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Credit for Learning by Experience Option (CLEO) is a program that awards college credit to currently enrolled, non‐traditional students who have never attended or graduated college, but have obtained at least five years of professional knowledge and experience from various sources. Currently enrolled students will follow a step‐by‐step process that compiles their professional knowledge into an organized document called a portfolio that matches the learning outcomes of a credit course syllabus.
If you are an actively enrolled student who has job‐related experience, volunteer work, in‐service training, workshops or conferences, military experience, travel, reading or other sources of knowledge CLEO can be an alternative way to obtain credit hours towards your degree or certification without having to take the classes. CLEO students can obtain up to 45 credits hours towards an Associate of Applied Science degree or half the amount of credits needed for a Certificate. Contact us to receive an overview of the CLEO program and instructions on how to register.
Programs Eligible for CLEO:
- Fire Technology Degrees
- Criminal Justice Option
- Child Development
- Sign Language Interpreter Preparation
- Information Technology in Business
- Business Management Office Administration
Please Note - this is not a comprehensive list. For more information check with a Career and Technical District Wide Coordinator.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credit hours can I obtain through CLEO?
Students can obtain up to 45 credit hours towards an Associate of Applied Science degree or half the amount of credits needed for a Certificate. The CLEO program allows students the opportunity to showcase their prior learning experience by compiling and submitting a CLEO portfolio for credit evaluation. After completing the program, students may submit additional portfolios for potential credit.
Is CLEO available in the Summer semester?
No. The CLEO program is only offered in the Fall or Spring semesters.
Does CLEO credit transfer to another college/university?
Since CLEO is an alternative credit option for an associate of applied science degree or certificate at EPCC, the student will have to check if CLEO credits transfer to the institution(s) of their choice.
How much does CLEO cost?
Students are responsible for paying a $95 non‐refundable evaluation fee per each portfolio submitted. Financial Aid does not cover the cost or fees associated with the CLEO program.