How to Use Prior Learning, CLEP, and PLA to Shorten Your Degree

Saving Time and Money in College

There’s a rising demand for faster and more flexible degree paths. This isn’t surprising considering the high cost of college education today. For 2025-2026, in-state average tuition and fees in public colleges are $11,371/year alone (US News).

So, it’s no wonder if you’re looking for the fastest way to finish college. You’ll not only save on time but, more importantly, on money, too.

With that said, what are the best ways to shorten your degree completion time?

• Prior learning assessment (PLA)
• CLEP college credit
• DSST

You can save 6-24 months if you use prior learning credits. This translates to cost savings of $3,000-$15,000 on average.

Indeed, you can cut major time off your degree. But you must leverage whatever skills, knowledge, and experience you already have.

Related:

• Online Degree Programs Designed for Prior Learning Credit
• Fastest Degree Paths Using Transfer, CLEP, and PLA Credit
• Accredited Online Colleges That Accept FAFSA
• Accredited Online Colleges Offering a Free Laptop or Discounted Laptop

What CLEP, DSST, and PLA Credits Are

Let’s take a closer look at these three major ways to shorten your degree completion time.

What Is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?

Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is a formal process with these major characteristics:

• Universities use it to assess and recognize learning gained beyond the traditional classroom
• Students can earn college credit for work experience
• Credits are awarded based on demonstrated knowledge and skills

As a result, you can shorten your completion time.

The common PLAs are:

• Portfolio assessments
• Challenge exams
• Workplace training evaluations
• Professional certifications (e.g., HR certifications, IT credentials, and industry experience)

Start the PLA process by contacting your college or academic advisor. Submit a PLA application, choose an assessment type, and provide documentation. Pay the required assessment fees, too.

What Are CLEP Exams? (College-Level Examination Program)

CLEP exams are standardized tests that enable students to earn college credit. If you pass the exams, you don’t have to take the corresponding courses.

The College Board administers the CLEP exams. There are 34 exam subjects in five main areas: 

• Business
• Composition and Literature
• World Languages
• History and Social Sciences
• Science and Mathematics

You can earn 3-12 credits per exam. Every exam costs about $97, paid to the College Board. Some test centers may charge an additional fee.

Consider these study options and free prep resources.

• College Board’s official CLEP study guides and practice questions
• Khan Academy for math and science subjects
• Modern States for its free courses

Here are the steps on how to use CLEP exams for college credit.

• Confirm that the college you’re enrolled in accepts CLEP credit.
• Check its CLEP policy. 
• Register for your preferred CLEP exams through the College Board website.
• Schedule the exams. 
• Prepare for, take the exam, and earn qualifying scores.
• Send your scores to your college through the College Board.

Your college will review the score and award credits based on its policy.

What Is DSST?

The DSST exams are standardized tests that enable students to earn college credit. These are considered an alternative to CLEP exams.

The DDST exams were also originally intended for military personnel. Today, it’s open to everyone – civilian and military.

There are more than 30 exam subjects across diverse areas, including:

• Business and management
• Health and physical sciences
• Humanities
• Social sciences
• Technology and computing

DSST exams are great for business, technology, and social science credits.

More than 1,500 colleges and universities in the US and abroad accept DSST exams for credit.

Here are the basic steps to apply for DSST credits.

• Confirm if your college accepts DSST credit.
• Select your preferred DSST exams.
• Register for the DSST exams by phone or the DSST website, or Prometric.
• Pay the registration fee. 
• Schedule the exam at an authorized location.
• Prepare for, take the exam, and earn qualifying scores.
• Send your scores to your college through DSST or Prometric.

Your college has the final authority in awarding DSST credits.

Here’s a DSST vs CLEP comparison table so you can make an informed choice:

So, in a CLEP vs DSST comparison, your goals and circumstances influence your choice.

What Is Credit for Work Experience?

This is often earned through a PLA portfolio, meaning students earn college credits. Notable examples of credit for work experience include:

• Corporate training
• Military leadership
• Healthcare experience
• IT skills

Here’s how the portfolio review works from your point of view as a student.

• Identify the courses where your experience matches the learning objectives.
• Collect the supporting evidence.
• Engage in the reflective analysis activity with the faculty reviewers.
• Wait for the faculty reviewers to assess your portfolio.
• Confirm the credits awarded to your degree.

Realistically speaking, you can earn 3-12 credits in a single PLA portfolio. Depending on your college, you can earn up to 30 credits or more.

Who Benefits Most from PLA, CLEP, and Credit-by-Exam

A wide range of people benefit from these featured methods.

Adult Learners

The PLA, CLEP, DSST, and credit-by-exam are great adult learner college credit options. Adult learners can return to school while working.

Earning credits for their job experience and corporate training shortens their completion time. For example, earning 60 general education credits means saving two years in college. Plus, adult learners can pursue any type of degree based on their interests and goals.

Transfer Students

These methods also fill general education gaps and, thus, are ideal for transfer students. CLEP/DSST also replaces missing requirements.

To maximize your transfer credits and shorten your degree completion time:

• Take multiple CLEP and/or DSST exams.
• Earn high scores. 

Military & Veterans

Military college credit transfer can result in earning a bachelor’s degree in 18 months. Military training can result in business, IT, and leadership credits. DSST credits are also widely accepted in military-friendly colleges.

Here’s a basic step-by-step guide to earn college credits for military experience.

• Request your JST. 
• Check the ACE recommendations on your JST.
• Confirm if your college accepts ACE credits.
• Submit your JST to your college’s registrar’s office.
• Wait for your college to review your JST and award credits.

Students With Strong Subject Knowledge

These students also benefit from the featured methods:

• Homeschool students
• Students who excel in languages or math
• High school students using CLEP for dual-credit

How Schools Accept Them (Policies Vary)

Here’s what you need to know about credit policies.

College Transfer & PLA Policies Are Not Standardized

Every institution sets its own PLA and CLEP college credit policies. The key areas where their policies vary are in the:

• Maximum PLA credits allowed
• Whether CLEP/DSST applies to major courses
• Minimum passing scores
• Residency requirements (e.g., must take 30 credits in-house)

How to Check a School’s Credit-By-Exam Policy

Always confirm policies through these avenues:

• Registrar’s webpage
• Prior learning departments
• CLEP + DSST acceptance directories
• Military-friendly school listings

When searching, use targeted keywords (e.g., Arizona State University CLEP credit policy).

How Many Credits Can You Actually Earn?

Schools Known for Being PLA-Friendly

Check out these schools with generous credit for prior learning programs.

• Southern New Hampshire University
• University of Maryland Global Campus
• Purdue Global
• Thomas Edison State University
• Western Governors University

Pitfalls to Avoid

• Not verifying acceptance before taking exams.
• Assuming PLA applies to major courses
• Failing to meet residency requirements
• Expired or outdated learning credits

So, how many CLEP credits can you use? It depends on many factors, so work with an authorized official to maximize them.

How to Plan Your Degree Using CLEP, DSST, and PLA

While these methods can shorten your degree completion time, they take planning.

• Audit your prior knowledge.
• Map exams to general education requirements
• Confirm credit policies before testing
• Use PLA to fill elective or major gaps
• Use CLEP/DSST for foundational and gen-ed courses
• Build a degree timeline

Indeed, the fastest way to finish college is to earn as many credits as you can.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many CLEP credits can you earn?

You can earn up to 30 CLEP credits, but check the college and program limits.

What is the fastest way to finish a degree with PLA?

Enroll in a PLA-friendly college first. Then, combine CLEP, DSST, and PLA portfolios for credits.

Do all colleges accept CLEP?

No.

Is PLA the same as life experience credit?

No. PLA requires valid documentation.

How long does it take to prepare for CLEP?

About 2-6 weeks.

Conclusion: The Smartest Way to Finish College Faster

In conclusion, PLA, CLEP, and DSST are the smartest ways to save time and money on a degree. It is important to check the specific credit policies early. You should also combine CLEP + DSST + PLA + transfer credits for maximum impact.