Not only has the need for a college degree grown since we entered the twenty-first century, but so has the cost. Statistics repeatedly show an indisputable relationship between income and education. The unfortunate disparity between those who have a degree and those that do not, is wide and continuing to grow further apart. This has prompted adults to consider returning to school, only to quickly find they can’t afford it. Realizing this, colleges have developed a way to reduce the burden by giving credits for lifelong learning.

CREDITS GIVEN

A great deal of latitude is given to colleges regarding requirements for receiving credit. The bottom line is that credit is given for learning, with less importance placed on class time, on the job training, or course work.

METHODS USED TO ASSESS PRIOR LEARNING

Several methods are applied depending on the college and subject matter, such as credit by examination, portfolio and certificates, to name a few. The determining factor is whether the learning was equivalent to the education derived from college level courses.

Although various organizations use assessment evaluations for alternative purposes, when speaking of college credit it’s best to be enrolled and have a clear understanding of the degree sought. Otherwise, you run the risk of duplicating credits at a later time, or overlooking valuable credits not instantly recognized when there is no specific goal in mind.

PRIOR LEARNING PORTFOLIO

A formal application for life learning credits is usually presented by way of a portfolio. The portfolio must make a strong case for credits by clearly outlining what was learned; expressing how it mirrors the credits sought, and providing tangible support.

SUBJECTS ASSESSED THROUGH THE PORTFOLIO METHOD

Any subject can be assessed but the ones most likely to receive credit are those with measurable learning, such as business, finance, writing, and others. The least likely to receive credit are those which need testing or coursework to verify a complete understanding of the subject. These would be experiences involving theory or concepts, such as philosophy.

Prior learning portfolios are targeted to very specific experiences that would compare to actual college level classroom courses. The portfolio itself is complete with copies of certificates, letters and work samples and is made into a binder or electronic submission.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOUR LEARNING IS COLLEGE LEVEL

Look over college course syllabi and study guides, and maybe even consult with instructors and advisers at the college. At the end of the day, however, the decision is up to the trained evaluator assigned to your submission.

THE AMOUNT OF CREDIT YOU CAN EARN

You can earn up to 45 credits at some colleges, but that’s usually in cases where the student has few transferrable credits and is enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program. There are national guidelines often comingled with a college’s own system for awarding credit.

ASSESSMENT FEES

Fees are different at each college, varying anywhere from a few hundred dollars in a lump sum payment, to fee per credits assessed. It’s wise to discuss this prior to starting.

HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’RE A GOOD CANDIDATE

There are a lot of programs out there. Typically, however, an adult student with little or no college credits and a lot of work experience is a good candidate. Beyond that, students that have been in management, participated in documented learning that closely resembles college course work, and whose experience most closely mirrors the degree they seek, succeed nicely as well. It’s an additional advantage if the student is a good communicator that interacts well with his or her advisor.

THE BEFEFITS

Prior learning programs validate your work and life experience, saves time and money, and helps with career and job development. It also inspires critical thinking and teaches reflection skills. Those two benefits alone improve many areas of a person’s life.

LIMITATIONS

The limitations to receiving credit for prior learning shouldn’t prevent a person from pursuing unconventional credits. They do exist, however, and should be examined closely when considering this direction. Of the colleges that do offer prior learning credits, some only offer to review prior learning through one or two methods. There are actual limitations to the amount of credits you can receive, which can be frustrating if you have an immense amount of life and work experience. Also, if your employer offers tuition reimbursement, it may not cover prior learning credits because there is no way for your organization to measure the value equally across colleges. Also, the credit given is for past experience, not something new that immediately adds to your present position.

Another limitation is the very real possibility that you may wish to attend a graduate program at a college that doesn’t accept the credits earned for prior learning through your previous school. Since more often than not you’re in a bachelor’s program when considering a prior learning program, it’s better to enroll in a university that has a graduate program you would seriously consider enrolling in once you graduate, as well.

It’s paramount to look at your lifelong learning experience with a broad lens before collecting random pieces of information and forming a plan. If the architecture is a big miss, you will become frustrated and possibly even disenchanted with college completely. Therefore, one must put the time in, and get it right.

By Kat Sparks

Sources:
Colvin, J (2006) Earn College Credit for What You Know, 4th Ed. (Print)