Advanced Standing Through Prior Learning Assessment

Empire State College is committed to the idea that people deserve credit for college-level learning no matter how it was acquired. Many people have developed learning outside of the traditional classroom and this knowledge is as valuable as knowledge gained through more formal learning situations. Credit is granted for verifiable learning, but not for the experience itself. This learning can be identified and assessed in a variety of ways to determine if college credit should be awarded. Credit earned in this manner, called credit by evaluation, is listed as advanced standing credit on a student's degree program/transcript. The evaluation of prior learning and the development of an individualized degree program go hand in hand and credit is awarded when it fits appropriately into a student's degree program. Therefore, this process is only available for students seeking a degree at Empire State College. 

Credit for College Level Learning – Not Experience

Credit is Earned in the Context of a Degree Program

A Student Guide: Credit for Prior College-level Learning

Evaluation of Prior College-Level Learning

Advanced standing credit is available for prior college-level learning verified by one of the following:

Transcript Evaluation

Credits earned at other regionally accredited colleges and universities that are validated by an official transcript are available for inclusion in students' degree programs.

Standardized Examinations

Credit may be earned through the demonstration of college-level learning on proficiency examinations offered by a number of testing services.

Evaluations of Noncollegiate Sponsored Learning: Pre-evaluated Training, Credentials, Certificates and Licenses

Credit is awarded for the completion of learning that has been evaluated by Empire State College, the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National College Credit Recommendation Services (National CCRS), formerly known as the National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (National PONSI). These organizations have evaluated college-level training programs, credentials and licenses from government agencies, the military and the private sector.

Individualized Expert Evaluation

Credit is awarded for verifiable college level learning acquired through work, life experience or independent reading and study. Individual evaluation by experts accounts for much of the credit by evaluation at Empire State College. For each topic for which you are requesting credit, you will write a description of what you know and how you acquired this learning. The College arranges for an expert on the topic who will review and evaluate your learning.