Credit for Prior Learning

Policy Number: 5.1.3

Policy Statement:

Awarding credit for prior learning is a process by which formal college credit is granted for learning experiences in formal or informal educational settings. It provides the opportunity for individuals who have gained knowledge, skills, and abilities to have that education recognized as being valuable and legitimized through the assignation of equivalent semester credit hours.

Policy Rational:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a comprehensive term used to describe credit awarded for learning gained outside a traditional postsecondary academic environment. “Prior Learning Assessment” (PLA) is also used to describe CPL. CPL involves the evaluation and assessment of an individual’s learning obtained through activities such as working, participating in employer training programs, serving in the military, studying independently, completing advanced secondary level coursework, studying open source coursework, volunteering or doing community service. CPL may take the form of postsecondary credit, credentials, or advanced standing toward further education or training.

Policy Owner:

Office of the President

Full Policy: