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Credit for Prior Learning

Already Have Some Knowledge? Get College Credit for It!

Receiving credit for prior learning can have a huge impact on student success. In fact, students who receive credit for knowledge and skills gained through previous education, work, life, and military experiences are more than twice as likely to graduate.

Credit for Prior Learning at Mid-State is designed to accelerate the completion of your educational goals and help you save money on tuition and books along the way. This page offers an overview of the ways you may be able to earn Mid-State credit for prior learning and steps to getting started. For information about Mid-State college credit for high school students check out our Dual Credit page.

If you would like more information about becoming a Mid-State student and pursuing Credit for Prior Learning, please complete our Request Information Form.

Keep in mind:

  • Up to 75 percent of your credits may be earned through various types of credit for prior learning.
  • Please allow four–five weeks to process credit for prior learning.

Transfer of Credits

Mid-State awards transfer of credits from other regionally accredited institutions of higher education. Courses may transfer if the following conditions are met:
    •    The course is identified on an official college transcript.
    •    The course being transferred is equivalent in content.
    •    The course is directly applicable to the degree or diploma program being pursued.
    •    A grade of "C" or above was earned in the course.

Get started

Use the UW System Course Transfer Wizard to find out if courses you’ve taken through the Wisconsin Technical College or University of Wisconsin system might transfer to Mid-State. This site is a great starting point for information about transferable courses, but if you don’t see a course listed, get the most up-to-date information by contacting Mid-State's Credit for Prior Learning coordinator (715.422.5529).

Click here for a tutorial on how to use the UW System Course Transfer Wizard.

IMPORTANT: Please be sure to have official transcripts sent to Mid-State from any and all previously attended colleges, universities, and institutions.

To receive transfer credit, send official college transcripts to:
Mid-State Technical College Credit for Prior Learning
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Email | 715.422.5529

If you're a Nursing student interested in transferring to Mid-State's Nursing program, please complete the Nursing Transfer Form.

Credit by Standardized Examination

Your scores from standardized examinations may earn you transfer credits for possible credit toward the completion of an associate degree or technical diploma. Qualifying standardized exams include:

See the full list of standardized exams that qualify for Mid-State credit.

Keep in mind

  • College staff will use the guidelines published by the testing agencies to identify appropriate test scores for credit recognition.
  • Credit awarded for successful performance on a CLEP, AP, ACT PEP, or DSST test will appear on an Mid-State transcript as "CE" for "Credit by Examination." This credit will not be part of a student's grade point average calculation.

Get started

To initiate Mid-State's review of your standardized test scores for Mid-State credit, contact the appropriate testing agency and request an official, sealed transcript of test results sent to:

Mid-State Technical College
Credit for Prior Learning
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494

Credit for Military Training and Service

If you've served in the military, you may qualify for college credit based on college-level knowledge and/or skills you developed as a result. This includes basic training, military occupational specialties, and other military coursework.

Keep in mind

  • College credit will be granted for documented, authenticated, and demonstrated learning that aligns with Mid-State's course competencies.
  • To receive credit for military training and service, submit proof of completion of initial and advanced training as well as proof of one or more years of service.

Get started

Head over to our Military Credit page for next steps and additional resources.

Credit for Work and Life Experience

Mid-State Technical College recognizes knowledge and skills you may have gained through formal training, licensing, and other knowledge gained through life and work experience. You may pursue credit for these acquired knowledge and skills by requesting and evaluation of your credit for prior learning with a Prior Learning Assessment.

Keep in mind

Prior Learning Assessments are sent to the department for pre-approval. We may also request additional information before final evaluation. Final evaluations may include a portfolio, skills demonstration, local exam, interview, or other evaluation techniques. (Fees for this evaluation may apply.)

Get started

To receive a credit for life experience evaluation (Prior Learning Assessment), contact the Credit for Prior Learning coordinator (715.422.5529).

You can jumpstart the process for this evaluation by doing the following:

  1. Select a Mid-State technical diploma or associate degree program. (See full list on our Programs page.)
  2. Reflect on knowledge you have gained through formal training
  3. Review program information and course descriptions provided in the program information guide provided on the specific program page.
  4. Choose a course or courses for which you feel you have already obtained the knowledge and skills through work or life experience.
  5. Prepare a resume and a brief summary of the specific skills and knowledge you have gained and how you have gained or demonstrated them. Please also have the Employment Verification Form completed.
  6. Send the above information to the Credit for Prior Learning coordinator. (Although not as fast, you may also send this information via regular mail to Mid-State Technical College Credit for Prior Learning, 500 32nd Street North, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, 54494.)

Other ways to receive credit for prior work experience

 

Type of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Fees

All students seeking Credit for Prior Learning will be charged the standard Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) fee. (PLA fees are not waived for military veterans.)

  • PLA Test - $50
  • PLA Skill Demonstration - $90
  • PLA Portfolio - $90

PLA fees may be paid in person at any Mid-State Student Services & Information Center, via credit card by calling 888.575.6782, or by check sent to the following address:

Mid-State Technical College Credit for Prior Learning
500 32nd Street North
Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54494
Email | 715.422.5529

Appeals

According to the Credit for Prior Learning Appeal Process, students not satisfied with the decision regarding transfer credit, military or occupational experience credit, or other credit for prior learning awarded may submit a formal written appeal to the dean of the area where the decision was issued.

Questions?

For more information about Credit for Prior Learning or to find out if you're eligible, please contact Mid-State's Credit for Prior Learning coordinator (715.422.5529).

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