Credit alternatives allow local school systems to take advantage of community learning resources as an enrichment for, or supplement to, school learning experiences. The first part of this handbook describes credit alternatives that may be used by local school systems to provide individualized curricula for diagnostic and prescriptive instruction. Three major examples of credit in lieu of enrollment programs are credit by examination, exemption by examination, and independent directed study. Five major examples of credit for planned off-campus experiences include (1) enrollment in courses at other institutions; (2) joint enrollment programs with community colleges or technical schools; (3) training internships with community or government agencies; (4) work-study cooperative programs; and (5) travel or enrichment programs. Attendance options and systematic planning considerations for development of credit alternatives are also listed. The second section, "Awarding Credit for Off Campus Experiences," describes an experience-based career education program in Dawson County and Franklin County High Schools (Georgia). It discusses present Georgia policies in relation to awarding credit and how the procedures developed in this project might be helpful to policymakers in credit determination for community-based learning programs in their own schools. Worksheets for job analysis are included, along with seven appendixes: package goal checklists, student profile, needs/goals, learning plans, monitoring progress, summary evaluation, and student resume. (TE)