ReEngage Nebraska

In addition to taking courses through Wayne State College, it is possible to earn college credit for work and life experience on your way to a degree from WSC.

Learning doesn't just happen in a classroom. It happens through work. Through certifications or licenses you earn for your job. Through your experiences in pursuing a personal passion or caring for a loved one. WSC wants to meet students where they are in life and give them a path to earn college credit for what they already have learned and achieved.

What is credit for prior learning? Credit for prior learning, or CPL, is a term for various methods used to evaluate learning that has occurred outside of the traditional academic environment. It is used to grant college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training.

How does credit for prior learning work? Students can earn credit for prior learning by demonstrating college-level knowledge they gained outside the classroom.

Request more information about CPL

A credit for prior learning (CPL) portfolio allows students to submit documentation to support their professional experiences. By enrolling in a 1-credit course, students may receive up to 18 credits of college coursework for no cost.

Students who gain credit through the portfolio submission may save more than $7,500 in tuition and fees and reduce their time to graduation by at least six months.

To be eligible for CPL, students must demonstrate five years of full-time work experience or its equivalent and be at least 24 years of age. Credit is granted for college-level learning obtained during work or other experience, not for the experience itself; the student must document the learning related to course learning outcomes.

For additional information about the CPL portfolio, reach out to Dani Eskens at [email protected] or 402-375-7267.

This option allows a student to take an exam and receive credit for a course after passing the exam. Exam options include:

• Advanced Placement (AP credit): A student may be awarded advanced placement and college credit on the basis of scores on the College Entrance Examination Board tests. Students who earn grades of 3 or higher may receive credit for corresponding college courses.
• College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing: CLEP provides students an opportunity to earn college credit by passing an exam rather than completing coursework. In accordance with the recommendations of the American Council on Education, WSC accepts the results of the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) for specific exams. When you pass a CLEP exam, you’ll receive credit for the designated class.
• DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST): For military members only. Service personnel may receive credit for the same CLEP exams through DANTES that WSC accepts through the College Board and Educational Testing Service. 
• Credit by institutional examination: A currently enrolled WSC student is eligible to challenge a course for which he or she is not enrolled. The student must complete the exam within the semester for which it is requested. The fee for the credit by exam is $10 per credit hour attempted.

Current and former service members may receive college credit for prior education or military experience acquired while in service to our country.

Learn more about credit for prior military experience

Additionally, service personnel may receive credit for the same CLEP exams through DANTES that WSC accepts through the College Board and Educational Testing Service. 

Learn more about DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)

Transferring Credit to WSC

You can transfer in credit that you have earned from other institutions, including community colleges and four-year institutions. Information on credit acceptance policies, transfer guides, and course equivalencies can be found on the transfer page.

Dual Credit

If you took dual credit courses as a high school junior or senior, you may receive college credit.

International Baccalaureate

Wayne State College accepts credit from students who have completed the International Baccalaureate diploma program through their high school. Acceptance of specific credits is determined in consultation with appropriate academic departments. Contact the Records and Registration Office for more information.