Enroll in a college with an online program that offers credit for your work experience. Look for programs with names such as prior learning, life experience or experiential credit. You generally must be enrolled before you can apply for credit based on your work experience.
Request official transcripts from past college experiences. The online college will evaluate the credits to determine if any of them will transfer toward your degree program.
Review the options for experiential credit at that college, such as competency exams, portfolios, certifications, military training or licenses. Identify your qualifications that match the credit options from the college to determine the best route for earning credit based on your experience.
Discuss the credit options you want to pursue with your adviser to determine the specific application processes and deadlines. Find out the limitations on credit based on life experience. For example, Liberty University's online program only allows up to 30 credits for life experience.
Register for the testing program the college uses. The CLEP exam is a common testing program used to earn credit based on your experience and knowledge.
Build a portfolio to highlight your work experience that can be evaluated for credit. Review the specific standards for the portfolio at the college you choose. Some colleges, such as Thomas Edison State College, offer classes that help you build your portfolio for credit. You'll typically need evidence and written details about training, certifications and experiences that relate to the degree you're pursuing. Submit the portfolio per the college's process.
Meet with your adviser to find out if your portfolio was accepted for credit. Discuss which requirements the credits fulfill. Work with your adviser to determine the classes you need to complete to finish your degree, based on which requirements your experience fulfilled.