College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

College of Liberal Arts & Social Sciences

Turn your experience into college credit

Your experience has value. The College Credit for Lived Experience (CCLE) program recognizes the knowledge and skills gained outside of the traditional classroom and provides eligible students with the opportunity to earn academic credit for that learning. Whether you are a former student looking to complete your degree, a GovGuam employee seeking career advancement, a military service member or veteran transitioning into higher education, a workforce professional with extensive industry experience, a community leader, or an individual who has earned professional certifications or specialized training, CCLE can help you build on what you already know. By recognizing learning gained through work, service, leadership, and lifelong learning, the program supports a faster path toward degree completion and future career opportunities.

Benefits

Recognition of Real-World Experience
CCLE acknowledges the valuable learning that takes place outside of a traditional classroom and gives eligible experiences academic value.
Validation of Existing Knowledge & Skills
Earning college credit for prior learning demonstrates that your experience has resulted in college-level competencies recognized by the university.
Academic Credits
Earn up to 30 credits for the knowledge and skills you've gained through work, training, military service, and other life experiences. This can reduce the number of courses needed to complete your degree.
Faster Degree Completion
By receiving credit for prior learning, you can accelerate your academic journey and reach your educational goals sooner.
Career Advancement
Turning your experience into college credit can help you progress toward a degree or credential that supports professional growth and new career opportunities.

Eligibility

Who can earn College Credit for Lived Experience?

CCLE is designed for individuals who have gained valuable knowledge and skills through work, military service, professional training, volunteer service, certifications, apprenticeships, or other life experiences.

You may be eligible to earn college credit through CCLE if you:

Have work experience that has helped you develop college-level knowledge or skills
Completed professional, industry, or workplace training programs
Served in the military
Earned licenses, certifications, or credentials outside of college
Participated in internships, apprenticeships, or volunteer leadership roles
Started college but did not complete a degree
Have never attended college but have substantial real-world experience

CCLE provides an opportunity to have your learning evaluated and recognized for potential college credit, helping you save time and move more quickly toward your educational goals.

Ready to Get Started?

Quick Links

Admissions & Records
Re-Entry Information (for former UOG students)
Financial Aid
Veteran Services

Steps to Credit for Lived Experience

Follow the CLASS Advising process from consultation to transcript credit

Meet with the CLASS Advisor
Schedule a one-on-one consultation to discuss your goals and the credit for prior learning process.
Identify Relevant Learning Experiences
Identify college-level learning gained through work, life, volunteer, or military service.
Prepare Learning Portfolio
Organize evidence that demonstrates your learning and how it aligns with the outcomes.
Submit Supporting Documentation
Submit your portfolio and any required supporting materials to the CLASS office.
Faculty Review and Evaluation
Faculty with subject-matter expertise review your portfolio and evaluate your learning.
Dean Approval
The dean reviews the faculty recommendation and grants final approval.
Credit Posted to Transcript
Approved credit is posted to your official academic transcript.