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.

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.

Transfer in Pre-Approved Credits

Noncollegiate Courses Approved by ACE and National CCRS

Students may request credit for successful completion of non-collegiate workforce training that has been reviewed for credit by the American Council on Education College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE Credit), Connecticut Credit Assessment Program (CCAP), or National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Students are eligible to receive credit for workforce training successfully completed at the “C” (2.0) level or higher for undergraduate credit and “B” (3.0) level or higher for graduate credit during the effective dates, or validity period for the credit recommendation.

Charter Oak State College reserves the right to limit or exclude the transfer of credit if the course content, assessment process, or student learning outcomes do not meet Charter Oak’s faculty standards.

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. Learn more about CCAP.