Credit for Learning from Experience
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. You may:
Earn Credits by Proving What You Know
Standardized Exams/Testing
You can complete a nationally recognized standardized exam 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. Please review detailed information on testing in the Standardized Exam section of this Web site.
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.
Please visit the Portfolio section of this Web site for more information.
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. You may wish to complete the Transcript Request form (download as PDF) to request this information. For military records go to the military transcript section.
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. The list of approved programs can be found
on the CCAP page.
