Frequently Asked Questions

Prior Learning/Military/Life Experience Credit Evaluation

At Montana State University Billings, students may earn credit through a variety of methods including work experience and challenge tests. Our University will work with the student to determine which type of experience can be translated into credit. Several options are as follows:

1. Challenge tests, such as CLEP and DANTES, allow the student to study for and test out of equivalent college-level courses. Students interested in these methods of earning credit for specific college courses can visit the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education (LIB 100, 406-657-2168) or at the College of Technology (406-6526-4445 x 138). Study guides are also available in the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education to assist students in preparation for these tests.

2. Students may have already earned credit through work-site training or government-sponsored workshops or military experience. If students have certificates or documentation, which state that the American Council on Education (ACE) or the National Program on Noncollegiate Sponsored Instruction (PONSI) assesses that training, credit may be available for coursework for which there are equivalencies in MSU Billings' curriculum. Military credit is assessed from the DD214, DD295, or military transcript. Questions about this type of training or military credit may be directed to the Office of Admissions and Records (406-657-2158).

3. In addition to the methods listed above, our University also offers students the opportunity to earn credit through Prior Learning Assessment. This assessment will take into account work experience or other learning experiences, which do not fall into the categories described above, but which can be assessed through the development of a portfolio. Up to 15 credits can be earned through Prior Learning Assessment (credit guidelines can be found on page 26 of the catalog). The University offers a one-credit seminar class, which will instruct students in the process or preparing this portfolio.

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