Learn how IEC Fort Worth apprenticeship graduates can continue their education through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), college partnerships, and ACE credit recommendations.
What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows colleges and universities to recognize learning that occurs outside a traditional college classroom. Instead of repeating material you have already mastered, colleges may award academic credit for documented knowledge and experience. Examples include:
- Registered Apprenticeships
- Military Training
- Industry Certifications
- Professional Licenses
- Prior College Coursework
- CLEP Examinations
- Work Experience
How Does IEC Fit Into Credit for Prior Learning?
IEC’s nationally recognized apprenticeship curriculum has been evaluated by the American Council on Education (ACE) through its College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®). ACE provides college credit recommendations based on the knowledge and competencies demonstrated during the apprenticeship program.
These recommendations become part of your official ACE/Credly transcript, which participating colleges may evaluate as part of their Credit for Prior Learning process.
Important: ACE provides recommendations. Each college determines how those recommendations apply to an individual student’s degree program.
| Apprenticeship Year | ACE Recommendation |
|---|---|
| First Year | 15 Semester Hours |
| Second Year | 15 Semester Hours |
| Third Year | 12 Semester Hours |
| Fourth Year | 15 Semester Hours |
| Total | Up to 57 Semester Hours |
How the Process Works
Take these steps to move forward today!
- Contact your IEC Fort Worth to verify your student record is on file and all training documentation is complete.
- Complete the ACE College Credit Request form and submit it to IEC Fort Worth to verify and sign, indicating that they certify the accuracy of the information provided.
- Send the completed request form to Chrissy Skudera, Sr. Director of Training and Curriculum Development, at cskudera@ieci.org.
- IEC National will upload your information to Acclaim and issue digital badge(s) for your IEC training.
- An email from the Acclaim Platform (admin@youracclaim.com) will be sent with instructions for claiming your badge and setting up your account.
- Once you have created your Acclaim account and accepted your IEC badge(s), you may then send a formal transcript to a college or university.
Learn more about the ACE College Credit and IEC at the IEC National website.
Each institution has the sole discretion to determine whether it will accept ACE credit recommendations based on the degree program you have applied to attend
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I automatically receive 57 college credit hours?
No. ACE evaluates IEC’s apprenticeship curriculum and provides college credit recommendations. Each college determines how those recommendations apply toward an individual student’s degree program.
Will every college award the same amount of credit?
No. Every college establishes its own academic policies regarding transfer credit, residency requirements, and Credit for Prior Learning.
Can I transfer previous college coursework too?
Yes. Transfer credit for previous college classes and Credit for Prior Learning are separate evaluation processes. Many students may qualify for both.
Do I need to complete the apprenticeship?
Yes, for the most part. Students must successfully complete the apprenticeship program before pursuing Credit for Prior Learning based on apprenticeship training. This can depend on the institution itself, so please reach out to the institution that you are trying to transfer to.
What documentation do I need?
Generally:
IEC completion verification
DOL Certificate of Completion (when applicable)
ACE/Credly transcript
Previous college transcripts
Other documentation requested by the college
Local DFW Colleges
Dallas College
Dallas College has completed a formal crosswalk of the IEC electrical apprenticeship program. Graduates who successfully complete the Registered Apprenticeship and receive their U.S. Department of Labor Certificate of Completion may be eligible for approximately 42–49 credit hours toward Dallas College’s 60-credit electrical Associate of Applied Science degree.
Students must complete at least one three-credit course through Dallas College before the CPL credits are posted to their Dallas College transcript. Individual degree requirements and credit applicability are determined by Dallas College.
Students begin by submitting a CPL Interest Form and meeting with a Dallas College advisor for an individualized evaluation.
Ready to Continue Your Education?
Whether you’re completing your apprenticeship or graduated years ago, IEC Fort Worth can help you begin the next step toward earning a college degree.
