• I have worked as a professional in my field for at least three to five years.
• I have also worked in other professions for extended periods of time.
• I have attended work-related trainings such as computer workshops or interpersonal skills trainings.
• I have earned certifications that keep me up-to-date in my job and have helped me to get promotions.
• I have learned a lot of different things during my many years of working and involvement in the community.
• I have taught others what I know or coached colleagues.
• I perform as well as other people who have college degrees.
• I have learned some specific skills that help me every day at work.
• I want to learn more in my field but don’t think I need to start at the beginning.
• I have knowledge in my field that is quite extensive in certain areas.

If you have checked several of these, a portfolio may be a good option for you! All prior learning assessment credits must match with a Western Colorado University course. Contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.

• I have studied a lot on my own by reading and practicing new skills in very specific areas.
• I have taken classes and workshops in subjects such as government, history, or computers.
• I have taken some open online courses (MOOCs) on specialized subjects, and think that I learned a lot.
• I do well on tests if given proper preparation.
• I am already in college, but there are a few courses I don’t think I need to take because I already know the material.
• I am in a degree program and am taking classes, but I am required to take one or two Western Colorado University classes in my major that I could ‘test out of’ or challenge.
• I have looked at the requirements for a Western Colorado University course and I know I could pass it

If you checked several of these, taking some college subject tests (through CLEP) or departmental challenge exams for credit may be a good option for you. CLEP exams are offered here at Western Colorado University and it takes just a few hours to take them. The results are immediate! Contact the Office of the Registrar for more information.

• I have served in the US military.
• Army, Navy, and Marine personnel submit a Joint Service Transcript (JST).
• Air Force personnel submit a Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) Transcript.

Military service credit is evaluated when we receive official copies of transcripts for military schools.  We evaluate courses according to the American Council on Education (ACE) Guidelines. A maximum of 25 semester hours of credit is counted toward a baccalaureate degree.