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If you’ve spent years building skills through your career, military service, or professional training, you may be closer to earning your degree than you think.

At the �鶹app College of Professional Studies (UNH CPS), your real-world experience can count. Through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)—also known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)—you can turn what you already know into college credit, saving time and reducing the cost of your degree.

What Is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) allows students to earn college credit for knowledge gained outside of a traditional classroom.

This includes learning from:

• Work experience
• Military service
• Professional certifications
• Workplace training
• Independent study or online learning 

Instead of starting from scratch, PLA recognizes the value of your experience—helping you move forward faster.

Why Prior Learning Matters for Adult Learners

Adult learners bring a wealth of knowledge to their education. According to Dr. Julie Moser, Ed.D., Prior Learning Assessment Coordinator at UNH CPS, that experience deserves recognition.

With more than 18 years in adult education and online learning, Dr. Moser emphasizes that PLA is about meeting students where they are:

Adult learners come with professional, military, and community experiences that demonstrate real knowledge. PLA helps translate that into academic credit so students can save time, reduce costs, and complete their degrees more efficiently.

For many students, this can mean:

• Finishing a degree sooner
• Lowering tuition costs
• Avoiding duplicate coursework 

How You Can Earn Credit for What You Know

UNH CPS offers multiple pathways to earn credit for prior learning. Depending on your background, you may qualify through:

• Transfer Credits: Coursework from regionally accredited colleges or universities
• Evaluated Training Programs: Programs reviewed by organizations like ACE (American Council on Education) or NCCRS
• Workplace & Industry Training: Police, fire, EMS, and other professional training programs evaluated directly by UNH CPS
• Non-Collegiate Learning Providers: Platforms like Sophia, StraighterLine, and Saylor Academy
• Standardized Exams: CLEP, DSST, or Advanced Placement (AP) exams
• Experiential Learning Portfolios: Demonstrating college-level knowledge gained through professional experience

These flexible options are designed to reflect how modern learners gain knowledge—both inside and outside the classroom.

Explore Your Options with the Transfer Equivalency System (TES)

Want to know how your experience might transfer before you apply?

UNH CPS offers the Transfer Equivalency System (TES)—an online tool that allows you to:

• Search course equivalencies
• Explore evaluated training programs
• Review transfer credit policies
• Check credential evaluations

TES gives you a preview of how your prior learning may apply to your degree program, helping you make informed decisions early in your journey.

Real Examples: Turning Experience into Credit

UNH CPS has a long history of recognizing prior learning—dating back to 1972.

Today, students in fields like:

• Behavioral health
• Human services
• Law enforcement
• Fire and emergency response

can apply significant credit toward their degrees.

For example, participants in the Building Futures behavioral health program may be eligible to apply 16 to 28 credits toward a bachelor’s degree in Applied Psychology or Human Services.

That’s a meaningful step toward finishing faster.

How the Process Works

Getting started with prior learning credit is simple:

2. Submit all transcripts and documentation
   • College coursework
   • Military records
   • Certifications and training
3. Work with an academic advisor
   • Advisors review your materials to maximize eligible credits

Even if you’re unsure whether your experience qualifies, it’s worth asking.

“When in doubt, ask,” says Dr. Moser. “We’re always evaluating new opportunities to help students save time and move forward.”

Why Choose UNH College of Professional Studies for Prior Learning Credit for your online program?

At UNH College of Professional Studies - online, PLA isn’t an afterthought—it’s a core part of how we support adult and online learners.

You’ll benefit from:

• A dedicated credit for prior learning team
• Flexible, online-friendly degree programs
• Personalized support from academic advisors
• A commitment to helping you finish what you started

Take the next step

Your experience matters—and it could count toward your degree. Explore how to earn credit for what you already know and connect with an advisor:

See how your experience counts