Introduction
Service members, reservists, and veterans pursuing a college education may be able to obtain academic credit for military courses they have completed through the military. Prior to enrollment, individuals should discuss possible credit with the Veterans’ Coordinator at the college or university they plan to attend; credit received may reduce attendance time and cost. They may obtain information regarding transcripts and potential credit for military experience from the links below.
American Council on Education (ACE)
The
American Council on Education's (ACE) College Credit Recommendation Service (CREDIT) provides access to academic credit for formal courses and examinations taken outside traditional degree programs. The ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services contains recommended credit awards for formal military courses and occupations.
Department of Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
Transcript Services
JST is a computerized transcript system that produces official transcripts for eligible Soldiers upon request by combining a Soldier's military education and job experience with descriptions and college credit recommendations developed by the American Council on Education (ACE). In addition to name and SSN, the transcript contains the following information:
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Current or highest enlisted rank
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Military status (active or inactive)*
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Additional Skill Identifiers (ASI) and Skill Qualification Identifiers (SQI)
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Formal military courses
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Military Occupational Specialties (MOS) held
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Standardized test score descriptions and credit recommendations developed
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs)
The
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs) are approved by ACE and accepted or administered at over 1,900 colleges and universities nationwide. DSSTs enable people to use the knowledge acquired outside the classroom to accomplish educational and professional goals. The website includes downloadable forms, practice tests, and other information.
Servicemembers Opporunity Colleges (SOC)
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) is a consortium of over 1800 colleges and universities pledged to support the higher education needs of military personnel. SOC works with civilian and military educators to overcome obstacles associated with gaining a college education when pursued through traditional means. Among its key goals is the award of credit for military training and experience.
The SOC Consortium Guide provides specific information for awarding credit for national testing programs, military experience, and other non-traditional learning. Service members, reservists, and veterans are encouraged to review their military transcript, obtained from their branch of service (see above), alongside the institutions’ credit-award information. They should contact the school SOC Representative and Veterans’ Coordinator for additional information.
Many public and private Wisconsin institutions (e.g., UW-Madison) accept SOC recommendations, including accepting some or all DSSTs, CLEPs (College Level Examination Program), and ACE recommendations for college credit.