Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Students’ knowledge and skills might be gained through experiences such as:
- AP, IB, CLEP College Board Exams
- Military service/ training
- Industry recognized credentials
- Portfolio assessment
- Credit-by-examination
This CPL definition does not include knowledge and skills already assessed and awarded credit through formal education at regionally accredited in-state and out-of-state institutions.
CPL can be awarded as units toward electives, LACCD general education areas, and CSU general education areas. It can also be awarded as course equivalency. The UC only accepts course equivalency by credit-by- exam.
There are no fees for CPL and there is no limit to the total units that may be earned via CPL. However, such units do not count toward residency, full-time status, or financial aid status. Consult your counselor to find out if you are eligible for CPL.
Also refer to LACCD Board Policy BP 4235 and Administrative Procedure AP 4235.
Eligibility Requirements
- The student must be in good standing in the district.
- The student must have previously earned credit or noncredit. from the district or be currently registered in the district.
- Current students must have an education plan on file.
- The course is listed in the current college catalog.
- The student is not currently enrolled in the course to be challenged.
Credit by Examination:
- The student is registered in the district and not currently enrolled in nor received credit for a more advanced course in the same subject (may be waived by department)
- Credits acquired by examination are not applicable to meeting of such unit load requirements as Selective Service deferment, Veterans, or Social Security benefits.
There is no limit to the number of semester hours of credit that may be earned through assessment of Credit for Prior Learning except for the requirement that credits acquired through assessment of Credit for Prior Learning shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence required for an associate’s degree.
Resource AP 4235
Petition for CPL Credit
AP, IB and CLEP Exams
AP, IB and CLEP do not require a Credit for Prior Learning Petition. See the AP, IB and CLEP sections (link to each one) for more information on credit awarded for these exams.
Industry Credentials
Student Created Portfolio
Credit by Exam Procedures
1. Students must review and meet the eligibility requirements. There is no fee for Credit by Examination.
2. If all eligibility requirements are met, the student must contact the Department Chair (link to excel spreadsheet) to discuss which courses they would like to take for Credit-By-Exam.
3. Students will fill out the CPL Petition Section I: Course Equivalency of the CPL Petition and submit the petition to the Department Chair or Faculty Designee.
4. The Department Chair or Faculty Designee will work with Admissions Office for a full review of the petition and ensure the eligibility requirements are met.
5. If the eligibility requirements are met, the Department Chair or Faculty Designee will contact the student to make an appointment date(s) to conduct testing. More than one date may be required by some courses.
6. The Department Chair or Faculty Designee will communicate the results of the exam(s) to the student.
7. The student may accept or reject the grade(s). The student will complete Section 2: Course Equivalent Result Acceptance of the petition indicating if they accept or reject the result(s).
8. The faculty member shall sign off on the petition with the recorded grade, if the grade has been accepted by the student, and submit it to the Admissions Office.
9. Admissions and Records will document the result and notate the student’s transcript.
Grading Procedures
-
- Grading shall be according to the regular grading system in accordance with BP/AP 4230 Grading and Academic Record Symbols
- Students shall be offered a “Pass/No Pass” option, in accordance with AP 4232 Pass/No Pass Grading Option, if that option is ordinarily available for the course
- Students shall be given the opportunity to accept, decline, or appeal the grade assigned by the faculty, and in cases of Credit by Examination, pursuant to AP 4230 Grading and Academic Record Symbols, and AP 4231 Grade Changes
Assessment Grading Procedures
-
- Grading shall be according to the regular grading system in accordance with BP/AP 4230 Grading and Academic Record Symbols
- Students shall be offered a “Pass/No Pass” option, in accordance with AP 4232 Pass/No Pass Grading Option, if that option is ordinarily available for the course
- Students shall be given the opportunity to accept, decline, or appeal the grade assigned by the faculty, and in cases of Credit by Examination, pursuant to AP 4230 Grading and Academic Record Symbols, and AP 4231 Grade Changes
Credit for Transfer to UC and CSU
|
|
University of California |
California State University |
|
AP |
Yes |
Yes |
|
IB |
Yes |
Yes |
|
CLEP |
Does not accept |
Yes |
|
Industry Recognized Credentials |
Does not accept |
Yes |
|
Military training/experience |
Evaluated after transfer |
Yes |
|
Portfolio Assessment |
Does not accept |
Yes |
|
Credit-By-Exam |
Yes |
Yes |
College Board Exams
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who hold industry credentials and certifications are graduates of service academies were trained for military occupations, or have work experience that can be demonstrated through an exam or portfolio review may qualify for credit for prior learning.
Each CPL eligible course will have different methods of assessment. These methods include:
- Military Transcript
- Credit by Exam
- Portfolio Review
- Industry Certification/Accreditation or License
- AP, IB, CLEP
Check out our CPL Course List!
If you have prior learning experience that you feel would qualify for CPL, but you don’t see the discipline or course in our list, please email @email
We are still building our CPL database and will reach out to our faculty on your behalf to see if CPL is a good fit!
There is no cost for CPL.
Contact xx, CPL Counselor at @email or at (818)xxx-xxxx to set up a “CPL counseling appointment”.
For students interested in CPL, contact xx, CPL Counselor at @email or at (818)xxx-xxxx to set up a “CPL counseling appointment.”
For faculty and staff interested in learning more about CPL and potential opportunities for students within your disciplines, contact xx, Interim CPL Coordinator, at @email.
Military students - follow the steps on the Veterans Services website to send your official military transcripts to Los Angeles Pierce College.
No. You just need to be registered at Palomar College in order to apply for Credit for Prior Learning.
The "registered" student, as defined for CPL, is a student that has been admitted to Los Angeles Pierce College, has a Los Angeles Pierce College student ID number and is eligible to enroll.
Go to the Apply for Credit for Prior Learning link in the site menu and follow the instructions.