If you have spent years working, you may already know more than you think. Managing employees, repairing equipment, working with computer systems, serving customers, keeping financial records, or completing military training can build valuable knowledge.
In some cases, colleges may recognize that learning and apply it toward a degree or certificate.
This process is often called Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) or Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). Instead of assuming every student must learn everything in a classroom, participating colleges evaluate knowledge and skills gained through work, military service, professional training, certifications, volunteering, or other experiences.
For working adults, this possibility is worth investigating. Receiving credit for knowledge you already have could reduce the number of courses needed to complete a program. However, policies vary widely, and work experience does not automatically become college credit.
Here is how the process generally works and what to check before enrolling.
1. Work Experience Can Sometimes Become College Credit
Colleges typically award credit for college-level learning, not simply for the number of years someone has worked.
Imagine two people who have each worked in an office for 10 years. One may have developed advanced skills in accounting software, project management, supervision, or business operations. The other may have performed duties that do not match the learning requirements of a particular college course.
That difference matters.
A college may ask you to demonstrate that your knowledge matches what students would normally learn in a specific course. Depending on the institution, prior learning could come from:
- Employment and employer training
- Military education and occupational training
- Professional licenses and certifications
- Apprenticeships
- Industry training programs
- Volunteer or community experience
- Independent study
Colleges set their own rules about what qualifies, how learning is evaluated, and how many credits can be applied toward a credential.
That makes one question especially important: Does this particular school recognize the skills I already have?
Ask it before committing to a program.
2. Understand the Different Ways Prior Learning Is Evaluated
There is no single method used by every college. Schools may offer several ways for students to demonstrate previous learning.
One common option is a standardized examination. For example, some institutions award credit for qualifying scores on examinations from programs such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP).
Another method is a portfolio assessment. A portfolio may document what you have learned through employment and explain how that knowledge relates to specific college courses. Supporting materials could include training records, certifications, work samples, or other documentation allowed by the school.
Colleges may also evaluate certain professional or military training. Veterans and service members, for example, can ask schools how they evaluate military education and training when determining possible college credit.
Some institutions have their own exams or faculty evaluation procedures. The important point is that having experience and receiving academic credit are not the same thing. Your knowledge generally must meet the standards established by the institution.
Before paying for an assessment, ask exactly how the evaluation works and what happens if credit is not awarded.
3. Prior Learning Credit Could Reduce Your Path to Completion
For adults balancing work, family responsibilities, and education, completing unnecessary courses can add time and expense.
Suppose a certificate requires 30 credits and a college determines that some of your previous learning satisfies several requirements. You may have fewer courses left to complete.
That can potentially mean paying tuition for fewer classes and reaching graduation sooner. The actual savings will depend on the school's tuition, assessment fees, program requirements, and number of credits accepted.
Do not assume that receiving 15 prior-learning credits automatically removes 15 credits from your remaining requirements. Credits must usually fit into the specific degree or certificate program.
Ask the school to explain where each credit will apply.
For example, credit might count toward:
- A required course
- General education requirements
- Major requirements
- Elective credits
Credit that counts only as an elective may be less useful if you already have enough electives.
If you are considering federal student aid, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and review information from Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education. Eligibility for federal aid depends on multiple factors, and not every educational expense or prior-learning assessment is necessarily covered.
4. Ask the Right Questions Before Choosing a School
Prior learning policies should be part of your school comparison, especially if you have substantial professional, military, technical, or vocational experience.
Before enrolling, contact the admissions office, registrar, academic advising office, or department responsible for prior learning.
Ask questions such as:
- Does the college offer Credit for Prior Learning or Prior Learning Assessment?
- Which types of work or training can be evaluated?
- Are CLEP or other examinations accepted?
- Can professional certifications qualify for credit?
- How is military training evaluated?
- Is a portfolio assessment available?
- What fees are charged for evaluations or examinations?
- Is there a maximum number of prior-learning credits?
- Will those credits satisfy requirements for my specific program?
- Will another college accept these credits if I transfer?
Get important information in writing when possible.
Also investigate the institution itself. The U.S. Department of Education's College Navigator can help students research colleges and compare basic information about institutions and programs.
Be cautious of schools making sweeping promises about turning your entire career into a degree. Legitimate prior-learning policies involve evaluation and academic requirements. Experience can be valuable without automatically qualifying for credit.
5. Gather Proof of What You Already Know
If a school offers prior-learning credit, documentation can become important.
Start gathering records before beginning the evaluation process. Depending on the school's requirements, useful materials might include job descriptions, certificates, training records, licenses, military records, or examples of completed work.
A resume can provide a useful starting point, but it may not be enough by itself.
Focus on what you learned, not only where you worked.
For example, saying you were a supervisor for six years describes your position. Explaining that you created schedules, trained employees, tracked performance, handled workplace conflicts, and managed inventory provides more information about your actual skills.
Then compare those skills with the courses required for the degree or certificate you want.
This preparation can also help you identify gaps. You might discover that you already understand much of a subject but still need formal instruction in certain areas.
Your years of work may represent more than employment history. They may include knowledge that some colleges are willing to evaluate for academic credit.
Credit for Prior Learning and Prior Learning Assessment can create another pathway into higher education, particularly for working adults, veterans, skilled workers, and people returning to school after many years.
Policies differ significantly between institutions, so find out what a school accepts, how your learning will be evaluated, what the process costs, and exactly how awarded credits would apply toward your chosen program.
You have already invested time in building your skills. Before starting from zero, find out whether some of that learning can move with you toward a degree or certificate.