You may be able to receive credit from military experience, by exam, or for knowledge gained outside the classroom. Your academic adviser can help you learn more about these opportunities.
Military Credit
If you are a student and a veteran, or a member of the armed forces or the selected reserves, you may be granted academic credit for Military Occupational Specialties (MOS), Rating, Air Force Specialty Codes (AFSC), or Space Force Specialty Codes (SPSC) held in the armed services, in accordance with University policy. Students interested in receiving credit for their educational experience in the military should send their Joint Services Transcript (JST) or Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) transcripts to:
Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
University Park, PA 16802
College-Level Exam Program (CLEP)
Penn State awards credit for CLEP exams at the level recommended by the American Council on Education. For detailed information on the exams accepted and the credit awarded, visit Penn State's Credit Awarded for CLEP web page.
Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) Subject Standardized Tests
Special circumstances often prevent service personnel from continuing their education in the traditional classroom setting. Through World Campus, DANTES extends educational opportunities to all service members in or outside the United States. If you are a student interested in receiving credit for DSST, please visit Penn State's DSST website.
Prior Learning Assessment
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is how Penn State determines whether knowledge gained outside of the traditional academic environment is at the college level and worthy of college credit. Your military academic adviser can help guide you through the PLA process. Your adviser can also tell you if credits obtained through PLA will apply to your degree program. If you are interested in pursuing PLA, contact your adviser.
