Fortunately, in the higher education arena, there are numerous ways to transfer credits from one school to another. While each school has its own specified regulations as to how many credits a student can transfer, be sure to discuss ALL of your options with your school advisor.
Some common options include:
1. Transferring Credits from a Previous School
Most accredited institutions will accept credits from either nationally or regionally accredited schools. As long as the class curriculum follows the same requirements and you earned a grade of "C" or better, it is likely you will be allowed to transfer the credits.
2. Life/Work Experience and Corporate Training
Many students are able to translate their work or life experience into transfer credits. Typically, a school will allow this experience to translate into a percentage of credits. An "experiential learning portfolio" is designed for students in this position to document that they have met all course objectives in their past or present professions.
If you work for a large corporation, and have achieved different certifications through your company, there is a very good chance that a school may have already assessed these certification programs. Make sure you inquire with your Human Resource or Benefits Department as to whether or not they work specifically with a particular school.
3. CLEP Tests
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides the opportunity for you to demonstrate achievement in a subject and receive the same amount of credit as a student who successfully completed the same course at a school. More than 2,900 U.S. colleges and universities recognize results from CLEP tests. All tests are administered by computer, and exams are one and a half hours long and consist of mostly multiple choice or fill-in-the-blank questions. Results are tabulated immediately. The only exception is the English Composition with Essay, which sends scores to students in usually four weeks following the exam. You may designate the institutions where you would like your scores to be sent. Your official score report will be provided to these recipients typically a month following the exam. The fee for each CLEP exam is $72.00, plus any service fees payable to the testing center. However, for eligible military service members and eligible civilian employees, CLEP exams are free of charge.
4. Challenge Exams
Most schools also offer their own exams in order to allow students to test out of certain classes.
5. Military Experience
Click on the links below to request official Military Transcripts.
Education Connection: AARTS Home Page (The Army's Transcript Service)
Education Connection: CG Form 1564: Official USCG Transcript