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I know firsthand how to earn college credit for life experience.

When I decided to finish college after having spent many years in the working world without a college degree, I was thrilled to learn that I could receive up to one-quarter of the credits needed for graduation by earning credit for my life experience. Not only that, I would save thousands of dollars on tuition.

Like many older, non-traditional students, I wanted to take the shortest route to a college diploma. I wanted to graduate early. After high school, I had enjoyed a full life of work, travel, and hobbies. Every time I browsed a community college catalog, I thought to myself, "I know enough about some of these classes to teach them."

Getting college credit for life experience is not easy; it requires planning and discipline. Some students find it easier to sit in class and complete assignments than to earn credit for life experience. If you're like I am, you are willing to put some extra time and energy into earning extra credits so you can graduate ahead of schedule. To the student who is willing to put in the effort, the rewards are great.

== 3 WAYS ==

There are three ways to earn credit toward a college diploma for life experience:

(1) By submitting documentation of professional training you have received through the course of your working life so far;
(2) By submitting essays, supported by documentation, that describe your mastery of certain subjects; and
(3) By passing college-level tests known as CLEP examinations that demonstrate your mastery of certain subjects.

We'll discuss each way in depth, but the place to start the discussion is at your local college.

== RESEARCH YOUR COLLEGE ==

College credits don't exist in a vacuum; they must be attached to a college. The college you decide to go to is the organization that will decide whether or not you get credit for you experiences. Each college has its own policies and terms, so as a general rule you should not start trying to earn credit for your life experience until you decide where you want to earn your degree. For most adult students, the choices are limited by constraints of time and schedule.

When you meet with an admissions counselor to discuss life experience credit, find out how many credits you can earn, what kind of experience you can apply toward your degree, when you will have to earn the credit, how much it costs, and what kind of documentation is required.

== (1) PROFESSIONAL TRAINING CREDIT ==

Many colleges will give you credit for

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