Credit for prior learning (CPL) is credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside a college classroom—it’s a strategy to grant students credit for what they already know and can do.
Across the nation, individual institutions and systems of higher education are implementing comprehensive CPL practices to help working adults reskill and achieve quality credentials that increase their economic mobility.
To get started:
Frequently Asked Questions by Faculty
How is CPL defined in Title 5?
On September 16, 2019, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges approved a revision to Title 5, Section 55050 that redesigns how students at California Community Colleges receive credit for prior learning. The new regulation aims to make the process more consistent and equitable for students who come to community colleges with college-level skills and knowledge acquired in a variety of non-classroom settings.
What are some benefits of CPL?
Research suggests that CPL benefits students and colleges by increasing completion and closing achievement gaps. In California, this means CPL can help the system achieve the goals outlined in the Vision for Success and increase college funding through improving measures on the Student Centered Funding Formula metrics.
CPL Research Source: CAEL Fueling the Race for Postsecondary Success
What is Palomar’s policy on CPL?
Policy AP4235 Credit for Prior Learning is a great resource to learn more about the different methods of assessment that Palomar accepts for Credit for Prior Learning.
- AP – Advanced Placement
- IB – International Baccalaureate
- CLEP – College Level Examination Program
- Military Service/Training
- Industry Recognized Credentials
- Student-Centered Portfolio Assessment
- Credit by Examination from Within the District
Is there a cost to students for CPL?
There is no cost for CPL, including Credit by Exam.
What steps do I need to take to make my course CPL eligible?
Congrats on taking the first step to make your course CPL eligible, and helping your students earn credit for the knowledge and skills they may have gained through experiences such as military training, industry training, state/federal government training, volunteer and civic activities (e.g. Peace Corps), apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning or other industry-based experiential learning!
Please review the website and resources to familiarize yourself with CPL. Once you are ready to make your course eligible for CPL, follow the Faculty CPL Checklist.
What do I need to know about Portfolio Review and Exam assessments?
- CPL portfolios and exams are administered, assessed, and graded by discipline faculty.
- Discipline faculty create the exam or portfolio outline/rubric to assess if a student has met the learning outcomes through their prior military or work experience.
- Students can choose to receive a letter grade or a Pass/No Pass (if the course offers the P/NP option).
- Students must accept or decline their grade in the petition form prior to the faculty posting the grade to the grade roster.
- Faculty can use the CPL Portfolio Rubric Generator AI tool to draft an outline and rubric for portfolio assessments and to share with students.
- Faculty archive the student’s portfolio or exam in the Canvas shell that is generated by exam or portfolio class section.
How do I access and approve the CPL Petition eForm?
Who do I contact for more information?
Contact the CPL Coordinator at cpl@palomar.edu