Credit for Prior Learning

Earning college credits for work and life-related experience

Did you know that you may be able to earn college credit for work or life experiences that equate to college-level knowledge? At Delaware County Community College, this is called Credit for Prior Learning, and it can bring you one step closer to your goal of a college degree or certificate.

Knowledge learned through on-the-job training, professional workshops, non-credit classes at business or technical schools, volunteer activities, personal study or other pursuits may be eligible for college credit. Gaining credits for prior learning will reduce the course load and cost toward a degree or certificate.

Prior Learning Considerations

  • Is your learning exactly or closely equivalent to a specific credit course listed in the College’s catalog?
  • Is your learning in subject areas that coincide with courses necessary to meet your degree requirements here at the College?
  • Do you understand the principles behind what you do, or have done, as well as the steps involved in doing it?
  • Is your knowledge current?
Explore the College Catalog

Free information sessions are held each semester and are publicized on the College’s website, in local newspapers and in the Student Information Services (SIS) bulletin. Contact the Assessment Center to set up an appointment with a Credit for Prior Learning Advisor.

Ways to Earn College Credit for Prior Learning

Portfolio Development

A portfolio is compiled by the student, detailing past accomplishments, experiences and learning that shows the student’s experiential learning is equivalent to or closely related to that of a specific College course(s) through traditional classroom studies.

A portfolio must meet specific guidelines and be developed with the guidance of an assessment advisor, who can explain procedures and techniques for assembling a successful portfolio. The assessment advisor will work with appropriate College faculty in the student’s discipline to meet the appropriate criteria.

Please note: Assessment advisors may occasionally determine that credit by exam is a more viable option for you than portfolio development.

Credit by Examination

When there is no standardized exam in a subject area and a portfolio is not an option, an examination developed by DCCC faculty to assess the relationship of the student’s prior learning to that of College courses might be necessary. These exams are arranged only through the Assessment Services.

Please note: Not every course can be assessed through Credit by Examination.

Credit for Military Training Schools

Veterans and current military personnel may have Assessment Services evaluate their previous military educational experience and courses for transfer credit. The military training school/course(s) must be recommended for credit by the American Council on Education (ACE). To begin this process, you need to submit validated records of training programs or military courses to Assessment Services.

Learn more about DCCC’s Veteran and Military Services

American Council on Education (ACE)

Courses and programs offered through organizations (AT&T, GE, AIB, Police Academy, etc.) can be evaluated for credit. Consult Assessment Services for more information.

Students Occupationally and Academically Ready (SOAR)

SOAR is a career and technical education initiative that establishes statewide articulations between secondary and post-secondary education. These programs of study enable high school graduates in career or technical programs to earn college credit that can be applied to their continued studies at the post-secondary level. Assessment advisors in Assessment Services will provide assistance in obtaining credits from Delaware County Community College. For additional information, make an appointment with an assessment advisor.

Visit Transfer.net to see how your high school credits may be accepted by the College.

Additional Resources to earn Credit for Prior Learning