College Credit for Experience
Yes, college credit for experience is still a viable concept. Many colleges and universities offer programs like Credit for
Prior Learning (CPL) and Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to recognize and give credit for the knowledge and skills that individuals
have acquired outside of traditional academic settings
[8]. These programs can help adult learners, non-traditional students, and those with significant life or work experiences
to accelerate their degree completion and reduce the time and cost of education.
Some ways to earn college credit for life experience include:
Military experience: Service members can earn college credit based on their work experience, training, and courses taken while
in the military. They need to request their Joint Services Transcript, which lists official college credit recommendations
made by the American Council on Education (ACE) based on their service record.
Corporate training and professional credentials: Many colleges offer credit for recognized industry certifications and training
programs. For instance, Purdue Global will award credits for a large number of IT certifications if the certification was
earned within the last three years.
Competency-based education: Students can move at their own pace through course material and take assessments whenever they
are ready. Demonstrating knowledge through competency-based education can allow you to progress more quickly through a program
than through a traditional pathway.
Online colleges such as Thomas Edison State University, Excelsior University, and Purdue Global are known for their robust
programs that accept prior learning and work experience for college credit.
To determine if earning college credit for life experience is right for you, consider whether you understand the ideologies
behind your experiences and the concrete steps you took to gain that knowledge.
online.champlain.edu
Credit for Prior Learning: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting College Credit for Life Experience
cmich.edu
9 ways to turn life experience into college credit
geteducated.com
6 Ways to Get College Credit for Work & Life Experience | GetEducated
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Thomas Edison State University Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program Details
Thomas Edison State University (TESU) offers a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program that allows students to convert their
professional and life experiences into college credits. This program is designed to help students fast-track their degrees
and save time and money. Here are the key details:
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled and matriculated to fill out the PLA form. Graduate students can utilize the Grad PLA
process.
Types of Courses: Credit cannot be earned through portfolio assessment for certain types of courses, including:
Physical education activity courses
Courses that must be fulfilled through direct current experience, such as practicum courses, field experiences, internships,
student teaching, cooperative education, senior seminars, capstones, and lab courses not accompanied by related lecture/theory
courses
English composition and most math courses (though TECEP exams are available for these subjects)
Process: Students can earn credit by demonstrating that their knowledge is equivalent to what they would have learned in an
equivalent college course. This is done through a portfolio that identifies and articulates the knowledge gained from various
experiences such as work, training programs, volunteer service, cultural or artistic pursuits, hobbies, community or religious
activities, organizational memberships, adult education, noncredit courses, study abroad, and military training.
Tools: TESU provides a Credit Predictor Tool, which is free to use and helps students build their professional training profile
to identify certifications, credentials, and training that may be worth college credit.
Additional Options: TESU offers TECEP® exams, which are credit-by-examination tests. These exams are available in a wide range
of business and liberal arts subjects, including psychology, management, English composition, and marketing. The University
also accepts CLEP®, DSST®, and Excelsior exam credits where appropriate.
Excelsior University Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program Details
Excelsior University also offers a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program to help students earn college credits for their
prior learning and experiences. Here are the key details:
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled and matriculated to participate in the PLA program.
Types of Courses: Similar to TESU, certain types of courses are not eligible for PLA credit, including:
Physical education activity courses
Courses that must be fulfilled through direct current experience, such as practicum courses, field experiences, internships,
student teaching, cooperative education, senior seminars, capstones, and lab courses not accompanied by related lecture/theory
courses
English composition and most math courses (though alternative assessment methods like exams may be available)
Process: Students can earn credit by demonstrating that their knowledge is equivalent to what they would have learned in an
equivalent college course. This is done through a portfolio that identifies and articulates the knowledge gained from various
experiences such as work, training programs, volunteer service, cultural or artistic pursuits, hobbies, community or religious
activities, organizational memberships, adult education, noncredit courses, study abroad, and military training.
Additional Options: Excelsior University offers a variety of credit-by-examination options, including CLEP®, DSST®, and Excelsior
College Examinations (Excelsior Exams). These exams cover a wide range of subjects and can be used to earn credit for prior
learning.
Purdue Global Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program Details
Purdue Global offers a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program to help students earn college credits for their prior learning
and experiences. Here are the key details:
Eligibility: Students must be enrolled and matriculated to participate in the PLA program.
Types of Courses: Certain types of courses are not eligible for PLA credit, including:
Program capstone courses
Courses with specific time frame requirements (refer to your school’s and program’s policies for more details)
Process: Students can earn credit by demonstrating that their knowledge is equivalent to what they would have learned in an
equivalent college course. This is done through a portfolio that identifies and articulates the knowledge gained from various
experiences such as work, training programs, volunteer service, cultural or artistic pursuits, hobbies, community or religious
activities, organizational memberships, adult education, noncredit courses, study abroad, and military training.
Credit Limits: Credits awarded in any combination of externally assessed prior learning may not exceed 75 percent of the credits
required in an undergraduate credential or 50 percent of a graduate credential. Refer to the policies of individual doctoral
programs for more information about prior learning restrictions at the doctoral level.
Documentation: All prior learning is reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and credit is awarded ultimately at the discretion
of the University. Official documentation is required to receive credit. Official documentation is typically an official transcript
sent directly from the source institution to the Office of the Registrar. For alternative credit sources that do not provide
an official transcript, consult your advisor to learn what official documentation is accepted.
Summary
Thomas Edison State University: Offers PLA and TECEP exams, with restrictions on certain types of courses.
Excelsior University: Offers PLA and various credit-by-examination options, with similar restrictions on certain types of
courses.
Purdue Global: Offers PLA with credit limits and specific documentation requirements, with restrictions on capstone courses
and time-sensitive courses.
The Big Bear bald eagles, Jackie and Shadow, have been nesting in Big Bear Valley since 2013, This is the first time
in three years that they have successfully hatched eaglets. In 2019, they had two chicks; and in 2022, they had one. This
year they had three eaglets, but one of the three eaglets that hatched in early March did not survive a storm. It passed
away on March 13, 2025.
NAMING CONTEST
The "Friends of Big Bear Valley" (FOBBV) are hosting a naming contest for the two surviving eaglets.
The Friends are inviting the public to submit name suggestions until March 28, 2025.
The FOBBV is asking for gender-neutral name suggestions and is accepting donations of $5 for one entry, $10 for three entries,
or $25 for 10 entries. The final names will be chosen by Big Bear Valley elementary school students in 3rd, 4th, and 5th
grades. The winners will be announced on April 1, 2025.
EAGLE CAM
The FOBBV operates a 24/7 live webcam of Jackie and Shadow's nest, which has drawn thousands of viewers worldwide.
The organization relies on donations to maintain the livestream, which is free from advertisements. Donations are appreciated!
The Bald Eagle is a large, powerful bird that has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782. It is a member
of the Accipitridae family and is found near large bodies of water throughout North America. Here are some key facts about
the Bald Eagle:
EAGLE BEHAVIOR & HABITAT
SIZE: 3 feet in length, 6-7 feet in wingspan, and 10-14 pounds in weight.
HABITAT: Found near large bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, and coastlines.
DIET: Primarily feeds on fish, but also eats other small animals and carrion.
CONSERVATION STATUS: Listed as a species of Low Concern, but was once endangered due to habitat destruction, hunting, and
pesticide use.
INTERESTING BEHAVIORS
Bald Eagles are known for their impressive eyesight, which allows them to spot fish up to a
mile away. They are also skilled thieves, and have been known to steal food from other birds.
NESTING: Bald Eagles build large nests, called eyries, which can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and measure 10 feet wide and 6 feet
deep. These nests are often used for many years and may be added to over time.
MATING: Bald Eagles form long-term monogamous relationships, with some pairs staying together for up to 20 years.
BREEDING: Bald Eagles typically breed between March and May, with the female laying 1-4 eggs per clutch.
HUNTING: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using their sharp talons and strong wings to swoop down on their prey. They can
also steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
MIGRATION: While some Bald Eagles are migratory, others are resident birds that stay in their year-round territories.
Some Bald Eagles migrate from Canada and Alaska to the contiguous United States each winter, while others remain in their
year-round territories. Those that migrate typically travel in large groups, often with other species such as osprey and hawks.
HUNTING TECHNIQUES: Bald Eagles are skilled hunters, using a variety of techniques to catch their prey. Some of their methods
include:
DIVING: Bald Eagles will swoop down from high altitudes, using their sharp talons to snatch fish right out of the water.
PERCHING: Bald Eagles will perch above a body of water, scanning for fish and other prey below.
STEALING: Bald Eagles will steal food from other birds, such as osprey and hawks.
PREY: Bald Eagles primarily feed on fish, but will also eat other small animals such as; rabbits, squirrels, mice, and
carrion.
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act Overview
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA) and The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) are two federal laws of the United
States that protect birds, including eagles. Here's a brief overview of each act:
BALD EAGLE CONSERVATION STATUS
The Bald Eagle is no longer considered an endangered species in the United States. In 2007, the federal government removed
the Bald Eagle from its endangered species list, and in 2024, New Jersey removed the Bald Eagle from its endangered species
list, citing a remarkable comeback for the species.
Regardless, the Bald Eagle's status remains of "special concern" in New Jersey, and the species is still protected under The
Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Additionally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has
proposed listing three subspecies of the Bald Eagle as endangered and two species as threatened under The Endangered Species
Act.
It's worth noting that while the Bald Eagle is no longer considered endangered, conservation efforts are still necessary to
protect the species and its habitats. Ongoing monitoring, habitat preservation, and public education are key to ensuring the
species' continued success.
THE PROTECION LAWS: Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act (BGEPA):
was enacted in 1940 to protect Bald Eagles and Golden Eagles
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of bald and golden eagles,
including their parts, nests, and eggs
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation
• Permits for Native American tribes for cultural and spiritual purposes • Permits for the use of eagle parts
in traditional crafts and ceremonies
The Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA):
was enacted in 1918 to implement international treaties with Canada, Mexico, and Japan to protect migratory birds
The Law prohibits the taking, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transportation, and exportation of migratory birds, including
their parts, nests, and eggs
Covers over 800 species of birds, including waterfowl, songbirds, raptors, and game birds
The Law allows for certain exceptions, such as: • Permits for hunting and trapping under specific regulations •
Permits for scientific research, education, and conservation • Permits for the use of bird parts in traditional crafts
and ceremonies
KEY PROVISIONS & PENALTIES
Both acts have similar provisions and penalties for violating the laws. Some key points include:
Penalties: Up to $100,000 in fines and/or up to one year in prison for individuals, and up to $200,000 in fines for organizations
Permits: Required for activities such as hunting, trapping, and possession of bird parts
Reporting: Required for the sale, purchase, and transportation of bird parts
Import and Export: Prohibited without a permit from the US Fish and Wildlife Service
Sottile Park Online Worldwide (SPOW) is a virtual cybercast park, offering users the ability to explore various locations
around the world through established web links. The cyber portal is named after Anthony W. Sottile, civic leader & family
man from The Heart of The Berkshires of New England. Virtually located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, SPOW! allows users to
"travel around the world in one day" or "visit the world in 80 seconds." The website provides media links, add-ons, and promotional
tools for users to enhance their knowledge and experience, online.
Copyright 2010 to Present JDS / John David Sottile