How To Use Work & Life Experience for College Credit

Many universities recognize the value of skills and knowledge gained through work and life experiences and offer ways for individuals to convert their real-world expertise into credit toward a college degree.

Read on to discover how to use work and life experience for college credit and find examples of nationwide institutions where students can leverage their prior learning and training to accelerate their academic journey.

How To Use Work & Life Experience for College Credit

For students seeking an undergraduate degree, various opportunities allow them to translate their previous life and work experiences into college credits.

By utilizing credit for prior learning (CPL) options, individuals can reduce the time and money required to earn a degree while also receiving recognition for their existing knowledge and skills.

To determine how to use work and life experience for college credit, students should research the CLEP policies of the university they plan to attend.

It is recommended that individuals contact the admissions or academic advising office directly for information on the types of experiences eligible for credit, documentation requirements, and specific procedures to follow.

7 Ways To Get College Credit for Work & Life Experience

For students wondering how to use work and life experience for college credit, here are seven ways to do so. These steps can make the most of an individual's expertise and save on a college education.

1. Use Prior Learning Assessments To Earn College Credit

Prior learning assessment (PLA) is a process that allows individuals to receive academic credit for their previous learning experiences and apply it toward a certificate, diploma, or degree program.

This means that individuals may not have to retake the same courses if they already have the knowledge or skills required to pass them.

PLA is a great way for individuals to save time and money while pursuing their educational goals and can involve several approaches, such as portfolio assessment and standardized exams.

2. Create a Portfolio for College Credit

Many colleges use portfolio assessment as a method for awarding academic credit. Students must create a well-organized one showcasing their relevant experiences to earn it.

A portfolio can contain details such as the following:

• descriptions of job roles and responsibilities
• accomplishments
• certifications or training
• work samples
• professional resume
• letters of recommendation
• performance evaluations

It is essential that students provide comprehensive documentation to support their claims and should include any relevant materials to validate their expertise.

3. Pursue College Credit for Examinations

Students can receive credit for prior learning by taking standardized national exams, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), Advanced Placement (AP) exams, or departmental exams for specific subjects.

While most colleges accept credit-by-exam, students must verify if their particular school acknowledges them for their needs.

4. Utilize Military Experience for College Credit

Many institutions permit military service members and veterans to earn college credit for their military experience.

It is recommended to obtain military transcripts from the Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF), depending on the branch of service. These transcripts contain records of military education, training, and experience.

Schools partner with the American Council on Education (ACE) to evaluate military courses and determine how many credits they are worth.

5. Get College Credit for Professional Certifications

Obtaining professional certifications is a reliable way to demonstrate expertise in a particular field. Students should check with their school to determine if they can receive credit for relevant certificates.

Several institutions collaborate with military industry organizations to offer credentials, allowing students to develop practical skills in a subject area and earn credit for their proficiency.

6. Participate in Evaluations for College Credit

Colleges may evaluate a student's knowledge and skills to award a number of college credits by conducting interviews or assessments.

When participating in these evaluations, individuals should be prepared to discuss their experiences and how they specifically relate to relevant courses.

7. Take Advantage of Service-Learning Projects for College Credit

Supervised service-learning projects are an excellent way for students to earn college credit while gaining hands-on experience and promoting active learning.

These projects merge classroom education and community engagement by fulfilling existing needs through various avenues like volunteering and providing valuable skills and experience that can count toward a degree.

What Online Colleges Offer Credit for Work & Life Experience?

Several online colleges offer transfer credit for prior learning, which helps students accelerate the time it takes to earn a degree while saving on tuition costs and other expenses.

The following are examples of accredited nationwide institutions with online bachelor's degree programs allowing individuals to earn a certain number of college credits for real-world experience.

Liberty University

Liberty University in Virginia lets students transfer up to 90 hours of credits toward their bachelor's degree, of which 30 hours can be counted from work experience, on-the-job training, and nationally recognized professional credentials.

Colorado State University

Colorado State University accelerates earning a degree for individuals by allowing them to bring in up to 90 transfer credits, including 60 credits through prior learning assessments and credit by exams such as CLEP.

Southern New Hampshire University

Students can transfer up to 90 credits toward a bachelor's degree at Southern New Hampshire University through different avenues such as CLEP or AP exams, industry-wide certifications, military experience, and more.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global in Indiana prides itself on recognizing work and life experience as counting toward a bachelor's degree. Students earn an average of 33 credits through training and certifications, standardized exams, and portfolio assessments.

Arizona State University

At Arizona State University, students receive credit for military experience and can earn up to 60 hours through credit by exams, such as CLEP or AP, for any of their online bachelor's degree programs.

How Many Credits Can You Earn for Real-World Experience?

The average maximum number of credits students can earn for work and life experience towards a college degree is typically around 30 and varies by institution.

Students need more than real-world experience to obtain a degree. However, credits received through prior learning will help accelerate their education, saving time and money.

Learn How To Use Work & Life Experience for College Credit Today

Are you interested in learning how to use work and life experience for college credit? There are several pathways to explore, including credit-by-exam programs, portfolio assessments, and industry-recognized certifications.

Once real-world experience has been evaluated and granted college credit, students should collaborate with their academic advisor to determine how to apply these credits to a degree plan to ensure a smooth and efficient path toward graduation.