The University of Wisconsin-Superior assesses prior learning in five distinct areas:  1) portfolio development; 2) petitioning for technical college credit;) award of credit for non-university education programs assessed by the American Council on Education (ACE); 4) examination of prior learning; and 5) credit for military service.

Portfolio Development

Portfolio development is the most extensive process in requesting credit for prior learning.  The portfolio process requires presentation of evidence supporting a claim that through life experiences learning outcomes equivalent to those for a particular course have been achieved.  The portfolio includes the following:

• an autobiographical statement that relates life experiences to identified learning outcomes
• a credit request list that identifies the specific courses for which credit is being requested and the number of credits requested
• a learning outcome essay for each course for which credit is requested
• documentation that the accomplishments identified in the learning outcome essay were achieved.

Three questions must be answered prior to requesting credit through the portfolio process:

1)   Was the learning achieved college-level learning? 
2)   Can the learning be documented? 
3)   Can the faculty at UW-Superior be expected to evaluate the learning?

Course Manual for Portfolio Development

For more information, contact the Distance Learning Center.

Petitioning for Technical College Credit

Students who have completed coursework at a technical college may be able to receive credit through a petition process.. The petition process requires development of an abbreviated portfolio which includes the following:

• identification of UW-Superior courses for which credit is requested
• documentation that the requirements in the completed technical college course match the requirements of the UW-Superior course. 

Directions for the Petition for Technical College Credit process are available from the Registrar's Office.  Complete one Technical College Credit Petition for each course that you are petitioning and return it to the Register's Office for processing.

Award of Credit for Non-University Education Programs

The University of Wisconsin-Superior awards credit for learning acquired by students who have successfully completed programs listed in the National Guide to Educational Credit for Training Programs published by the College Credit Recommendation Service of the American Council on Education. Students seeking award of credit for a program must first determine if the program has been assessed by consulting the National Guide and then providing documentation of program completion to the Coordinator of Assessment for Prior Learning.

For more information, contact the Distance Learning Center.

Examination of Prior Learning (CLEP or DANTES)

Students at UW-Superior may receive college credit for passing scores on certain exams offered by the College Level Examination Programs (CLEP), the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES), and for challenge exams offered in some departments.  Students may acquire up to 30 semester credits by examination.  Credit awarded by examination may or may not be transferable to other institutions; transfer credit is at the discretion of the institution to which a student is transferring. 

For more information, visit the Student Support Services CLEP/DANTES Testing website or email Lon Bagley.

Credit for Military Service

If you have served in the military for two years or more, you will receive six elective credits. You must submit a copy of your DD-214. If you have taken any additional coursework in the military, you may be able to acquire additional credit. Official transcripts should be sent at the time of application. If you have questions about your military credit, contact the Admissions Office.

If you have any questions about veterans benefits, contact: Dee Clark in the Registrar's Office.