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Credit for Learning from Experience

Charter Oak State College building

Charter Oak recognizes that college-level learning can take place both inside and outside the traditional classroom.

Therefore, we provide you with multiple options for earning credit for the knowledge you have acquired through personal and professional experience. Charter Oak has two basic means of awarding this type of credit.

  1. Earn Credits by Proving What You Know

    Standardized Exams/Testing

    You can complete nationally recognized standardized exams in the subject-area(s) of your experience. When you pass the exam, you will be awarded credits that can be added to your transcript.

    Portfolio

    You can earn college credit for previous learning through portfolio assessment. This process begins with a 3-credit, Prior Learning Portfolio Development course (IDS102) that is taken online at Charter Oak. During the course, students will learn how to prepare a portfolio that presents the evidence necessary for your learning to be evaluated.

  2. Transfer in Pre-approved Credits

    Noncollegiate Courses Approved by ACE and National CCRS

    Business, industry, the military, government agencies, professional groups and volunteer organizations offer in-service training and educational courses for their employees or members. Those which have been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) or by the National College Credit Recommendation Service (National CCRS) may be considered for credit toward a Charter Oak State College degree. Students should request that official transcripts be sent directly from these agencies (ACE or CCRS) to Charter Oak. For military records, see military transcripts.

    Credential Evaluation Program

    Matriculated Charter Oak students can claim credit for currently reviewed certifications or licenses issued by state, national or professional organizations or may request evaluation of credentials that have been earned by taking a single exam (certificates of attendance, non-credit courses offered by regionally accredited institutions, and multi-course programs are not eligible for evaluation). Learn more about our Credential Evaluation Program.

    Connecticut Credit Assessment Program (CCAP)

    The CCAP program provides credit assessments on medical and health programs, computer training; civil service training, and more. See the list of approved CCAP programs.