College Credit for Work Experiences

Many schools offer nontraditional students college credit for work experience. This benefit helps degree-seekers skip unnecessary courses and graduate faster than their peers. Learners also pay less for a degree. Incoming and current learners can start this process by speaking with an academic advisor or researching their school's website.

This page explains how colleges award credit for experience. Read on for answers to frequently asked questions and for information on top outside resources. Please use the embedded links to learn how students can turn professional experience into college credit.

5 Colleges That Offer Credit for Work Experience

The following five schools attract nontraditional students by offering college credit for work experience. Many other institutions feature similar policies, helping learners graduate faster and save money on a degree. Please note that some details may have changed since this article's publication. Contact a school to learn more.

Berklee College of Music

• Online Degrees Available: Nine bachelor's degrees; four master's degrees
• School Type: Private
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Berklee offers prior learning credit (PLC) for undergraduate degrees. Incoming students may earn up to 30 PLCs. Degree-seekers can start earning PLCs by researching the course catalog and speaking with an academic advisor. Learners then enroll in the school's prior learning portfolio course.

Enrollees write a statement describing how their life or professional experience meets one or more of the course's learning outcomes. A typical statement does not exceed six pages. Berklee accepts statements once per academic semester. As of Jan. 2022, the college charges $150 for each portfolio course and a per-credit fee.

Berklee Online Undergraduate Degree Scholarship

Central Michigan University

• Online Degrees Available: 17 bachelor's degrees; 14 master's degrees; three doctoral degrees
• School Type: Public
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? No
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

CMU undergraduate and graduate students may qualify for prior learning credit (PLC). Undergraduates can earn up to 60 PLCs. Graduate degree-seekers can earn up to 10 PLCs. Learners cannot apply PLCs toward specific graduation requirements, such as math, speech, and writing courses.

Developing a PLC portfolio involves submitting documents and writing self-assessments. Learners review the university's student handbook for the latest instructions and requirements. As of Dec. 2021, degree-seekers pay $125 for each portfolio. CMU reviews portfolios three times annually. Processing takes about 8-10 weeks. Students may appeal a PLC decision once.

Maroon and Gold Merit Recognition Scholarships

Colorado State University's Global Campus

• Online Degrees Available: 15 bachelor's degrees; 15 master's degrees
• School Type: Public
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission

CSU-Global's prior learning assessment (PLA) benefits nontraditional learners earning an undergraduate degree. The process requires submitting the PLA form, a resume, and a portfolio. The portfolio should include evidence of relevant experience matching a course's learning objectives. As of Jan. 2022, CSU-Global charges $150 for each portfolio.

Applicants need at least four years of work experience. Degree-seekers must also complete three or more CSU-Global courses before submitting a PLA portfolio. Some learners receive up to 30 PLA credits, reducing their time in school by about one year. Some PLA credits may not transfer to other accredited colleges and universities.

Academic Excellence Scholarship

Eastern Kentucky University

• Online Degrees Available: 27 bachelor's degrees; 14 master's degrees; three doctoral degrees
• School Type: Public
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges

EKU undergraduates can explore many CPL options, such as the American Council on Education, Advanced Placement, and the CLEP. Active-duty military personnel can earn CPL through DANTES Subject Standardized Tests. Academic departments also create unique CPL exams.

Students uninterested in taking exams can use portfolio assessments to earn CPL. Learners who completed at least 12 credits at EKU work with an advisor to determine relevant courses. Requirements include writing a narrative (5-10 pages) and submitting documents. A content expert reviews portfolios. Some academic and eligibility requirements vary by department.

Start Strong Scholarship

Linfield University

• Online Degrees Available: 10 undergraduate degrees
• School Type: Private
• Do Distance Learners Pay In-State Tuition? Yes
• Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Linfield offers nontraditional students college credit for life experience, such as work, travel, hobbies, and volunteering. Degree-seekers may qualify for up to 31 of the 125 credits required for a bachelor's degree. The first option involves enrolling in a portfolio course. Learners write an autobiography and an education plan. This information helps professors determine required portfolio documents.

Some degree-seekers do not submit a portfolio but complete an American Council on Education-approved training program. Many companies offer these programs, including AT&T and US West. Linfield also accepts the CLEP and independently developed challenge exams.

Honor Society Scholarships

How Do Students Earn Work/Life Credit?

Many students earn work/life credit through examinations. Colleges use privately developed exams to assess learners' competency in different subjects. Some schools ask faculty to create exams. Students contacting their prospective schools may discover other ways to earn credit.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)

CPL features many benefits, including lowering learners' attendance costs and time in school. According to the College Board, students who pass CLEP exams earn a higher undergraduate GPA than their peers. DANTES Standardized Subject Tests (DSSTs) feature similar benefits and appeal to active-duty service members. DSST offers many of the same exams as CLEP.

The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) developed standards many colleges use for CPL. A CAEL-approved portfolio includes relevant documents. Students may take up to six months to submit a final portfolio. A successful portfolio translates into a passing grade.

Standardized Tests

College-developed exams evaluate students' prior knowledge in much the same way as CLEP or DSSTs. Test-takers should ask whether their school provides test-preparation materials or other resources. An admissions or enrollment advisor can provide this information.

Nontraditional students can also take the College Board's Advanced Placement (AP) exams. Learners can take an AP exam without completing the course. A typical AP exam features multiple-choice, short-answer, and essay sections. Colleges use different score cutoffs when awarding credit.

The Pros and Cons of Work Experience Degrees

Pros of Work Experience Degrees

Common Cons About Life Experience Degrees

Additional Resources Work Experience for College Credit

Questions About Work and Life Experience Credits

How Many Credits Can You Typically Earn From Work/Life Experience?

A college's credit cap determines how many credits someone may earn for life experience. This cap varies by college. Each school uses different prior learning assessments (PLAs). Colleges award this credit by examining incoming students' professional certifications, continuing education (CE) courses, and volunteer work. Schools may also consider military training, workplace training, and independent study projects.

Some colleges award credit for other accomplishments. Contact an admissions advisor or visit a school's website for more information.

How Long Does the Process Take to Apply for Credits?

Most PLA application processes take 2-4 weeks. The time frame depends on the school and learners' work experience. The process involves completing a form and submitting relevant documents to a school's PLA coordinator. These documents may include a certification, professional portfolio, and proof of CE completion.

Online colleges with work experience credit may not count that credit toward the minimum attendance requirement. Many schools require transfer students to earn at least 30 credits through coursework.

If You Earned Work/Life Experience Credits at One College, Can You Transfer Them to Another College?

Transfer advisors can help students determine if and how credits transfer to another school. Many colleges post their credit transfer agreements online. Students who earned college credit for work experience should note that this credit may not transfer. As a result, they must complete the same PLA process at their new school.

Learners should contact their prospective schools to research transfer credit policies. This information can help them determine total tuition and the time needed to graduate.

Can You Test Out of College Courses and Get Credit?

Many colleges use the College Board's College Level Examination Program (CLEP) to help incoming students earn credit for prior knowledge and life experience. Exams include American government, introduction to education psychology, and American literature. As of Jan. 2022, the College Board charges the same fee for every exam.

Incoming students take CLEP exams at an authorized testing center. The College Board also allows learners to take CLEP exams at home using an online proctor.

Reviewed by:

Lonnie Woods III

Lonnie Woods III is a student affairs administrator, professor, and professional development practitioner whose research examines the career competencies of college students studying arts-related majors. Woods holds a BS in fine art photography from Towson University and an MA in higher education and student affairs from New York University. He has over 10 years of experience working in higher education, with professional experience spanning various institutions, including Pratt Institute, New York University, The George Washington University, and Columbia University.

Lonnie Woods III is a paid member of the Red Ventures Education freelance review network.