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

Transferology shows how courses you have taken or plan to take transfer to another college or university for credit. Try Transferology—it's free

If your school/course is not listed on Transferology it does not mean your credit will not transfer. It simply means an official evaluation will need to be completed. If you have questions about transfer opportunities or specific transfer agreements, get in touch with us or call 715.342.3111.

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, request official transcripts from the college or university you attended and have them sent to:
Attn: Credit for Prior Learning
Mid-State Technical College
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Email | 715.342.3111

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:

• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) subject examinations
• Advanced Placement (AP) exams 
• DSST exams (formerly DANTES)

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
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481

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

If you have ever gained experience in a job or attended an enrichment course but didn’t get a transcript or earn credits, you might be able to “show what you know” and earn credits without having to take some classes. This is known as taking a Prior Learning Assessment, or PLA. Many Mid-State courses have a PLA option for students.

Should you decide to attempt a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), here’s how it works:

1. Reach out to the CPL coordinator to view the course competencies and a sample of the questions, or a rubric, or a checklist of what is required to receive credit:

   Mid-State Technical College Credit for Prior Learning
   1001 Centerpoint Drive
   Stevens Point, WI 54481
   cpl@mstc.edu | 715.342.3111

2. Pay the fee to take the assessment. 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 fees may be paid in person at any Mid-State Student Services & Information Center (SSIC), via credit card by calling 888.575.6782, or by check sent to the above address

     
     The type of assessment for each PLA has been determined by the College. The fee has been determined by the state.

     • Test/Examination – You will take a multiple choice or short answer test to assess your knowledge of the competencies and objectives in the course. The test will be automatically graded in Blackboard, and results are almost instant. Cost: $50
     • Skills Demonstration – You will meet with an instructor who has a checklist of skills you need to perform. You will perform those skills and the instructor will grade you on a pre-defined rubric. Cost: $90
     • Portfolio – Based on the course competencies, you will be asked to submit a portfolio demonstrating your knowledge or experience with the subject matter. An instructor will assess your portfolio based on the provided rubric. Cost: $90
     • Combination of Skills Demonstration, Portfolio, or Test – In some cases, a combination of these PLAs will be required. If that is the case, you will be charged a single $90 fee.
3. Complete the assessment and receive the results.
4. Results are posted to your transcript.

Keep in mind:

• Up to 75 percent of your credits may be earned through various types of credit for prior learning.
• Students are allowed one attempt to take a PLA for any given course.
• PLAs cannot be taken if the student has already taken the course and received a grade.

• Please allow two-four weeks to process credit for prior learning results
• There are no refunds issued for PLAs.
• 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.

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
1001 Centerpoint Drive
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Email | 715.342.3111

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.