Does My Military Training Count as College Credit?

Military service is a common path for high school graduates but many service members complete college degree programs after serving. The ACE Military Guide, a joint effort from the Department of Defense (DOD) and the American Council on Education, helps service members use their training to apply as transfer credits to colleges and universities.

If you use military experience as credit hours, follow the ACE Military Guide and meet with academic advisors. Finding military-friendly colleges online or on campus can help you turn your service into a degree.

Does Military Training Count Toward a College Education?

Many schools follow ACE Credit recommendations and allow former and active-duty service members to use their service as academic credit. However, these are simply recommendations. No federal mandate requires schools to approve college credit for military experience. Even the schools that do follow the ACE college credit recommendations have limits to the number of credits you can apply to your degree requirements.

How Many College Credits Do You Get for Basic Training?

College credits for basic training will vary. Some schools use basic training as course credit for physical education credit, usually around four credit hours. Additional training and learning experiences can sometimes qualify as electives or general education, provided the training isn't classified and lasts longer than two weeks.

Students can gain additional credit by completing College Level Examination Program (CLEP) or Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) tests. These programs allow examinees to prove past knowledge gained from previous studies or military education programs.

How Is Military Training Evaluated for College Credit?

Military training must be evaluated before being accepted as semester hours. Schools use different documentation for review, based on the branch that you served in. The most commonly reviewed documents are Military transcripts.

Military Transcripts

Military transcripts provide a summary of any education you received during your service. These transcripts are submitted to colleges and universities like a transfer transcript from a college or university you attended. There are two main types of transcripts based on the military branches.

Joint Services Transcript (JST)

The Joint Services Transcript (JST) is the most commonly used transcript for service members transitioning to civilian higher education. The JST is used by members of the:

• Army
• National Guard
• Marine Corps
• Navy
• Coast Guard

This document translates your military education into the terms most commonly used by colleges and makes it easier for service members to have military courses applied toward course requirements. Service members must officially request their JST to be submitted to a college or university online.

Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript

The Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) is another military education transcript. Members of the Air Force and Space Force use this transcript. These branches often use community colleges to provide additional education, and transcripts must be requested online through Air University.

Types of Military Experience Assessed for College Credit

Military experience is assessed for college credit and isn't simply what is learned in a classroom setting or through basic training. This is why the JST and CCAF are so important. These documents can frame your military experience in civilian terms and help you get credits toward your associate or bachelor's degree.

1. Formal Military Training

The coursework in formal military training often translates directly to college courses. The actual application of this training can vary based on your service branch and desired degree program. You can use your service and training for specific classes, but other programs can let you use non-applicable credits as electives.

Technical and Vocational Training

Some military training can apply to programs like engineering. They also apply to other technical programs, such as:

• welding
• electrical work
• plumbing

You will likely be able to use as many credits as you qualify for as a part of your program if you completed technical training as part of your military service and are looking to transition this learning to your post-service education plan.

Leadership and Management Courses

Many degree programs include management courses to prepare graduates for moving through the hierarchy of whatever industry they plan to enter. The military is based on a hierarchy. This is why there are many learning programs focused on leadership and management. These courses are often directly transferrable with your JST or CCAF.

2. Military Occupation Specialties (MOS) and Ratings

Within the armed forces, there are many specializations. These specializations are called Military Occupation Specialties and involve many non-combat-focused roles within the military. These roles often include specific training and classes similar to college degree program courses.

The recognized MOS include engineering roles, interpreters, plumbers, divers, and firefighters. The training required to perform one of these roles in the military often includes similar training to civilians.

3. Professional Certifications and Licenses

Military professionals are still required to earn certifications and licenses, much like their civilian counterparts. Many degree programs will accept professional certificates as credit equivalents. Service members with these licenses and certificates can speed up their degree programs.

4. Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)

Prior Learning Assessments are tests used to display knowledge you've gathered through your life. This learning can be in or before your service. The most commonly used PLA are the CLEP exams and the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). Students prepare for these tests and take the test through a registered provider, instead of completing a course and taking a final exam.

Portfolio Assessment

Depending on your degree program, you might be subjected to a portfolio assessment. This is a collection of your past work that can demonstrate skills to an employer or admissions officer. You might be granted credit for your portfolio's work and previous experience.

Challenge Exams

Challenge exams are offered at some schools that allow registered students to take a school-provided test in exchange for credit. Unlike the CLEP or DSST programs, challenge exams are provided through schools. You won't be able to transfer these credits into your degree program, but they can be earned after acceptance.

5. Military Experience for General Education Credits

Even if your military training doesn't apply to major-specific coursework, there are opportunities to use past training as electives or general education credit. Some schools have differing general education requirements, so speaking with an academic advisor after submitting your JST or CCAF is important.