Credit for Prior Learning at UNO | Division of Continuing Studies

Credit for Prior Learning

Multiple images of people showing steps to degree completion.

Get Credit for What You Already Know

At UNO’s Division of Continuing Studies, we help you explore how previous coursework, military training, exams, certifications, and other college-level learning may apply to your degree. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), also called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), will help you move forward without starting over.

No two students bring the same background, experiences, or goals. That is why CPL is reviewed individually. We take a closer look at the learning you bring and explore how it connects to your degree program.

Talk with a DCS Academic Advisor

Your Degree May Be Closer Than You Think

Student and significant other posing for a photo at a graduation reception. — **Previous College Coursework**

If you have taken classes at another college or university, those credits may transfer into your UNO degree program. A transcript evaluation can help you understand what may apply. Your prior institution may be regionally accredited, nationally accredited, or a non-U.S. tertiary college or university.

**Exam Credit**

You may also have college credit from standardized exams such as AP, IB, CLEP, or DSST. Depending on your program, exam credit may help you move forward.

**Certifications, Training, and Workforce Learning**

College-level learning can happen in many places. Learning gained through professional training, certifications, apprenticeships, and other approved pathways may be considered as part of your review.

**Military Training and Experience**

Military training and education may also apply to your degree. If you have military transcripts or service-related learning, we can help you explore how that learning fits into your degree plan.

**International Coursework**

If you completed coursework outside the United States, that learning can count. A transcript evaluation can help determine how international coursework may apply.

Request a Free Transcript Evaluation

Student taking a paper exam in a classroom. — Helpful Credit Pathways and Resources

**ACE and NCCRS**
Some certifications, workforce training, military learning, and other non-college experiences may qualify for credit through organizations such as the American Council on Education (ACE) and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS), which evaluate learning and publish credit recommendations.
**Exam Credit**
AP, IB, CLEP, and DSST exams may help you earn credit for knowledge you already have. An advisor can help determine how exam credit may apply to your degree program.
**Modern States**
Modern States offers free online courses to help students prepare for CLEP exams.
**Military Learning Records**
Military training and education may also apply toward your degree. Depending on your service history, records may include:

Joint Services Transcript (JST) for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard training

Community College of the Air Force transcripts

Defense Language Institute (DLI) records

Other military education and training documentation

You Have Already Put in the Work. Let’s See What May Count.

Whether your previous learning came from college classes, military service, exams, certifications, training, or multiple institutions, we can help you explore what may apply and what comes next.

What We Review

Depending on your background, the documents you provide may include:

college transcripts
exam scores
military training and education transcripts
transcripts from other institutions
records documenting approved non-college learning

Submitting these materials can help create a fuller picture of the learning you bring with you. Official transcripts are required to post to your degree program. However, unofficial copies can be utilized for an unofficial transcript evaluation. There is no cost for evaluation.

How to Get Started

Start with a conversation.

When you talk with a DCS academic advisor, you can get help identifying which records are needed, which kinds of previous learning may be worth reviewing, and how that learning may connect to your degree and goals.

Step 1: Request a Free Evaluation

A transcript evaluation is one of the best ways to begin. It can help you understand how previous coursework and other qualifying learning may apply to your degree.

Step 2: Gather Your Documents

Depending on your background, that may include transcripts, exam scores, military records, or documentation related to other approved learning.

Step 3: Talk With a DCS Academic Advisor

Because every student’s path is different, an advisor can help you understand what may apply and what your next step should be.

Contact a DCS Academic Advisor

FAQ: Credit for Prior Learning at UNO

Credit for Prior Learning is the process of evaluating college-level learning you gained before or outside traditional academic study and determining whether it can apply to your UNO degree in DCS.

Experience by itself does not automatically count. CPL is based on evidence of college-level learning, not simply time spent in a job or role.

Yes, it may. Military learning from all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces may be evaluated for academic credit in DCS.

They may. Some certifications, employer training, apprenticeship learning, and other non-college programs can be considered through approved evaluation pathways.

It may help reduce repeated coursework and support a more efficient path to degree completion when qualifying prior learning applies to your program.

Your best next step is to talk with a DCS academic advisor, who can help review your learning and identify which options may apply to your degree.

Get Credit For What You Know