Military training may produce recommended college credit, but the college decides what it will accept and how accepted credit applies to a degree.
The goal is not to collect the largest number of transfer credits. It is to reduce the requirements that stand between you and graduation.
Request your Joint Services Transcript
The Joint Services Transcript (opens in a new tab) documents eligible military courses and occupational experience. Review it for accuracy and follow the official correction process if information is missing.
The JST is not a college transcript and does not award a degree. It provides information colleges use during evaluation.
Send every transcript
Provide the school with:
- JST
- Previous college transcripts
- Relevant examination transcripts
- Other official training or certification records the school accepts
Do this before taking courses when possible. A delayed evaluation can cause you to repeat material.
Ask how credits apply
Request a written evaluation divided into:
- Major requirements
- General education
- Required supporting courses
- Electives
- Credits that do not apply
A school may advertise acceptance of many military credits while placing most of them into electives. If your degree has limited elective space, those credits may not shorten the program.
Compare degree programs, not transfer totals
Suppose School A accepts 45 credits but applies only 18 to the degree. School B accepts 30 and applies 27. School B may provide the shorter path.
Compare the number and cost of requirements remaining after evaluation.
Use credit-by-examination carefully
DANTES (opens in a new tab) supports military education and testing resources. CLEP and DSST exams may satisfy introductory requirements at participating schools.
Before taking an exam, confirm the school's current policy, required score, credit awarded, and exact requirement satisfied. The CLEP exam page (opens in a new tab) lists available subjects, but each college controls its own acceptance policy.
Consider certifications and prior learning
Some schools award credit for industry certifications, portfolios, or formal prior-learning assessments. Ask:
- Which credentials qualify?
- How many credits are awarded?
- Where do they apply?
- What fee is charged for evaluation?
- Is the credit accepted by other schools if you transfer later?
Do not pay for a certification solely for possible college credit without confirming the policy in writing.
Watch residency requirements
Colleges normally require a minimum number of credits completed through their institution. A generous transfer evaluation does not eliminate residency, upper-level, major, or capstone requirements.
Ask for the complete remaining-degree plan, not only the transfer total.
Keep your own records
Save transcripts, evaluations, degree plans, catalog years, and written decisions. Recheck the plan after changing majors or schools.
Military experience can save significant time, but only when the credits support the chosen degree. Start with the goal, obtain a written evaluation, and compare what remains.
Source review date: September 2026
Mil Marketplace is independent and is not affiliated with the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, or any college. Institutions control their own credit policies. Confirm decisions with the school and official education counselors.
