NSHE Launches ‘Take the Credit’ Campaign to Help More Nevadans Turn Real-World Experience Into College Credit

‘Take the Credit’ builds on systemwide effort to expand how prior learning can count toward degrees and certificates

The Nevada System of Higher Education (NSHE) launched “Take the Credit,” a new systemwide Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) campaign to help more Nevadans earn college credit for college-level learning gained through work, military service, professional training, certifications, exams, and other experiences. 

When CPL credit applies toward a student’s program, it can mean fewer courses, lower costs, and a shorter path to a degree or certificate. National research also shows that students who earn 12 or more CPL credits complete associate degrees about 14 months sooner and bachelor’s degrees about nine months sooner. 

“Many Nevadans have built valuable knowledge and skills through years of work, service, and training,” said Board of Regents Chair Stephanie Goodman. “Recognizing college-level learning they already have can make the path to a degree or certificate more practical. It means their experience can become part of the progress they make toward a degree or certificate.” 

Across Nevada, many adults already have learning they can build on. Some are returning to college, while others may be entering for the first time after years of work, military service, training, or other experiences. Among those who have already started college, about 320,000 Nevada adults have some college credit but are not currently enrolled and have not earned a degree, according to 2024 data from the National Student Clearinghouse. 

“Take the Credit” gives current and prospective students a place to start. At Nevada.edu/CPL, they can learn how CPL works, what can count, and what to do next. The site also connects with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas; the University of Nevada, Reno; Nevada State University; the College of Southern Nevada; Great Basin College; Truckee Meadows Community College; and Western Nevada College to learn more about what is possible at each college or university. 

“Take the Credit” is the latest step in NSHE’s effort to expand CPL across the System. In 2025, the Board of Regents broadened the ways students can demonstrate prior learning, established more consistent standards across institutions, and allowed CPL credits to transfer within NSHE like other course credits. 

“Expanding Credit for Prior Learning is about more than changing a policy,” said Chancellor Matt McNair. “We want students to have clear, meaningful ways to receive credit for college-level learning they already bring with them. That requires strong work across our institutions, but it also requires making sure Nevadans know the opportunity exists and understand how to explore it.” 

Yesterday, NSHE launched “Take the Credit” at its third systemwide CPL convening at the College of Southern Nevada. Teams from across the System spent the day working on how to put the policy into practice and measure progress.  

CSN President Dr. Stacy Klippenstein welcomed teams to the convening. 

“Every institution brings different experiences and ideas to this work,” Klippenstein said. “Having our teams in the same room gives us the chance to learn from each other, work through challenges, and build approaches that make sense for the students we serve.” 

The campaign carries a simple message: “You learned it. You earned it. Now take the credit.” Learn more at Nevada.edu/CPL. 

The Constellation of Support initiative is led by the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO) and Student-Ready Strategies. “Take the Credit” was supported by a financial assistance award from Ascendium Education Solutions, Inc. 

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