at a glance:

• National American University was established in Rapid City, Kansas in 1941
• Offers credit for life experience to qualified students
• Accelerated 8-11 week courses available
• Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Want to learn more? Take 2 minutes and get the complete scoop (life experience credit, scholarships, program details, and so on) from National American University Online. What sets National American University Online apart? Your previous experience really counts at National American Online; they reward your experience by exempting you from up to 50% of the required classes for your degree. You can earn credit without actually taking classes by the three following methods:

1. Experiential learning/portfolio credit awarded by National American University
2. Evaluated corporate training certificates
3. Military training

By earning credit for experience in your field of study, you won’t waste time and money taking classes that you don’t really need. As a result, you’ll be able to focus on improving in the areas that really matter to your professional future. More about National American University Online National American Online began as a traditional university and started incorporating online courses into its program offerings in 1996. It was established in Kansas, but has many locations throughout

the United States in Colorado, Missouri, New Mexico, Minnesota, and South Dakota. These numerous satellite locations allow National American Online to serve non-traditional and traditional students alike. Non-traditional students, particularly working adults, find that National American University Online strives to serve their needs. Students can choose from the regular classroom setting or, if their schedule is too hectic, online courses. The online courses and degree programs are fully accredited, and as high quality as the classroom programs… the only difference is that you choose when and where to go to class. Interested? Get the complete scoop (life experience credit, scholarships, program details, and so on) from National American University Online. National American University Online Degree Programs National American Online offers the following online degrees and online certificates: bachelor of science degree programs in business administration, applied management, health care management, nursing and information technology, associate degrees in general education, business administration, applied management, information technology and health care management, and computer certification courses to aid students in achieving certifications such as MCP, MCSA, MCSE, Java, Red Hat Linux, CompTIA Network +, CompTIA E-Biz+. and CompTIA IT. Accounting

• Accounting – AAS
• Accounting – BS

Allied Health

• Medical Staff Services Management

Arts and Science

• General Education Studies

Business

• Applied Management – AAS
• Applied Management – BS
• Business Administration – AAS
• Business Administration – BS
• Business Administration – Financial Management
• Business Administration – Hospitality Mgmt -(Affiliate Institutions)
• Business Administration – Human Resource Management
• Business Administration – Information Systems
• Business Administration – International Business
• Business Administration – Management
• Business Administration – Marketing
• Business Administration – Tourism Management
• Health Care Management

Information Technology

• Information Technology
• Information Technology – Internet Systems Development
• Information Technology – Management Information Systems
• Information Technology – Network Management / Microsoft

Nursing

• Online RN to BSN

Interested in one of their degree programs? Take 2 minutes and get the complete scoop (life experience credit, scholarships, program details, and so on) from National American Online.

• Headquarters are located in Davenport, Iowa
• Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Students get full access to UAH Salmon Library at the University of Alabama in Huntsville, Alabama
• Recently launched Kaplan University High School, a national online high school option
• Certificate programs can be completed in less than six months

Kaplan University – What sets them apart? Kaplan University strives to keep students engaged in their online academic programs. Some of the school’s strategies include discussion boards, web field trips, and seminars. Students interact with their peers and instructors via the online discussion boards. Students go on ‘web field trips’ by conducting research on the internet and taking notes to share in later discussions. Kaplan University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.  Kaplan University Online Nursing Program and Online Juris Doctor program Kaplan University’s School of Nursing earned national accreditation for the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) in 2006. Kaplan offers Juris Doctor degrees through the Concord Law School of Kaplan University. Potential students should know that Concord is not recognized by the American Bar Association. However, some states allow students from non ABA-accredited law schools to take the bar exam and practice law once admitted to the bar. Laws vary by state so you’ll want to check your local regulations before enrolling in Kaplan’s JD program. Kaplan also offers an online paralegel degree program. Interested? Take 2 minutes and request information specific to your program of interest at Kaplan University Online. Kaplan University Online Master’s Degrees:

• MA in Teaching and Learning
• Master of Education
• Master of Science in Information Technology
• MBA
• MBA/Entrepreneurship
• MBA/Finance
• MBA/Human Resource Management
• MBA/Information Technology
• MBA/Management, Communication, and Quality
• MBA/Marketing
• MBA/Supply Chain Management and Logistics
• MS in Criminal Justice
• MS in Higher Education/College Administration and Leadership
• MS in Higher Education/College Teaching and Learning
• MS in Higher Education/Student Services
• MS in Legal Studies
• MS in Management/Change Leadership
• MS in Management/Health Care Management
• MS in Management/Project Management
• MS in Management/Supply Chain Management and Logistics
• MS in Nursing/Nurse Administrator
• MS in Nursing/Nurse Educator
• MSCJ/Corrections
• MSCJ/Global Issues in Criminal Justice
• MSCJ/Law
• MSCJ/Leadership and Executive Management
• MSCJ/Policing

Interested? Take 2 minutes and request information specific to your program of interest at Kaplan University Online. Kaplan University Online Bachelor’s Degrees:

• Advanced Start BS in Business
• Advanced Start BS in Communication
• Advanced Start BS in Criminal Justice
• Advanced Start BS in Health and Wellness
• Advanced Start BS in Health Science
• Advanced Start BS in Information Technology
• Advanced Start BS in Legal Studies
• Advanced Start BS in Management
• Advanced Start BS in Management/Health Care Management
• Advanced Start BS in Networking Technology
• Advanced Start BS in Nutrition Science
• Advanced Start BS in Paralegal Studies
• Advanced Start BS in Psychology
• Advanced Start BS in Software Development
• BS in Accounting
• BS in Business
• BS in Communication/Organizational Communications
• BS in Communication/Technical Writing
• BS in Criminal Justice
• BS in Health and Wellness
• BS in Health Science
• BS in Information Technology
• BS in Legal Studies
• BS in Management
• BS in Management/Health Care Management
• BS in Networking Technology
• BS in Nutrition Science
• BS in Paralegal Studies
• BS in Psychology/Applied Behavioral Analysis
• BS in Psychology/Child Development
• BS in Psychology/Substance Abuse
• BS in Software Development
• BSA/Auditing-Forensic Accountancy
• BSA/Governmental-Nonprofit
• BSA/Managerial Accountancy
• BSA/Public Accountancy
• BSA/Tax Accountancy
• BSB/Accounting
• BSB/Business Security and Assurance
• BSB/Finance
• BSB/General Business
• BSB/Management of Information Systems
• BSCJ/Computer Crime
• BSCJ/Corrections
• BSCJ/Crime Analysis
• BSCJ/Crime Scene Investigation
• BSCJ/Forensic Psychology
• BSCJ/Fraud Examination and Investigation
• BSCJ/Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
• BSCJ/Juvenile Justice
• BSCJ/Law Enforcement
• BSCJ/Private Security
• BSHS/Health and Wellness
• BSHS/Nutrition Science
• BSHS/Pregraduate-Preprofessional
• BSHW/Health Science
• BSHW/Nutrition Science
• BSHW/Pregraduate-Preprofessional
• BSIT/Database
• BSIT/Networking
• BSIT/Programming
• BSIT/Web Multimedia and Animation
• BSLS/Health Care
• BSM/Accounting Management
• BSM/Business Administration
• BSM/General Management
• BSM/Health Care Management
• BSM/Human Resource Management
• BSM/Management of Information Systems
• BSM/Marketing
• BSM/Retail Management
• BSNS/Dietetics
• BSNS/Health and Wellness
• BSNS/Health Science
• BSNS/Pregraduate-Preprofessional
• BSPS/Alternative Dispute Resolution
• BSPS/Corporate Law
• BSPS/Employment Law
• BSPS/Family Law
• BSPS/Legal Technology
• BSPS/Office Management
• BSPS/Personal Injury
• BSPS/Real Estate Law
• BSPS/Social Security Law
• RN to BS in Nursing Completion Degree

Interested? Take 2 minutes and request information specific to your program of interest at Kaplan University Online. Kaplan University Associate’s Degrees:

• AAS in Accounting
• AAS in Business Administration/Management
• AAS in Business/Travel and Hospitality Management
• AAS in Computer Information Systems
• AAS in Criminal Justice
• AAS in Global Travel and Hospitality Management
• AAS in Medical Assisting
• AAS in Medical Office Management
• AAS in Medical Transcription
• AAS in Paralegal Studies
• AASCIS/Networking
• AASCIS/Programming
• AASCIS/Web Development
• AASCJ/Corrections
• AASCJ/Homeland Security and Counterterrorism
• AASCJ/Law Enforcement
• AASCJ/Private Security
• AS in Interdisciplinary Studies
• AS in Nursing
• ASIS/Communication
• ASIS/Early Childhood Development
• ASIS/Early Childhood Development
• ASIS/Educational Paraprofessional
• ASIS/Educational Paraprofessional

Interested? Take 2 minutes and request information specific to your program of interest at Kaplan University Online. Kaplan University Online Certificates:

• Corrections Certificate
• Crime Scene Technician Certificate
• Information Assurance Certificate
• Information Technology Pathway Certificate
• Internet and Website Development Certificate
• Introduction to Computer Programming Language Certificate
• Legal Secretary Certificate
• Management and Supervision Certificate
• Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
• Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate
• Private Security Certificate
• Professional Development for Teachers
• Professional Development for Teachers
• Teacher Intern Certificate
• Travel Associate Certificate

Kaplan University Online Diplomas

• Travel Professional Diploma

Kaplan University Online Continuing and Professional Studies

• Case Management Certificate
• Certificate in Financial Planning
• Executive Coaching Certificate
• Forensic Nursing Certificate
• Geriatric Care Management Certificate
• Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate
• Life Care Planning Certificate
• Medical Coding Certificate
• Pharmacy Technician Certificate
• Project Management Certificate
• Risk Management Certificate
• Six Sigma Certificate

Kaplan University Online Juris Doctor – Concord Law

• Executive JD
• Juris Doctor

Kaplan University Online Tuition Kaplan University tuition for undergraduate online programs, including the Pathway to Paralegal Postbaccalaureate Certificate, is $336 per quarter credit hour. Per-credit tuition for graduate programs is as follows: Master of Business Administration ($395), Master of Science in Management ($380), Master of Science in Criminal Justice ($350), Master of Science in Nursing ($350), Master of Science in Information Technology ($365), Master of Science in Higher Education ($350), Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning ($350), Master of Education ($350), Teacher Intern Certificate ($350), and Professional Development for Teachers program ($350). Undergraduate tuition includes the cost of books. Kaplan University Online Financial Aid Kaplan University Online financial aid options include a variety of federal grants and federal, state, and private lending programs, including military financial aid. Active-duty service members, national guard, and reserves, as well as drilling members of the national guard and reserves receive 15% reduced tuition and their spouses are eligible for 10% off tuition rates. Kaplan University also awards scholarships to eligible students. Interested? Take 2 minutes and request information specific to your program of interest at Kaplan University Online. Still looking?

• Check out some more online college reviews.

How credit is awarded and assigned varies widely by university, but there is always a specific limit to the number of alternative credits you may earn toward your degree. Most of the colleges listed below offer a combination of portfolio credit, credit by examination (CLEP, etc.), and military experience/training credit.   

Important considerations:

1. All portfolio credit programs are NOT created equal. Some colleges, like Columbia College, have stringent requirements. Central Texas College, on the other hand, simply asks for a page or two description of your experience with supplemental proof.
2. Never assume that your credit will transfer to another university. Always double check with the admissions department where you plan to transfer. 
3. Certain programs like Champlain (below) do not always award portfolio credit, but they will accept portfolio credit awarded by another university that has been added to your transcript.

Online colleges offering credit for prior learning

Every institution in this list is regionally accredited, a must for any online degree program.

Dallas Baptist University
Portfolio credit
Credit by examination
Military credit

University of Wisconsin
Credit for Military Experience
Credit for Training Programs
Credit for Specific Subject Examinations
Credit for Work and Life Experience
Credit by Test Out
CLEP examinations
Vocational-Technical College Transfer Credits

Columbia College
Credit for Prior Learning (Portfolio credit)
ACE accredited corporate courses
Excelsior exams
ACT
CLEP Exams
Certified Professional Secretary Program
Defense Language Proficiency Tests
DANTES
International Baccalaureate
Basic Law Enforcement and Corrections Training
Military Service & Training
MU Fire & Rescue Training Institute
Pilot’s License

University of Massachusetts – Amherst
Information is located on the University Without Walls portion of the Amherst website. Credit for life experience applicants must complete a rigorous process to receive credit.

Champlain College
External credentials
Challenge exams
CLEP exams
Will accept portfolio credits added to your transcript at another university.
“May” offer some life experience credits for certain programs
Military training and education

Central Texas College
Portfolio evaluation
CLEP
Military training and education

Western New England College
May award up to 30 credit hours of portfolio credit through its partnership with Charter Oak State College. See WNEC’s website for more details as requirements vary.
CLEP exams
Military education and experience
Experience evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE)

Liberty University
Portfolio assessment (Credit for life experience)
CLEP exams

Malone College
Portfolio credit

Western Governors University
WGU does not offer actual credit for life experience, but they will let you waive certain courses in order to finish your degree faster. Here’s an excerpt from their site to explain the process: WGU’s competency-based approach lets you take advantage of your knowledge and skills, regardless of how you learned them. Even when you don’t directly receive credit, the knowledge you possess may help you accelerate the time it takes to complete your degree program.

For more information about specific colleges offering online degrees, visit my Online College Review posts.

Related posts:

1. Life experience and online learning
2. Illustrative example of how online learning credits may be awarded
3. CLEP exams save time and money
4. Life experience degrees

• Established in 1918 as Mount St. Clare College
• Transfer up to 90 credit hours towards your Bachelor’s degree program
• Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (www.ncahlc.org)
• U.S. News Ranking: 4th Tier

What sets Ashford University apart? Ashford University has a very generous credit transfer policy. Unlike many colleges that limit transfer hours to 60 credit hours, Ashford allows you to transfer up to 90 hours into your undergraduate program. Ashford University’s online programs will allow you to:

• Save money by transferring credits
• Earn up to hours of non-traditional credit (CLEP, life experience, military credit) Experience an innovative and supportive online community

Ashford University Online Degrees and Online Programs:

1. Associate of Arts in Business
2. Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
3. Bachelor of Arts in Health Care Administration
4. Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
5. Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management
6. Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice
7. Bachelor of Arts in Social Science
8. Master of Business Administration (MBA)
9. Master of Arts in Organizational Management
10. Master of Arts In Teaching and Learning with Technology

Interested? Request more information from Ashford University Online. Still looking?

• Read more of our online college reviews of leading schools (Boston University, Northeastern University, Florida Tech, and more…)

Source: Ashford University website, 2008.

Online at a glance:

• Columbia College is a private university, established in 1851
• Term length: 8 week accelerated terms
• Tuition: $205 per credit hour (regardless of state of residence)
• Distance format: Online
• 500+ online classes offered per term
• Columbia College Online U.S. News Ranking: Top Tier, Best Comprehensive Colleges

Want to learn more? Take 2 minutes and get the details you need (pre-reqs, term start dates, scholarships, etc.) from Columbia College Online. About Columbia College Online Today, I wanted to take a closer look at my college, Columbia College, located in Columbia, Missouri. I ultimately selected Columbia College Online because it is a perfect blend of the qualities I value in an institution of higher learning. Here are a few of the things I took into consideration when selecting my online college:

• Programs of study available (Columbia offers 500 online classes per term)
• Quality of education / U.S. News and World Report Ranking
• Cost of tuition (the lower, the better)
• Distance education format (online vs. correspondence, video, other formats)
• Term length (8 week terms vs. 16 week traditional terms)
• Flexible – 5 terms per year (January, March, June, August, October)
• Offer students ability to take a minor as well

Although the other schools I was considering had a decent mixture of these qualities, I narrowed my choices down to UMass – Amherst and Columbia College. Why I chose Columbia over UMass

• UMass tuition is $1200 per class, Columbia tuition is $615 per class
• Semester length (UMass = 16 week terms, Columbia = 8 week terms)

At Columbia College Online, terms are only 8 weeks long. Although this might not seem like a big deal, it is to me. I was able to take two classes per 8 weeks, which equates to 4 classes per “traditional” 16 week semester. That’s a full-time course load, but I only had to juggle two classes at a time. Had I chosen UMass, I would have had to juggle 4 classes at one time while working full-time to get the same result. No thank you. That said, UMass has a higher-ranked business program than Columbia, but I wasn’t willing to pay $1,200 per class plus books. Interested? Take 2 minutes and get the complete scoop from Columbia College Online. Columbia College Online – My overall opinion (for what it’s worth) 1. Academics This is not a school where you simply memorize the material. Sure, you’ll learn the material, but you also have in-depth discussions with other students and the professor via the online learning system. In addition to your major course of study, students can also elect to minor in another area of interest. 2. Professors The professors are always available to help and I can’t think of a single class where the instructor did not give students 2 or 3 different methods of contact (home phone, cell number, email, live chat) and so on. 3. Administrative staff The administrative staff goes above and beyond. Unlike other schools I have attended, the online student interface is stellar (eServices) and common administrative tasks can be performed online without ever having to call the Business Office/Registrar. You can even use Columbia College’s automated system to perform a degree audit so you know right where you stand. The Columbia College Online advising staff are extremely responsive as well. Every time I send an email requesting information, I receive a quick reply and helpful information. 4. Financial Aid Financial aid is available to most students provided you take at least a half-time course load. I used Stafford Loans to fund my education, but there are also payment plans available. Given the low tuition rate, if you are working full-time, you can probably easily pay for your degree as you go without going into debt. 5. Other cool stuff Columbia College’s online library is MORE than sufficient for your research needs. As a student, I had access to dozens of online resources (JSTOR, EBSCO, etc.). Online students can also participate in Columbia College’s study abroad program. Bottom line, while attending Columbia College Online, I felt like a traditional, campus-based student, even though I took all of my classes online. Columbia even allows online students to participate in graduation ceremonies at the home campus. Overall impression: I would recommend Columbia College Online without any reservation to someone looking for the perfect blend of academics and cost; being able to take a full-time course load while working full-time was just icing on the cake. Columbia College Online Degrees: Associate degrees

• Associate in Science in Business Administration
• Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Administration
• Associate in Science in Fire Service Administration
• Associate in General Studies
• Associate in Science in Human Services
• Associate in Science in Environmental Studies

Bachelor degrees

• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Administration
• Bachelor of General Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in American Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in History
• Bachelor of Arts in Human Services
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
• Bachelor of Arts in Sociology

Master’s degrees

• Master of Business Administration
• Master of Science in Criminal Justice
• Master of Arts in Teaching

Interested? Check ‘em out and get the information you need now: Columbia College Online.

Until recently, DANTES exams (now known as DSST exams) were only for military personnel. Lucky for us civilians, now we get to take advantage of these exams, too! Why is this a good thing? More choices, of course! 

I stumbled onto this knowledge just this week when I was looking for a way to test out of my required Public Speaking course. My first choice was Portfolio credit (life experience credit) since I have extensive public speaking experience, but unfortunately, Columbia College doesn’t offer life experience credit for Public Speaking. They do, however, award credit for the DSST exam, Principles of Public Speaking. Since no CLEP exam exists for Speech/Public Speaking, you can see why looking into DANTES/DSST exams is a good thing! 

UPDATE 3/31/08: I just received my score back on the DSST Public Speaking exam and I passed. Woo hoo! I highly recommend this exam to ANYONE wanting to test out of a required speech course. That said, check with your school first! Columbia College honors DANTES/DSST exam credit, but your institution might not.

DANTES exam / DSST exam subjects:

1. Fundamentals of College Algebra
2. Principles of Statistics
3. Art of the Western World
4. Western Europe Since 1945
5. Introduction to the Modern Middle East
6. Human/Cultural Geography
7. Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union
8. A History of the Vietnam War
9. The Civil War and Reconstruction
10. Foundations of Education
11. Lifespan Developmental Psychology
12. General Anthropology
13. Drug and Alcohol Abuse
14. Introduction to Law Enforcement
15. Criminal Justice
16. Fundamentals of Counseling
17. Principles of Finance
18. Principles of Financial Accounting
19. Human Resource Management
20. Organizational Behavior
21. Principles of Supervision
22. Business Law II
23. Introduction to Computing
24. Introduction to Business
25. Money and Banking
26. Personal Finance
27. Management Information Systems
28. Business Mathematics
29. Astronomy
30. Here’s to Your Health
31. Environment and Humanity: The Race to Save the Planet
32. Principles of Physical Science I
33. Physical Geology
34. Technical Writing
35. Ethics in America
36. Introduction to World Religions
37. Principles of Public Speaking

Related posts:

1. CLEP exams: An “easy” way to earn college credit
2. CLEP exams save time and money
3. Life experience and online learning
4. Illustrative example of how online learning credits may be awarded
5. 10 Online colleges offering credit for life experience

Source: DSST exam website

Yes and no.

Many reputable colleges and universities allow you to earn credit for life experience. They do not, however, allow you to earn your entire degree through life experience. Only diploma mills make those kinds of promises!

For more information about life experience credit, or to see a list of colleges offering credit for prior learning, visit the following posts.

I will keep this list updated, so check back regularly!

1. Life experience and online learning
2. Illustrative example of how online learning credits may be awarded
3. 10 Online colleges offering credit for life experience
4. CLEP exams save time and money

Different universities offer different life experience college credit, so it’s worth searching several programs to determine which one will benefit you the most. It’s also important to ensure that it’s a fully accredited program that can give you a proper degree or certificate and not a scam.

Demonstrating Knowledge for Life Experience Credit

You will have to prove that you have sufficient knowledge to get this life credit, but there are a variety of means to do this. Sometimes it will mean taking an exam, or providing a reference letter from a previous employer, military supervisor, or community service organization.

Any previously obtained certificates might count, as may books or articles you’ve published. It’s worth checking with your individual program to discuss what in your past qualifies you for credit for life experience.

All of this removes one major problem adults find when seeking to continue their education – the amount of time involved.

Now that reputable universities and institutions have begun offering life experience credit it can significantly reduce the amount of time you must spend on your studies. And it may allow you to bypass beginner-level courses teaching skills you’ve already learned in life.

Not all education occurs in a university setting. Giving college credit for life experience recognizes this fact and greatly aids adult learners in continuing their formal education.

For more information about specific colleges offering online degrees, visit my Online College Review posts.

Related posts:

1. 10 Online Colleges offering Credit for Life Experience
2. Illustrative example of how online learning credits may be awarded
3. CLEP exams save time and money
4. Life experience degrees
    

Special thanks to Nancy Lambert, an executive for accredited-online-colleges.com, for writing this article. Accredited-online-colleges.com provides information on hundreds of degrees offered online through accredited colleges and universities. From online certificates to Associates, Bachelors, Masters and PhD degrees, Accredited-Online-Colleges.com helps students and adults discover the advantages of earning their degree online. Article source: ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nancy_Lambert.

Basically, CLEP exams loosely follow the material offered in entry-level college classes. A CLEP exam may be based on a single  semester course, a two-semester course, or even a two-year course (foreign languages, etc.). Depending on your college (or future college), you may be awarded three, six, or even 12 hours of credit for each CLEP exam.

Nearly 3,000 colleges and universities accept CLEP exams for college credit. Although the American Council on Education recommends minimum scores for awarding credit, it is the institutions themselves that ultimately determine the minimum score for credit to be awarded, as well as the amount of credit granted for each CLEP exam.

CLEP Exams are currently available for the following subjects:

• Business
• Foreign Languages 
• Composition
• Literature
• History
• Social Sciences
• Science
• Math

CLEP Exam Preps 

Important considerations

• Colleges and universities vary in their treatment of CLEP exams. Review your college’s CLEP policies to find out what exams you may take, the scores you must receive, and any applicable deadlines/requirements. 
• Remember that some colleges offer alternative credit for life experience without taking a CLEP exam. For example, if you are a small business owner, you may be able to get management and accounting credit, depending on your institution. If you are a human resources manager, you might be able to receive alternative portfolio credit as well. It will vary by institution. Sometimes, you may just be awarded elective credit for alternative learning, but either way, you are saving time and money!

Related posts:

1. CLEP exams:  How I earned 12 credit hours in one day
2. Life experience and online learning
3. Illustrative example of how online learning credits may be awarded
4. Life experience degrees

Life experience and college credit

For illustrative purposes, I will include an excerpt from the credit for prior learning page at Columbia College. Please note, I am not in any way trying to “sell” Columbia College. The name appears in several of my posts because Columbia is the college I am presently attending (and will graduate from in a few more months). I use them as an example because I am familiar with their policies.

Columbia College’s website lists the following ”possible” non-traditional sources of credit:

1. ACE accredited corporate courses
2. Excelsior (formerly Regents) Exams / ACT PEP
3. Advanced Placement Exams
4. CLEP Exams
5. Certified Professional Secretary Program
6. Credit for Prior Learning
7. Defense Language Proficiency Tests
8. DANTES DSST Exams
9. International Baccalaureate
10. Basic Law Enforcement and Corrections Training
11. Military Service & Training (click here for detailed military credit information)
12. MU Fire & Rescue Training Institute (FRTI) for the Associate in Science in Fire Service Administration
13. Pilot’s License
14. Real Estate License
15. RN and LPN certification (for non-nursing degree students)
16. Other

In addition to these alternative credits, Columbia College also allows students to create a portfolio outlining their life experience to award credit; I have included an excerpt below. The requirements are extremely stringent, however, and in my case, it was easier to just take the classes. Again, this is simply one example of how an online college awards credit for life experience. Other colleges may or may not offer credit for prior learning. While I was attending Central Texas College, they had a similiar program, but certain aspects varied (such as minimum scores required on CLEP exams, etc.).

Columbia College’s credit for prior learning portfolio

Many students who participate in learning experiences outside the classroom wish to earn college credit for their work. Columbia College offers a number of ways students may earn such credit. CLEP tests, ACE credit and course test-outs are the preferred means because they require a theory-base for awarding credit, have national norms/criteria or both. If none of the above credit-awarding methods are an option, Columbia College awards credit for prior learning.

Before applying for credit for prior learning (CPL) credits, students must have completed 12 hours of Columbia College credit. Students also must have completed ENGL 111 and ENGL 112 or their equivalent with a grade of C or better. These credits, if taken at Columbia College, may be included in the 12-hour requirement. 

Columbia College courses that offer CPL credit are generally applicable to degree requirements. A maximum of 15 credits of prior learning can be awarded. CPL is not awarded where college credit in a similar course has been earned. CPL credit does not count toward Columbia College residency (Columbia College website, 2007).

If you feel that you have experience for which you should receive credit, then make that one of your criteria in selecting an online college. Some award credit, others do not. I have already mentioned two that I know for certain award credit for prior learning in this post, and I will try to add more in the future. If your college or university awards credit for work experience, feel free to leave a comment and share this information with others who are interested. Thanks!

Related posts:

1. Life experience and online learning
2. Illustrative example of how online learning credits may be awarded
3. CLEP exams save time and money
4. Life experience degrees

Source: Columbia College website (2007)