Credit for Prior Learning

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Credit For Prior Learning

What is Credit for Prior Learning?

Credit for Prior Learning programs are designed to give college credit for activities or classes taken outside the normal college routine.

Some programs are based on classes that substitute for college work.
Other programs allow students to meet college requirements by taking tests.
Credit may be awarded for paid or volunteer work experience, military service, or self-directed learning.

Credit for Prior Learning programs translate these experiences into academic credit which can apply toward a college degree. These programs can cut down on the time and cost of getting a college education.

See Prior Learning Assessment Survey to learn which program assessments are accepted by individual Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.
Minnesota colleges vary in their participation in Prior Learning programs. Send in a request for more information by selecting schools from Browse List of schools. Click the button at the bottom of the page to send your request. Ask about alternative credit programs available at each school.

Advanced Placement Exam (AP)

This test is for high school students who want to see if they are qualified to receive:

College credit for work they've done in high school
Advanced placement in college courses

More information

Practice with prior test questions to improve your essay-writing and problem-solving skills.
Get answers about Advanced Placement for Minnesota students.
Visit subject pages to learn more about AP courses and exams.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

CLEP provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate college-level achievement through a program of exams in undergraduate college courses. Thousands of colleges grant credit and/or advanced standing for CLEP exams.

Colleges vary in their participation and in the amount of college credit they give for passing a particular CLEP test. See Getting Credit for more details.

Source: MnTransfer.
Page last updated in August 2008.