St. Ambrose University

Experiential Learning


PORTFOLIO

One way to earn credits for prior learning is to create a Portfolio.

A portfolio is a tangible document that typically contains the following information:

  • Statement of personal goals, both personal and educational;
  • A clear statement to the knowledge and skills not learned in college for which a person hopes to receive credit;
  • Information that links the knowledge and skills to the person's goals and educational program; and
  • Evidence that substantiates the person's claim to learning.

You may click here to review our portfolio manual, or contact Laurie Harrison with any questions.

COMPETENCY EXAMS (Test-outs)

Certain departments allow students the opportunity to take a special course examination that was prepared by the academic department. Upon successful completion of the exam, students can receive college credits for the course.

KIN (PED) 149 Wellness Concepts Test-out
Students who earn a certain score on the test-out may receive credit for Wellness Concepts. Check the "News & Events" section of this web page for the test-out schedule. Study information is available at http://web.sau.edu/hpess. Students must register for the test-out no later than one week prior to the testing date. Students can discuss this option with their academic advisor.

COLLEGE LEVEL EXAM PROGRAM (CLEP TESTS)

More than 2,800 accreditations institutions of higher education award credit for satisfactory scores on CLEP examinations. CLEP provides a reliable and effective means for colleges and universities to grant credit, placement, and exemption by examination to traditional 18-to-22-year-old students , working students, recent high school graduates and part time or non-traditional adult students. Through CLEP exams students can:

  • Accumulate credit toward a degree by demonstrating knowledge gained independent start studies at a higher level, and save valuable time and money.
  • Show competence in a subject to determine placement, particularly for foreign languages.
  • Demonstrate sufficient knowledge of a subject area to earn exemption from an introductory course.
  • Click here for information on registration for CLEP tests.

Call 333-6331 or 333-6477 to determine what CLEP tests are available, the testing dates, and registration deadlines.

DEFENSE ACTIVITY FOR NONTRADITIONAL EDUCATION SUPPORT (DANTES TESTING)

Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES) testing is available for students who are associated with a governmental occupation.

Students who perform satisfactory on the DANTES Subject Standardized Tests as well as the United States Armed Forces Institute (USAFI) tests may be able to reduce the amount of time ordinarily required to earn a bachelor's degree.

If you have any questions about DANTES, please contact Neala McCarthy in the ACCEL Office at 441-9500 or e-mail her at HarrisonLauraL@sau.edu.