Your knowledge and life experience can earn you college credit
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is academic credit that is awarded to students who can successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You could have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money toward earning your degree. (See below for more information…)
Are you an adult learner thinking about going back to college? We are ready to help—and here are some ways Inver Hills Community College provides topflight support:
- Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): Multiple options to apply your experience, training and knowledge toward your degree
- ASAP (Adult Success Accelerated Pathways)
- Full-time and part-time scheduling
- Customized advising to develop a plan just for you
- In-person and online tutoring so you can work smarter and faster
- Scholarships, support, and more for students who want to finish college
- In-person, online, hybrid, accelerated, and evening courses
- Search for courses using Advanced Search
Now is the time to discover your future.
Call 651-450-3000, view the Getting Started Guide, or attend an Adult Learner Info Session.
WHAT: Adult Learner Info Session
WHEN:
Tuesday, March 3, 2026 • 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
(Inver Hills Community College)RSVP
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 • 5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
(Dakota County Technical College)RSVP
Learn about both colleges at either session. Application fees will be waived if you apply that day.
WHERE:
Inver Hills Community College
2500 80th Street East
Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076
Maps & DirectionsDakota County Technical College (DCTC)
1300 145th Street East
Rosemount, MN 55068
Location & MapsBig goals, but not much time? Discover flexible courses designed for busy adults at both Inver Hills and DCTC. Come explore how college can fit your life, not the other way around.
RSVP to complete the following:
- Meet faculty and get a feel for campus
- Learn about Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) and credit transfer
- Talk to Admissions and get your college questions answered
- Explore scholarships, financial aid, and how to pay for college
Inver Hills and DCTC: Spring semester classes start January 12, 2026
Find Inver Hills spring semester classes
Find DCTC spring semester classesInver Hills: First summer session classes start May 26, 2026
DCTC: First summer session classes start May 19, 2026Find Inver Hills summer session classes
Find DCTC summer session classesInver Hills and DCTC: Fall semester classes start August 24, 2026
More about CPL at Inver Hills…
Prior Learning Assessment
Our assessments are formally created by faculty or the department and are available in our online learning platform, D2L Brightspace. Assessments take a combination of skills approach. Students may be asked to test, demonstrate, and/or write to show their learning is college level and is equivalent to the course they are assessing. Students will also be asked to provide pieces of evidence for their learning.
The cost of assessment is about $110 per credit. Inver Hills has been offering Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) opportunities for over 20 years.
LEARN MORE…
CLEP® Exams
See CLEP®Exam Equivalencies
Our institution provides credit for successful scores on several CLEP® exams. The table lists the exam(s) for which credit is granted, the required score, and the equivalent course you would bypass. Accepted by 2,900 colleges and universities, CLEP® exams let students show their mastery of college-level material in introductory subjects. With a qualifying score on any of the 33 CLEP® exams, students can earn three or more credits and place out of the corresponding course.
How do I prepare for a CLEP®
CLEP® study materials can be found on the CLEP® website. Access sample test questions, exam topics, and other suggested study resources.
Modern States — Free online prep courses
Modern States Education Alliance is a non-profit organization intended to let students earn up to one year of college credit without tuition or textbook expense. Modern States offers 30 high quality prep courses, taught by some of the world’s leading universities and professors. Each course includes online lectures, quizzes, tests, and other features. Textbooks and materials will also be provided online, free of charge.
The courses are designed to prepare students for the major “Advanced Placement” (AP)* or “College Level Examination Program” (CLEP®)* tests offered by the College Board, including subjects such as History, Computer Science, Math, English and Economics. Once you have completed the prep course with Modern States you can then Request a CLEP® Voucher from the Modern States website for a free CLEP® exam.
How do I get credit for CLEP®?
When you register for a CLEP® exam, request that a copy of your score report be sent to your college. After receiving your score, the college will decide whether or not to award you credit for, or to exempt you from, one or more courses based on its CLEP® credit policy.
Military Service Members
(Includes Active Duty/Reserves/National Guard): There’s no exam fee for the first attempt of each CLEP® test, but you may have to pay the college’s administration fee. If you test at a fully funded test center, the administration fee is waived. Military personnel must present military ID. Check the CLEP® website for eligibility requirements.
I’m ready to take the CLEP.
LEARN MORE…
AP — Advanced Placement
See AP Course Equivalencies
The AP Program offers college-level courses and exams that you can take in high school. AP courses allow you to save time and money by earning college credit in high school. Check out the AP Website for more information.
LEARN MORE…
IB — International Baccalaureate Exam
See IB Equivalencies
The IB is education for students from age 3 to 19, comprising of four programs that focus on teaching students to think critically and independently, but also how to inquire with care and logic. The IB prepares students to succeed in a world where facts and fiction merge in the news, and where asking the right questions is a crucial skill that will allow them to flourish long after they’ve left our programs. For more information go to the IB website.
Industry Training/Credential Crosswalks
Many industry trainings and certificates can potentially be worth credit. Our faculty have examined the credential in their area and have aligned them to IHCC courses. If you have any of these credentials that align with the program you are taking at Inver Hills, contact us and present a copy of your current-non-expired certificate or training. This list is subject to change at any time, so please check with us.
Learn more about how you can obtain Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) by taking this survey:
CPL Survey
ASAP, or Adult Success through Accelerated Pathways, is a collection of programs that are flexible and convenient for nontraditional adult learners. Whether you are looking to transfer to a four-year intuition or finish an Associates degree for a career change or promotion, you can earn a college degree at an accelerated, flexible, and independent pace.
And, you may be able to earn college credit for the knowledge and skills you’ve gained through your work and life experiences. ASAP uses Prior Learning Assessments (PLA) and other credit for prior learning (CPL) tools to match your know-how with college courses, saving you money as well as time in the classroom.
LEARN MORE…
Learn more about opportunities for adult learners at Inver Hills by contacting:
Admissions Team
admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3902
866-576-0689
College Center
- Want more information? Fill out an inquiry form.
- Ready to apply? Fill out an application.
- Want to virtually visit campus? Check out our upcoming visit opportunities.
- Can’t make it to campus? Take our virtual tour.
Want to connect with an advisor? Check out our virtual drop-in hours or email admissions@inverhills.edu to request a campus-based or phone appointment.
