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title: "How to Use Prior Learning or Military Experience to Earn Online Credits Fast" excerpt: "Learn how to convert your work experience, military training, and life skills into college credits. Discover assessment methods like CLEP tests, portfolio evaluation, and military transcript services to accelerate your degree completion." date: "2025-08-08" author: name: "College Hub" role: "Education Finance Expert" bio: "College Hub provides comprehensive guidance on financial aid, scholarships, and educational opportunities for students pursuing higher education." category: "Student Resources" tags: [ "prior learning assessment", "military experience credits", "college credits", "CLEP tests", "portfolio assessment", "military transcripts", "work experience credits", "online education", "accelerated learning", "credit for experience", ] featuredImage: "/blog/how-to-use-prior-learning-or-military-experience-to-earn-online-credits.avif" featuredImageAlt: "A person in a white t-shirt and blue jeans seated at a white desk with a silver laptop open, participating in a video conference with multiple participants, writing in a spiral notebook with a blue pen, with silver-rimmed glasses and a black tablet nearby" seo: metaTitle: "Convert Prior Learning & Military Experience to College Credits | College Hub" metaDescription: "Turn your work experience, military training, and life skills into college credits. Learn about CLEP tests, portfolio assessment, and military transcript services to finish your degree faster." keywords: [ "prior learning assessment", "military experience credits", "college credits for experience", "CLEP tests", "portfolio assessment", "military transcripts", "work experience credits", "online college credits", "accelerated degree completion", "credit for prior learning", "military education benefits", "experience-based learning", ]

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How to Use Prior Learning or Military Experience to Earn Online Credits Fast

You spent years gaining valuable skills through work, military service, or other training. Now you want to earn a college degree online, but starting from scratch feels overwhelming and expensive.

The good news is that many colleges recognize your real-world experience and will give you academic credit for what you already know.

Students can earn college credits for prior learning through standardized tests, portfolio assessments, and documentation of military or professional training, potentially saving thousands of dollars and months of coursework. The process involves proving your knowledge meets college-level standards through various assessment methods that colleges use to evaluate experience-based learning.

Understanding how to convert your background into academic credits requires knowing which assessment options work best for your situation. The process includes gathering documentation, choosing the right tests or portfolio methods, and working with schools that actively support credit for prior learning programs.

Key Takeaways

• Prior learning assessments and military experience can be converted into college credits through tests, portfolios, and documentation
• Students typically save money and time by earning credits for knowledge they already possess rather than repeating coursework
• Success requires choosing the right assessment method and working with schools that actively support experience-based credit programs

How to Convert Prior Learning and Military Experience Into Online College Credits

Converting prior learning and military experience into college credits involves formal assessment processes and specific documentation tools. Students can earn credits through examination programs, portfolio assessments, and military transcript services that translate real-world experience into academic recognition.

Understanding Credit for Prior Learning and Experiential Learning

Credit for prior learning allows students to earn college credits for knowledge gained outside traditional classrooms. This process recognizes skills and expertise developed through work experience, military service, volunteer activities, and self-directed learning.

Prior learning assessment evaluates what students already know rather than how they learned it. Colleges use different methods to assess this knowledge, including standardized tests, portfolio reviews, and faculty evaluations.

Experiential learning focuses on knowledge gained through direct experience and reflection. Students document their learning outcomes and demonstrate how their experiences match college-level competencies.

Most colleges accept between 25-75% of degree requirements through prior learning credits. Students must provide clear evidence of their learning.

Documentation requirements vary by institution but typically include detailed descriptions of experiences and learning outcomes.

Types of Qualifying Experience: Work, Life, Military, and Certifications

Work experience often translates into college credits when it involves specialized skills or knowledge. Professional training programs, management experience, and technical expertise frequently qualify for academic credit.

Certifications from industry organizations can earn college credits at many institutions. IT certifications, healthcare licenses, and professional designations demonstrate college-level competency in specific fields.

Military experience provides extensive opportunities for college credit. Combat training, leadership roles, technical specialties, and military education programs often match college course requirements.

Life experiences like volunteer work, travel, and independent projects may qualify for credit through portfolio assessment. Students must demonstrate measurable learning outcomes from these experiences.

The American Council on Education evaluates many training programs and certifications for college credit recommendations. Their database helps colleges determine appropriate credit awards for various experiences.

Key Tools: CLEP, DSST, and College-Level Examination Program

CLEP tests allow students to earn college credits by demonstrating knowledge in specific subject areas. These exams cover introductory college-level material in fields like business, history, and mathematics.

CLEP offers 34 different exams that can earn 3-12 college credits each. Most colleges accept CLEP scores, making it a widely recognized option for earning credits through testing.

DSST exams focus on more specialized subjects often encountered in professional settings. These tests cover topics like business ethics, criminal justice, and technical writing.

The College-Level Examination Program includes both CLEP and DSST testing options. Students can prepare using study guides, practice tests, and online resources before taking these standardized exams.

Test preparation is important for success. Many students study for 2-4 weeks before taking these exams to ensure they pass and earn the maximum number of credits.

Transferring and Documenting Military Training: Joint Services Transcript and Community College of the Air Force

The Joint Services Transcript provides official documentation of military training and education for Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard members. This transcript translates military experience into civilian college credit terms that colleges can easily understand.

Military personnel can request transcripts that document their training, education, and experience from their service branch. The JST format makes it easier for colleges to evaluate and award appropriate credits.

Community College of the Air Force serves Air Force personnel specifically. Air Force members should contact Air University to order official transcripts through their specialized system rather than using JST.

Military occupational specialties, advanced individual training, and military courses frequently transfer to college credit. Students should work with academic advisors to maximize their credit transfers.

Some institutions accept up to 45 credit hours from military experience and prior learning combined. This can cover most general education requirements for a degree program.

Building Your Portfolio and Navigating the Assessment Process Online

Creating a prior learning portfolio requires specific documentation and evidence to demonstrate college-level learning. Students must follow institutional guidelines and submit materials that meet academic standards for credit evaluation.

Creating a PLA Portfolio: Work Samples, Narratives, and Evidence

A PLA portfolio assessment requires students to document their learning through specific components. The portfolio must include work samples, written narratives, and supporting evidence that demonstrates college-level knowledge.

Students should organize their materials around specific course competencies or learning outcomes. Each piece of evidence must connect directly to academic standards rather than simply listing job duties or experiences.

Key Portfolio Components:

• Detailed learning narratives explaining acquired knowledge
• Work samples demonstrating practical application
• Letters of verification from supervisors or colleagues
• Certificates, licenses, or professional credentials
• Self-assessment of competencies gained

The narrative sections require students to explain what they learned, how they learned it, and how the learning relates to college coursework. Portfolio development focuses on expressing prior learning in ways that faculty assessors can evaluate effectively.

Documentation must verify the educational value of experiential learning. Students cannot simply describe their job responsibilities but must demonstrate the depth and breadth of their knowledge.

Using Professional Experience and Certifications for Assessment

Professional certifications and work experience can translate into college credit for work experience when properly documented. Students must show that their professional learning matches college-level course content.

Industry certifications often have established credit recommendations. The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning provides guidelines for converting professional credentials into academic credit.

Common Professional Assets for Credit:

• Professional licenses (nursing, accounting, real estate)
• Industry certifications (IT, project management, safety)
• Corporate training programs with documented hours
• Military occupational specialties and training
• Apprenticeship completions

Students must provide official documentation of their certifications and training. Expired certifications may still qualify if the learning remains current and applicable.

Military experience assessment often includes both formal military education and job-specific training. Veterans should gather their military transcripts and training records.

Submitting Portfolios and Meeting Institutional Requirements

Each institution has specific requirements for prior learning assessment portfolio submission. Students must follow formatting guidelines and deadlines carefully.

Most schools require students to be enrolled before submitting portfolios. Some institutions require completion of a portfolio course that teaches students how to document their learning effectively.

Typical Submission Requirements:

• Completed application for prior learning credit
• Portfolio organized by course or competency area
• Official transcripts and documentation
• Assessment fees (usually per credit or per portfolio)
• Faculty advisor approval in some cases

Students should expect the evaluation process to take several weeks. Faculty assessors review portfolios against specific course learning outcomes and academic standards.

Financial aid considerations may apply to prior learning credit. Students should verify that PLA credits count toward their degree program and financial aid requirements before investing time in portfolio development.

The assessment process measures learning rather than experience. Students must demonstrate that their knowledge meets college-level standards through clear documentation and evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Students often have specific questions about documentation requirements, portfolio creation, and how different colleges evaluate their experiences. The process varies between institutions, but most follow standard methods for assessing military training, workplace learning, and professional certifications.

What is the process for converting military experience into online college credits?

Military members need to start by obtaining their Joint Services Transcript (JST). This document shows all military training and education completed during service.

Students should contact their chosen college's admissions office or prior learning coordinator. The school will review the JST against their degree requirements.

Many colleges use the ACE Military Guide recommendations to determine credit awards. Each military occupation and training program has specific credit recommendations.

The process typically takes 2-4 weeks after submitting all required documents. Some schools charge evaluation fees ranging from $50 to $200.

Which accredited online colleges offer credit for prior work or life experiences?

Most regionally accredited colleges and universities accept some form of prior learning credit. Students should verify the school's accreditation through the U.S. Department of Education database.

Community colleges often have the most flexible credit for prior learning programs. Many state university systems also offer these options.

Schools like Purdue Global, Southern New Hampshire University, and Penn State World Campus have established prior learning programs. Each institution has different policies and credit limits.

Students should ask about maximum credit allowed, evaluation fees, and specific documentation requirements. Most schools limit prior learning credits to 25-50% of degree requirements.

How can I create a portfolio that demonstrates my life experience for college credit?

A portfolio documents college-level learning gained through work and life experiences. Students must show specific knowledge and skills that match course objectives.

The portfolio should include detailed work history, training certificates, performance evaluations, and examples of completed projects. Each piece of evidence must connect to specific college courses.

Students write essays explaining what they learned and how it applies to academic subjects. They must demonstrate theoretical knowledge, not just practical experience.

Many colleges offer portfolio preparation courses to help students create strong submissions. Faculty experts review completed portfolios and award appropriate credits.

Are there any specific online programs that specialize in recognizing military training for academic credit?

Several online programs focus specifically on serving military students and veterans. These schools have streamlined processes for evaluating military experience.

American Military University and Southern New Hampshire University have dedicated military admissions teams. They understand how to translate military training into academic credits.

Many state universities offer special programs for veterans. These include expedited evaluation processes and military-friendly degree programs.

Programs designed for military learners often allow flexible scheduling and online completion. They recognize the unique learning experiences military members bring to higher education.

What methods do colleges use to assess and award credits for professional experience?

Colleges use several standard methods to evaluate professional experience. The most common approach involves reviewing certifications against established credit recommendations.

National examinations like CLEP and DSST allow students to test out of specific courses. Students must meet minimum passing scores set by each institution.

Portfolio assessment requires students to document their learning through written submissions. Faculty experts review these materials and determine appropriate credit awards.

Some colleges accept professional certifications in fields like information technology, healthcare, and project management. They may also recognize workplace training programs that have ACE credit recommendations.

How does credit for life and work experiences impact the time and cost required to complete an online degree?

Prior learning credits can significantly reduce both time and money needed for degree completion. Students may save one to two years of coursework depending on their experience.

Each credit hour typically costs $200-800 at different institutions. Students earning 30 prior learning credits could save $6,000-24,000 in tuition costs.

Accelerated academic progress allows students to take higher-level courses sooner. This helps working adults complete degrees while managing other responsibilities.

Most evaluation fees range from $100-500 total. This represents significant savings compared to taking equivalent courses through traditional enrollment.