Credit for Prior Learning

Roberta Bailey
Bridging the Gap Between Street Smarts and Book Smarts

Wouldn’t it be great to get credit for the learning and knowledge you gained outside of a traditional academic environment? That’s where Credit for Prior Learning comes in. It bridges the gap between street smarts, the tactical knowledge gained through experience, and book smarts, the academic knowledge gained from books and studying in the classroom.  

So, what is Credit for Prior Learning? Credit for Prior Learning, also known as Prior Learning Assessment, involves a college/university evaluating and formally recognizing the learning that has occurred outside of a classroom setting. The information is used to grant college credit towards the completion of a degree. Some of the typical sources of prior learning are  

  • Work and life experiences 

  • Professional training 

  • Community/Volunteer courses and/or work 

  • Informal courses and training sponsored by employers, associations, government, etc. 

How do schools use that information to figure out what you already know? 

Colleges and universities use a variety of methods to assess whether a student has mastered the required competencies of a course. Some of the popular methods are 

  • The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) 

  • DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) 

  • American Council on Education (ACE) Learning Evaluations 

  • Military transcripts (JST) or training 

  • Portfolio assessment 

How can it help me complete my degree? 

  • Save time – Some schools may allow students to submit documents to earn up to 25% of the required credits for their degree. This shortens the amount of time it takes you to complete your degree.  

  • Save money – Compared to the average per credit tuition rate for an undergraduate degree, prior learning fees can be as low as 1/3 the price. 

If you are getting close to graduation, or you simply want to get a jumpstart on your electives, let your prior knowledge work for you! 

Looking for a degree to fit your goals and schedule? Learn more about Huntington University’s lineup of online programs designed for busy adults at huntington.edu/Online.  

Written by
Roberta Bailey