Updated

Five New Jersey colleges are experimenting with offering students college credits for showing what they have learned from their jobs and life experience.

Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno announced the pilot program Thursday at Thomas Edison State College. The Trenton school already uses such methods.

Essex County College, New Jersey City University, the New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rowan University have agreed to try the approach too.

Supporters say students will have to take tests or prepare portfolios of their work to show what they have learned in the program aimed at working adults.

Supporters say getting credits without paying for classes is a way to help students earn college degrees faster and at a lower cost.