have the potential to translate into college experience credits. The&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.acenet.edu\/National-Guide\/Pages\/Seeking-Credit.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ACE National Guide<\/a>&nbsp;is a great resource for corporate training information. An example of this type of professional license\/corporate training that would translate to academic credits would include credits for passing the NCLEX exam. Licenses and certifications in many industries are applicable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Take-Away<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As noted above, the answer to the question is &#8211; Can you get college credit for work experience? Is a resounding Yes!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But note that proficiency exams, military service, and even professional licenses offer no guarantees, so students must do their due diligence and carefully research credit for each school\u2019s prior learning credit policies. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For those depending on these credits, it may pay to select a college with a more generous CPL policy. Don\u2019t forget about potential corporate training programs to optimize credit for work experience. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Related:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=46654&amp;action=edit\">College Planning for Online Students<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=46656&amp;action=edit\">Online Student&#8217;s Guide to Understanding Financial Aid and the FAFSA<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=46663&amp;action=edit\">An Online Student&#8217;s Guide to the Common Application<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=46661&amp;action=edit\">Online Student\u2019s Guide to Tuition Reimbursement and Assistance<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-admin\/post.php?post=46657&amp;action=edit\">How To Write A College Essay<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/none\/articulation-agreement-definition\/\">What is an Articulation Agreement?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/none\/asynchronous-vs-synchronous-learning\/\">Synchronous vs Asynchronous Online Classes<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As you consider your future college options &#8211; after spending some time exploring the job market, it is important to determine if the programs of interest are offered by accredited colleges that give credit for work experience. Most colleges that accept work experience for credit do so by granting credits for a variety of previous [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":46726,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[47],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46702"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=46702"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/46702\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/46726"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=46702"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.collegeconsensus.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=46702"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}