As higher education continues to evolve, you have more opportunities than ever to earn college credit for knowledge and skills you already have. For many, the decision to return to college comes with two big questions: How much will this cost, and how long will it take?
If you’re considering finishing your degree or looking to accelerate completion, three key pathways—prior learning portfolios (PLA), professional certifications, and alternative credit providers—can help reduce both the time and cost of earning your degree.
Champlain College Online recognizes that education happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. Whether experience comes from work, military service, training, or self-paced online courses, these pathways are designed to help students like you maximize existing credit and move faster toward your degree (or accelerate your degree completion).
Earn College Credit Through Prior Learning Portfolios
A prior learning portfolio, also known as a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), allows you to earn college credit for knowledge gained through work experience, military service, volunteer activities, self-directed study, or other life experiences. This approach recognizes that not all meaningful learning comes from formal coursework.
The portfolio process requires you to document and demonstrate college-level knowledge that aligns with course outcomes or degree requirements. Typically, this involves writing a detailed narrative explaining what was gained, how it was developed, and how it connects to relevant academic standards. Supporting materials may include work samples, performance evaluations, certificates of completion from non-credit training programs, or letters from supervisors.
A PLA portfolio goes beyond listing experiences. It demonstrates how those experiences translate into measurable, college-level outcomes. For example, someone who managed a team for several years wouldn't simply state that fact. Instead, they would show how their understanding of management principles, leadership theory, and organizational behavior aligns with a business management course.
Champlain College Online has trained faculty who review PLA portfolios, and approved credit appears on your transcript just like any other traditional coursework. While the process requires time and strong writing skills, it can result in meaningful credit for students with extensive experience. Learn more about Champlain College Online’s PLA process.
Get Credit for Professional Certifications
Professional certifications provide another pathway to college credit. These credentials, earned through industry organizations or professional associations, validate skills and knowledge in specific fields. Examples include the Project Management Professional (PMP), Cisco networking certifications, Microsoft Office Specialist, or healthcare credentials like Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).
Unlike portfolios, which require written documentation and reflection, professional certifications are built around established curricula and exams, making them easier for colleges to evaluate. Many institutions, including Champlain College Online, have articulation agreements that award credit for specific professional certifications. For example, a PMP certification may count as three credits in project management, and some IT certifications may fulfill computer science or information systems requirements.
Certifications are structured and standardized, which helps colleges determine appropriate credit. They also hold value in the job market. However, not all certifications qualify for credit. Institutions assess them based on rigor, the reputation of the certifying organization, and the alignment of the content with degree programs.
Champlain College Online evaluates professional certifications as part of its Credit for Prior Learning options, helping you turn career credentials into degree progress.
Affordable Credit Options from Sophia, Study.com, and StraighterLine
Alternative credit providers give you affordable and flexible ways to complete general education or prerequisite courses outside of a traditional classroom. Platforms like Study.com, Sophia Learning, and StraighterLine offer low-cost, self-paced options that are designed with transferability in mind. These platforms are ideal for adult and non-traditional students balancing work, family, and school.
Study.com offers video-based courses with quizzes and exams across subjects like college algebra, psychology, and business. Many of these carry credit recommendations through the American Council on Education (ACE), which are widely accepted by colleges.
Sophia Learning offers self-paced competency-based courses that students can often complete in weeks rather than months. Champlain College Online has a direct partnership with Sophia Learning, allowing approved courses to transfer easily into degree programs.
StraighterLine provides general education and introductory college-level courses evaluated by ACE and other credit-recommending bodies, making it another cost-effective option outside a traditional classroom.
These providers offer flexibility, affordability, and speed, making them ideal for balancing work, family, and educational goals.
Which Credit Pathway Is Right for You?
Each pathway serves different needs and learning styles.
Prior learning portfolios are ideal for individuals with significant professional or military experience who can document and reflect on their knowledge. While time-intensive, they can yield substantial credit.
Professional certifications suit those with industry-recognized credentials seeking academic credit. This pathway requires study and passing standardized exams, but provides dual benefits for professional development.
Alternative credit providers provide structured instruction with flexibility and lower cost, making them ideal for self-motivated learners.
Before pursuing any of these options, it’s essential to research institutional policies. Colleges vary in how they accept and apply alternative credit. Understanding these requirements upfront helps you make strategic choices and ensures your efforts translate into meaningful progress toward your degree.
Champlain College Online supports students across all three pathways, helping turn experience, credentials, and coursework into college credit that accelerates degree completion.
