Right now, there is a bipartisan bill that will close a significant gap in educational benefits. The Military Learning for Credit Act was introduced in July 2025 to both the Senate and House (note that H.R.4594 and S.2328 are identical). It has been referred to the House Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity on December 19, 2025.
If it passes, veterans will be able to earn back more college credit from their military experience, including tests and portfolio assessments. It essentially gives a mechanism that facilitates service members’ transition because it further recognizes and translates their military experience and training into civilian certifications and college credit.
“To authorize the use of veterans educational assistance for examinations and assessments to receive credit toward degrees awarded by institutions of higher learning, and for other purposes.”
The Military Learning for Credit Act could save time and money by reducing the need to take duplicative coursework already mastered during military service. It also covers costs for the following:
- DANTES Subject Standardized Test Program (DSST) examination
- College Level Examination Program (CLEP) examination
- National Career Readiness Certificate examination
- Any other examination of a similar nature to an exam specified by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
It gets better.
This new Act would also cover “an assessment by an institution of higher learning of a portfolio or written narrative by a student with supporting documentation that demonstrates prior military training or learning,” which means more relevant credit for prior experiential learning. Currently, educational benefits cover only a portion or none.
How it Works
Most higher education institutions provide ways for students to alternatively satisfy program requirements or request college credit from experiential learning gained from life and work experiences. Sometimes the process may involve documentation and even an interview to determine assessment outcomes and any equivalencies that apply towards a program. Most often, awarded credits result in grades of “P” for passing and do not impact grade point averages or count towards residency requirements.
These equivalencies would clearly demonstrate the knowledge from familiar civilian workforce training and experience because the portfolio of material is more broadly understood. The legislation serves to close the gap where military training and experience are less understood.
A recent review from the California Community Colleges shared that 1 in 5 veterans said they did not receive any postsecondary credit from their military service, and the AACRAO, citing Student Veterans of America studies previously shared that approximately 36 percent of veterans receive college credit for their military training. According to the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL), students receiving credit for prior learning are two and a half times more likely to complete their degree and graduate, which is why the legislation is so important.
Building Traction and Taking Action
The Military Learning for Credit Act of 2025 can help veterans graduate with degrees and attain certifications efficiently using their educational assistance funds, like the GI Bill. By expanding on how the educational benefits will pay for prior learning and skills portfolio assessments, it addresses the gap between veterans’ military training and education and earned credit. It specifically reduces financial barriers, helps translate military experience and training, and supports transitioning military members into civilian careers.
To support the Military Learning for Credit Act of 2025, you can reach out directly to your Senators and U.S. Representatives by telephone, online forms, or e-mail and request that they vote or co-sponsor the legislation. Veteran advocacy organizations, such as Veterans Education Success, can also assist with templates and other support. Building traction with the constituency tells lawmakers that this is a priority for our military community.
![WWII Japanese American Exhibit](http://images01.military.com/sites/default/files/styles/thumbnail_large/public/2026-03/ApNewsroom_WWII_Japanese_American_Exhibit_12259.jpg?itok=DfAr1ess "Rosalyn Tonai, Executive Director at the National Japanese American Historical Society, walks through the "I am an American: The Nisei Soldier Experience" exhibit during an interview at the Military Intelligence Service Historic Learning Center in San Francisco, Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)")
