Credit For Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is one way in which students are able to earn university-level units for previous learning experiences outside the traditional college classroom setting. Up to 30 units may be earned through CPL. A maximum of 12 units may be vocational in nature.

In order for these “Prior Learning” experiences to be accepted for university credit, a student must be able to answer “yes” to these three questions.

Is the prior learning experience...

  1. Verifiable? Is there a way to verify participation in the learning experience? This can be a Certificate, a HR report, a state-issued License, a College transcript, Military records, etc. Tangible proof of completion of the learning experience is required.

  2. Measurable? Can the number of hours/days spent in the learning experience be sustanciated? In some cases a signed letter on company letterhead from the agency doing the training or teaching the course may be necessary.

  3. Learning? Does the training have a knowledge base, and not just an experiential format? A short description of what was learned in the training or course is needed. Remember, this is what has been learned, not what has been done.

For more information about CPL see Credit for Prior Learning in the Student Handbook.

If you feel that you have previous learning experiences that would qualify for CPL units, talk with your Academic Counselor or contact the CPL Coordinator at 562.903.4712. They can help you decide how to proceed and will help you fill out the CPL Proposal Form.

Fee

There is a non-refundable $50 CPL Evalutation Fee that must accompany each proposal.

CPL Proposal Form

Download the CPL Proposal Form (PDF).

*updated 8/09