Meet with a college admissions counselor to assess your background and experiences. The counselor will help you identify what in your background could count for college credit (based on the particular school or program you're applying for). You may have career or training-program experience that apply toward credit. Your experiences must be related to the learning requirements for the programs for which you want credit.
Produce documentation, such as certificates from training programs or letters from former employers, testifying that you have the college-level knowledge necessary to get credit for certain courses. An admissions counselor can also advise you on the types of tests you can take to test out of certain courses. Tests are often standardized, such as the College Level Examination Program (CLEP), the subject Graduate Record Examination (GRE), or colleges may create specific tests.
Decide the courses for which you would like to request life credits. Be aware that colleges often only allow a certain number of credits to be obtained by proving life experience, and the amount of credits obtainable varies widely based on program.
Create a portfolio that demonstrates your learning. Submit documentation required for each course. A college official, professor, or both will assess the material. Prepare for testing out of courses, if that is the route you decide to take. Brush up on areas you need to review. Ask for a list of what would be covered in college-created courses.