Military Credit for Prior Learning | Western Technical College

Military Credit for Prior Learning

Western evaluates military training and experience in partnership with the American Council on Education (ACE) and the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) to maximize your military experience and shorten the time and resources required to earn an associate degree, diploma, or certificate.

Work will be evaluated according to the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experience in the Armed Services.

The following are several ways veterans and service members may obtain academic credit for military training:

  • Joint Services Transcripts (JST) - When veterans leave the Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, and Navy, they can obtain a record of their training, known as the Joint Services Transcript. Active duty, reserve, and veterans can now access their transcripts through Joint Services Transcript (JST) Account Registration. (Note: Mozilla Firefox browser works best for accessing this site.)
  • CCAF TranscriptsCommunity College of the Air Force (CCAF) provides transcripts for Air Force veterans.
  • DANTES Programs - The Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) sponsors several programs that advance the acceptance of military education and experience at civilian colleges and universities. The DANTES website provides information on these programs and how to obtain transcripts from programs already used. 
  • Standardized Testing
  • DSST – DANTES Subject Standardized Tests are approved by ACE and accepted or administered at over 1,900 colleges and universities nationwide. The DSST website includes downloadable forms, practice tests, and other information.
  • CLEP - College Level Examining Program is funded for Active Duty members through DANTES. See clep.collegeboard.org for more information.
  • Advanced Placement (AP) exams
  • Institutional Challenge Exams - Challenge exams are written by Western Technical College faculty. The exams are equivalent to the comprehensive final exam and may be written, oral, demonstration, or a combination of all three. Successfully passing demonstrates proficiency of course competencies. 
  • Portfolio Assessment - Collection of evidence that documents experiential learning to support the extensive and rigorous military training acquired to support the context in which it was learned and how the knowledge was applied. Learn more...

Steps for Credit for Prior Learning pdf.

Military Crosswalks

Some Western programs have established standard credit for military experience to help you reach your educational goal faster. These include:

Military Years of Service Agreement

This agreement allows eligible service members and veterans to be awarded up to 10 college credits of general education based on competencies and common military training attained during years of service within the Air Force, Air Guard, Army, Army National Guard, Army Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Reserve, Navy, and Naval Reserve. Any of the following documents to validate years of service are acceptable: DD214/DD215, NGB22/22A, Reserve Credit Report and “Discharge Order & Point Summary,” or a Letter from Commanding Officer on letterhead with original signature.

Contact Us
Veteran Military Center
Student Success Center, Room 122
400 7th Street North
La Crosse, WI 54601

Phone: 

Fax: 

608-785-9159

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