College credit for certification exams

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Earn college credit

Students may receive college credit after completing the requirements for earning some Microsoft Certifications. All eligible Microsoft certifications is listed at https://aka.ms/ACECollegeCredit.

ACE college credit

The American Council on Education (ACE) is a membership organization for U.S. accredited, degree granting institutions that mobilizes the higher education community. ACE is a nationally recognized leader in the evaluation of workforce and military training, providing standards, practices, and tools that higher education institutions rely on.

Many colleges and universities across the nation, including two-year, four-year, public, and private colleges and universities recognize ACE credit recommendations, like Microsoft certifications, as applicable toward a post-secondary degree or certificate.

ACE has reviewed and established credit recommendations for several Microsoft Certification exams. You can see the full list at https://aka.ms/ACECollegeCredit

For more information about ACE, visit https://www.acenet.edu/Programs-Services/Pages/Credit-Transcripts/Students.aspx.

How to send an official transcript to your college or university?

Most institutions consider a certification or transcript official only if it comes from the organization awarding the certification. In other words, you shouldn't email a copy or attachment of your certification or transcript. Instead, you must send your Microsoft Learn transcript via a verifiable link to your college or university.

To apply for certification credit hours for your Microsoft Certification, you'll need to email the following information to your school:

  1. a link to the applicable certification exam title and
  2. a verifiable link to your official Microsoft Learn transcript.

To do this:

  1. Contact your college or university to determine the appropriate recipient and necessary contact information for receiving your Microsoft Learn transcript.
  2. Sign into your Learn profile (or create a Microsoft Learn profile if you haven't). NOTE: Before sharing your Microsoft Learn transcript, ensure you have connected your Microsoft Certification profile to your Learn profile
  3. Select “Transcript” from the menu on the left.
  4. Select “Transcript Settings” and then select “Show legal name”, “Show MCID” and “Show contact email.”
  5. If you are sharing a link for the first time, select “Share link” and then select “Copy link.” If you’ve previously generated a link, select “Copy link.”
  6. Paste the link to your Microsoft Learn transcript into an email addressed to the appropriate contact at your college or university. Before sending the email, please refer to the ACE reviewed Microsoft certification exam at https://aka.ms/ACECollegeCredit) and copy the link for the exam title corresponding to the credential you have earned. Make sure to include this certification exam link in the email to your college or university, along with the link to verify your Microsoft Learn transcript.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How do I receive college credit for a Microsoft Certification?

The American Council on Education (ACE) has reviewed and established credit recommendations for select Microsoft Certifications. Upon earning a credential for an ACE recommended exam, you can send a verifiable link of your official Microsoft Learn transcript to your ACE member college or university and request credit for your certification.

Can I email a copy of my transcript as an attachment to my college or university?

No. You should send a verifiable link to your official Microsoft transcript to request credit. Most institutions consider a transcript official only if it comes from the organization awarding the certification.

Can I still use my Credly transcripts to request college credit for my Microsoft Certification?

Only certifications earned and claimed on Credly prior to June 30, 2023, will be available on the Credly transcripts for sharing.

How do I know if my college or university is an ACE member school?

Check the ACE Members and Associates Directory.

Do colleges and universities accept ACE credits if they aren't an ACE member school?

Yes. Membership isn't required to accept ACE credit recommendations. Many colleges and universities accept ACE credit recommendations as transfer credit! You should check with the admissions or registration team at your school of choice to determine their acceptance policies.