Earn More Credit Through Prior Learning & Experience

Many students have extensive knowledge gained through prior schooling, training, or on-the-job experience.Through Liberty University, you may have the opportunity to earn additional credit toward your degree through a variety of options.

In order to determine if Life Experience credit is the option for you, please keep these items in mind:

1. PLA is for undergraduate students only.
2. PLA credit is transfer credit and it WILL NOT go toward the number of hours that must be completed at Liberty University.
3. The maximum number of credits you may earn through Life Experience is 30 credits, with the exception of Nursing students who earn 31 credits for their RN license.
4. In accordance with Liberty University policy – Credit for the following WILL NOT be approved:

a.  COMS Courses

b.  GOVT 200

c.  Internships

d.  Capstone Courses

Credit by Examination

College-level examination program (CLEP)

CLEP offers a unique opportunity to gain college credit for the knowledge you have acquired. CLEP is comprised of thirty-four tests covering a variety of subjects. Formal study, private reading, on-the-job experience, non-credit courses, business training, television/radio courses, travel, and superior high school courses are just a few ways knowledge is acquired that may be applied within CLEP testing. Learn more about CLEP.

Institutional Challenge exam (ICE)

ICE is available to students with a satisfactory justification of previous knowledge in a subject area based upon a non-college training program, job experience, or self-learning. Through ICE, you have the opportunity to earn credit toward your chosen degree program. Learn more about ICE tests.

Dantes Subject Standardized Test Scores (DSSTs)

The DSST program provides the opportunity to earn college credit based on what you learned outside of the traditional classroom. Approved by ACE, the DSST program enables you to use knowledge you have acquired to accomplish your educational and professional goals. Learn more by about DSST exams by contacting your new enrollment specialist. 

View Acceptable DSST Exams

Excelsior Exams

View Acceptable Excelsior Exams

Transfer Credit

Did you know that Liberty University generously accepts transfer credit from other institutions? Learn more about transfer credit and requesting a transfer consultation.

Credit for Professional Training & Life Experience
Undergraduate Students Only

Automatic Credit for Job Training

In some cases, credit may be awarded directly for job training, based on a precedent that has been established by our university. Credit will also be awarded to individuals with certificates or licenses in the following areas: aviation, law enforcement, insurance, real estate, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Learn more about automatic credit for job training.

Credit for Life Experience through the Portfolio Process

In other cases, students will need to petition for credit through the portfolio process. Learn how to earn credit for life experience through the portfolio process!

Credit Recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE)

If you have been awarded with a certificate or license that is recognized by ACE (e.g. Dale Carnegie), you may be eligible for credit . Learn more about (ACE).

Credit for Certificate Programs

You could be eligible to receive credit for knowledge which you have gained through various training and experiences. Learn more about earning credit for certificate programs.

Credit for Military Training

Undergraduate credit may be awarded for courses completed by military service schools if this credit is recommended in the Guide to the Evaluation of Education Experiences in the Armed Forces (ACE). The ACE Guide is used to determine the equivelency of your military training to college credit. Students must request official transcripts. Official transcripts will not be accepted through fax. Learn more about credit for military training.