Office of Undergraduate Education

Credit for prior learning form now in LionPATH

Students can request to earn credit through portfolio or examination for certain courses

Students can see their options for credit by portfolio or examination by campus and major in LionPATH Credit: Curtis Chan / Penn State. Creative Commons

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Students can now access a digital form to request credit by portfolio or examination, replacing an antiquated paper form process. 

Starting this semester, the “Prior Learning Request” form is available through LionPATH. It can be accessed from the Student Home Base by clicking the “Transfer Credit” button, then selecting “Prior Learning Request” on the left-side menu. 

Some courses at Penn State can be replaced through portfolio or examination credits. Students apply through the online form and once they receive prior approval, they can continue the process and pay a credit fee through the campus bursar’s office. They will then present their portfolio or sit for an exam.

Colleges and campuses at Penn State have different policies on which courses can be replaced through portfolio or examination, and different standards to achieve them. Students can see their options for credit by portfolio or examination by campus and major in LionPATH. 

For example, students enrolled in the College of Information Sciences and Technology or through an IST-related program at Penn State World Campus are required to participate in an internship to graduate, through the course IST 495. Those who are actively working in the IST industry can request to earn credit for IST 495 through a portfolio, where they detail their duties in their professional role. This is especially important for adult learners who are already working in the field, said Rita Griffith, assistant director of professional development, Office of Career Solutions and Corporate Engagement, College of IST. 

“For our World Campus students especially, they could be learning from anywhere,” Griffith said. “This new form streamlines the process for them. We have many adult learners, and credit by portfolio is a way for them to validate the experience they’re getting in their current roles.”  

Previously, students had to fill out a paper form, which then had to circulate to the appropriate departments within colleges and campuses. Many students also had to pay by physical check. Melissa Johnson, associate vice provost and associate dean of Undergraduate Education, said the process will be more efficient and accessible for students. 

“I am delighted to see this years-long effort by the Prior Learning Assessment Office come to fruition,” Johnson said. “The automation of the process to request credit by exam and portfolio makes these options more accessible, more efficient and more affordable for our students. With the increased visibility of these options for credit for prior learning, we are also seeing an increasing interest in offering these types of credit from departments and faculty.” 

Michele Rice, director of the Prior Learning Assessment Office, said about 50 students have used the form since it went live this semester. 

“Credit through prior learning allows for significant savings for students,” Rice said. “Not only are they able to earn credits at reduced cost, but they can use prior learning to stay on track or get ahead in their degree requirements.” 

The Office of Prior Learning Assessment is part of Penn State Undergraduate Education.

Last Updated February 3, 2025