What is a Credit

A credit is a unit that measures progress toward a certificate or degree. Credits are usually based on the number of hours per week that it takes to complete a particular course over a specified period of time. There are four ways in which you can earn credits.

• Take a course for credit. By successfully completing a course (either traditionally or online), you may earn a certain number of credits.
• Life experience. Many schools will allow you to submit a portfolio detailing your experiences in life. A board will review your portfolio and award you credits based on your experiences and the relevance they have to the degree or certificate that you seek. For more information about creating and maintaining a portfolio, see "What is a portfolio?" and "What should you include in a portfolio?"
• Military or other professional training. Some schools will award you credits toward your degree for the training courses you completed in the military or for your job. However, it is important to note that often the courses have to be relevant to the degree you are seeking.
• Examination. Most institutions will allow you to "test out of" certain core or basic courses. You take an examination about a particular subject and, if you successfully pass that exam, the school gives you credit for it. You should contact a school directly to find out if it allows students to earn credits by taking examinations and, if so, where and when testing takes place.