Credit for Learning by Experience Option (CLEO) is a program that awards college credit to 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. 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 a 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 30 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, check with the Program’s District Wide Coordinator for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many credit hours can I obtain through CLEO?
Students can obtain up to 30 credit hours towards an Associate of Applied Science degree or half the amount of credits needed for a Certificate. The EDTC 1250 Portfolio Development (CLEO course) is a one-time course that teaches students how to compile and submit a CLEO portfolio for credit evaluation. After completing the course, students may submit additional portfolios for potential credit.
Is CLEO available in the Summer semester?
No. The EDTC 1250 Portfolio Development course is only offered in the Fall or Spring semesters. If you already had taken the EDTC 1250 Portfolio Development course during the Fall or Spring semesters, you may work on your portfolio in the Summer, and turn it in for evaluation when the Fall semester starts.
Does CLEO credit transfer to another college/university?
Since CLEO is an alternative credit option for an associate 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 the tuition rate of a two‐credit hours course (one-time fee) and a $55 non‐refundable evaluation fee per each portfolio submitted. Financial Aid does not cover the cost or fees of CLEO’s two credit hours.
Are the submitted portfolios returned?
Yes, after the semester is over the portfolio(s) will be returned upon request.
What happens if I do not complete the CLEO portfolio?
If the student cannot complete the portfolio during the semester, they may request in writing an Incomplete grade from the CLEO coordinator and submit the portfolio the following semester to receive a passing grade.