At Community College of Denver (CCD), what you already know may also help you earn college credit, save money, and graduate sooner. Whether it be your work experience, military training, industry certifications or previous education, the valuable knowledge you’ve gained could qualify you for the CCD Momentum Credit program and enable you to receive credit for courses you already know.
During CCD Momentum Credit Week, September 13–19, 2026, students and prospective students are invited to discover how prior learning can become an advantage on the path to a college credential.
What Is Momentum Credit?
CCD's Momentum Credit program toward Momentum Creditrecognizes college-level learning acquired outside a traditional college classroom. Eligible students may earn credit by demonstrating that their existing knowledge and skills meet the learning requirements of a CCD course.
Students may demonstrate their competency through:
- Previous work experience
- Military education and training
- Industry certifications and professional licenses
- Previous academic coursework
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams
- Faculty-developed challenge exams
- Portfolio assessments
Credit is awarded for demonstrated college-level competency. For students who are unsure about whether they qualify, the Momentum Credit team helps students identify the experiences that may count toward Momentum Credit, as well as other options for demonstrating competency.
A Faster, More Affordable Path Forward
For many students, the journey to a degree comes with balancing work, family, caregiving, and other responsibilities. Time is already a luxury in these circumstances, and repeating courses and material they already know is not something students can afford to do.
With the CCD Momentum Credit program, students may reduce the number of courses they need to complete, lowering tuition costs and helping you move more quickly toward your educational and career goals.
National research supports the value of this approach. A major study from the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning and the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education examined 238,760 adult students at 72 institutions. Researchers found that 49% of adult students who earned prior-learning credit received a degree or college credential, compared with 27% of students who did not receive it.
Furthermore, adult degree earners who received at least 12 prior-learning credits also finished their degree approximately nine to 14 months sooner and saved an estimated $1,500 to $10,200 in tuition.
Colorado research also found that community college students who earned prior-learning credit had a higher probability of earning a degree and completed their degrees more quickly. All in all, Momentum Credit can help you save money and earn your degree faster.
How the Process Works
The process is simple:
- Apply to CCD.
- Meet with the Momentum Credit team.
- Submit documentation or complete an approved assessment.
- Receive any eligible college credit.
- Apply that credit toward an approved program and continue toward graduation.
Because every student’s experience and academic program are different, the amount and type of credit awarded will vary. Meeting with the Momentum Credit team can help you understand your individual options before moving forward.
Get Credit for What You Already Know
You have already invested time and effort in building your knowledge. Now, let CCD help you explore whether those experiences can move you closer to a degree.
Join us for CCD Momentum Credit Week, September 13–19, 2026, and turn your experience into an educational advantage.
Visit ccd.edu/momentum-credit, call 303-352-6810, or visit the CNF 216 at the Confluence Center to get started.
Start Smart. Finish Strong.
Click here to learn more about the Momentum Credit Program, and reach out to see if you qualify
