Military Credit Transfer FAQs

How is my military training and experience applied to a degree program at Colorado Technical University?

CTU uses American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines to determine if your military training, occupations, and experience are applicable to your degree program.

In order for credit to be awarded, the military training, occupations, and experience listed on your military transcript must match the courses/outcomes that are part of your degree program at CTU. Since CTU operates on a quarter credit hour system, any ACE credit recommendations will be converted from semester hours to the quarter hour system.

Do I have to be on active duty to have my military training and experience applied towards transfer credit at CTU?

No. We will evaluate all of your military training and experience whether you are Active Duty, Inactive, Retired, or Separated, from any branch of service, including the National Guard and Reserves.

In addition to my military training and experience, what else may be applied as transfer credit towards the degree I want to pursue?

CTU will evaluate any previously completed college coursework (“C” grade or 2.0 or better) or standardized tests (e.g. AP, CLEP and DSST examinations), completed prior to, during, or after your military service, for transfer credit. In order for transfer credit to be awarded, the coursework or tests completed must match the courses/outcomes that are part of your degree program at CTU.

CTU will also evaluate any certifications (e.g., MSCE, MCP) or work experience, achieved prior to, during, or after your military service, for proficiency credit. In order for proficiency credit to be awarded, your certifications or work experience must match the courses/outcomes that are part of your degree program. We also offer CTU Fast Track^™, a set of technology-driven learning assessments which allow students to earn credit for existing knowledge and apply that credit toward their Associate or Bachelor’s degree.

How many credit hours can I expect to get for my military training and experience?*

Military personnel can receive varying amounts of credit applied to their degree program based on specific training. On average, military students at CTU earn about 12 credits just from previous military training, which is equivalent to two to three courses. There are many variables that go into determining transfer credit eligibility, so your situation may qualify for more or less credit.

If training or MOS does not carry ACE credit, it cannot be accepted as transfer credit. The ACE recommendation needs to carry 2 semester hours of credit in order to be applied. The ACE recommended credits also must be lower or upper level (indicated by L or U next to the awarded credit on transcript). Vocational credits (indicated by X next to awarded credit on transcript) are not applicable for transfer.

What are CLEP and DSST examinations and can they count as credit towards my degree? Where can I take these exams?

The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is a credit-by-examination program to achieve college-level credit. CLEP offers tests in a variety of subject areas (English/Literature, Math/Science, Social Science/History, Business, and Foreign Language) that, if taken and passed, can satisfy undergraduate requirements. CLEP tests can be taken as many times as needed. However, if you don’t receive a passing score on a test, you must wait three months before retaking the same test. More information about CLEP tests is available at www.collegeboard.org.

The DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST) provides another avenue to earn credit through examination. DSST also offers tests in a variety of subject areas (Business, Physical Science, Humanities, and Social Science) that, if taken and passed, can satisfy undergraduate requirements. More information about DSST tests is available at www.getcollegecredit.com. Eligible military personnel can take CLEP and DSST tests free of charge. Talk to your Education Officer or Test Control Officer for more information and testing procedures. Study materials and practice examinations are available at most of these offices.

*Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.