NSHE Expands Credit for Prior Learning to Help More Nevadans Earn College Credit for Real-World Experience

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) is expanding opportunities for students to earn college credit for learning that happens outside the classroom, following a policy revision approved by the Board of Regents. The changes broaden how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is awarded, making it easier for Nevadans to turn their experience into real progress toward a degree or credential.

“Credit for prior learning provides students a bridge for gaps between past education and current experience, making the return to school for the completion of a degree more efficient and accessible,” said Board of Regents Chair Byron Brooks. “It’s a powerful tool for adult learners who have spent time in the workforce or military by leveraging their previous learning and life experience to get a head start on a degree. By providing credit for prior learning, we are hoping to make it attractive for any of the 330,000 Nevada residents who have some college but haven’t finished their degree an easy transitional return to one of our campuses.”

The updated policy allows students to earn credit through a wider variety of pathways, including military service, industry certifications, professional licensure, standardized exams, and faculty-reviewed portfolios.

“This policy shift is more than just procedural; it’s transformational,” said Regent Heather Brown, chair of the board’s workforce committee. “It reflects a modern, inclusive vision of higher education that values the full range of student experiences. Whether someone gained their expertise in a classroom, on the job, serving in the military, or through independent study, that learning matters. By streamlining Credit for Prior Learning across the Nevada System of Higher Education, we’re not only honoring what our students already know, we’re removing outdated barriers and accelerating their path to opportunity. This is about building a more agile system, one that meets learners where they are and helps them reach where they want to go.”

The new policy replaces older rules that only allowed credit for passing exams. It introduces national standards and consistent systemwide guidelines to evaluate prior learning fairly and transparently across all of Nevada’s public colleges and universities.

“Expanding Credit for Prior Learning is a direct investment in Nevada’s workforce,” said Chancellor Matt McNair. “By valuing knowledge and skills wherever they are gained, NSHE is opening new doors for working adults, veterans, and anyone with a passion for learning.”

Under the revised policy:

• Students can receive credit for licensure, certifications, or documented workplace learning that matches course material.

• Portfolio assessments and credit recommendation services, such as the American Council on Education (ACE), can be used as evaluation tools.

• Previously earned CPL credits will transfer across NSHE institutions like any other course credit.

• Credits awarded for AP, CLEP, and International Baccalaureate (IB) exams will now be aligned systemwide.

The policy also removes restrictive caps that previously limited how much CPL community colleges could accept.

The changes were developed through a collaborative effort led by the Chancellor’s Office and guided by the Board of Regents’ 2025–31 Strategic Plan, Success by Design. The plan identifies CPL as a key strategy to help more adult learners earn credentials, improve affordability, and close opportunity gaps.

To help ensure consistent implementation of these changes across Nevada’s public institutions, NSHE is also receiving national support through the Constellation of Support grant initiative. One of only two state systems selected for the program, NSHE will receive expert guidance and resources to help faculty and staff build strong, student-centered CPL programs.

For media inquiries or additional information, please contact Elizabeth Callahan at ecallahan@nshe.nevada.edu or 702-522-7021.