Your experience may be worth more than you think. Wayne State College offers opportunities to earn college credit for work experience, military service, certifications, leadership roles, personal interests, and other life experiences.
Whether you're returning to college, completing a degree, or exploring ways to make the most of previous learning, Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may help you save time and reduce the number of courses needed to reach your educational goals.
What is credit for prior learning?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a process that evaluates college-level learning gained outside traditional coursework. It awards academic credit toward a degree program when that learning aligns with course outcomes.
Prior learning may come from:
- Professional work experience
- Military service and training
- Industry certifications
- Volunteer and leadership roles
- Personal experience, including caring for a loved one
- Previous college coursework
College credit for work experience (CPL portfolio)
Wayne State College is among the colleges that give credit for work experience through a Credit for Prior Learning (CPl) portfolio process. Eligible students may document college-level learning gained through their careers and other experiences and demonstrate how that learning aligns with course outcomes. By enrolling in a 1-credit CPL portfolio course, students may earn up to 18 college credits at no additional cost.
Potential benefits
- Earn up to 18 college credits
- Save more than $7,500 in tuition and fees
- Reduce time to graduation by six months or more
To be eligible for the CPL, students must be at least 24 years old and demonstrate five years of full-time work experience or its equivalent. Credit is awarded for college-level learning gained through work and life experiences, not for the experience itself. Students must demonstrate how their learning relates to specific course outcomes.
Questions about the CPL portfolio?
Wondering whether your work experience, military training, certifications, or other prior learning may qualify for credit?
Dani Eskens
Degree Completion Navigator
[email protected]
402-375-7267
Other ways to earn credit
In addition to CPL, Wayne State College offers several ways to earn college credit for previous learning:
Credit by exam
Students may earn college credit for specific subjects by passing approved examinations that demonstrate college-level knowledge.
Credit by exam options include:
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Advanced Placement (AP) - Students who earn qualifying AP exam scores may receive credit for corresponding college courses.
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College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - CLEP exams also allow students to earn college credit by passing an exam rather than completing coursework.
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DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST) - Current and former military service members may earn college credit through approved DSST examinations.
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Institutional challenge exams - Currently enrolled students may challenge select courses and earn credit by passing an institutional exam.
Credit for military experience
Current and former service members may receive college credit for military experience acquired while in service to our country. Military students may also earn credit through approved DSST and CLEP exams.
Learn more about credit for prior military experience.
Credit from other colleges and universities
Previous college coursework may transfer toward your degree at Wayne State College. We accept credit from many community colleges and four-year institutions.
View our transfer credit policies.
Dual credit
Students who completed dual credit during high school may be eligible to apply those credits toward a degree at Wayne State College.
International baccalaureate (IB)
Students who completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme may receive college credit based on qualifying coursework and examination results. Acceptance of specific credits is determined in consultation with appropriate academic departments. Contact the Records and Registration Office for more information.
