Credit for Prior Learning

What if we told you that you can earn college credit for experience and expertise gained outside of the classroom? Through our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program, you can be recognized and given college credit for knowledge, skills and competencies that you gained through work experience, military service, volunteer work and more. 

Learn how you can leverage your prior learning to save time and money on your college education.

How to Apply
You must be an enrolled student to qualify for CPL. To begin the CPL application process, speak with your academic advisor. They will be able to walk you through the process and work with you to petition the appropriate academic schools or colleges for CPL. That petition involves a flat nonrefundable fee of $250. If your petition is accepted, you’ll be provided access to a self-paced online resource that guides you through the application process.

FAQs

What is CPL?
CPL stands for Credit for Prior Learning. It’s a way to earn college credit for prior learning, such as on-the-job training or military service, that you experienced outside of a traditional classroom.

How does CPL work?
If you’ve gained college-level knowledge or skills through work, life experiences, military service, etc., you can apply for CPL. We’ll evaluate the knowledge and skills described in your application, and if they match with specific courses that we offer, you can earn credit.

What kind of experiences count for CPL?
Many things count! Work experience, military service, volunteering, certifications, and even hobbies. If you’re good at something, it might be worth college credit.

How does the evaluation process of prior learning experiences work?
CPL is assessed by the relevant dean or program director at two levels. First, a student's petition for CPL is reviewed. Should the relevant dean or program head find that the petition supports the idea that the student has already demonstrated their proficiency with course outcomes, they may elect to accept the petition. The student then organizes their detailed portfolio, which is also submitted to the relevant dean or program head for review. Should the portfolio demonstrate that the student has indeed meet the relevant course outcomes, it can be passed and the student will be awarded CPL for the course in question.

Whether a student’s petition or portfolio are accepted or denied, all decisions are final and cannot be appealed.

Why should I care about CPL?
Getting credit for what you already know saves time and money. It means taking fewer classes, which can help you graduate faster.

Is there a limit to how much CPL credit I can get?
Students can apply for up to 30 undergraduate credits or 9 graduates credits. Students must submit individual applications, each associated with a $250 fee, for every course for which they hope to earn CPL. 

Does CPL affect my GPA?
CPL typically does not impact your GPA. CPL credits are often “pass/fail,” which means you may receive credit for the course, but not a letter grade.