Your professional training has value — CPL makes it count.
How CPL works
Your POST-Certified Basic Police Academy training is evaluated and matched to college coursework in Administration of Justice — earning you college units through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). These credits count toward your Certificate of Achievement and AS in Administration of Justice (transferable to many universities) and can reduce your required units by up to 30 credits, often covering most or all core courses. Once you finish general education, you’re ready to apply for your degree.
Why this matters
Earning free college credit for your training pays off:
- Accelerates eligibility for Intermediate and Advanced POST Certificates
- Qualifies you for education incentive pay at many agencies
- Strengthens competitiveness for promotions and specialized assignments
- Saves time and tuition for training you’ve already completed
How to get started
- Access your POST Profile on the POST website
- Follow our Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for CPL Credits
- Meet with a CPL Counselor to build your education plan
- Questions? Contact an AJ Discipline Expert at policeacademy@palomar.edu or the CPL Coordinator at cpl@palomar.edu
Your CPL credits also automatically qualify you for the Palomar College AJ Certificate of Achievement — no extra coursework needed. Once approved, just submit a graduation petition.
Useful Links
- POST Professional Peace Officer Certificates
- Palomar College Transcripts
- AJ Certificate of Achievement
- Graduation Petition (for a Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree)
Steps to Apply for CPL
CPL FAQs
The petition takes less than 10 minutes to complete. Be sure to already have your POST Profile downloaded from the POST website and ensure that your Palomar College student account is up to date and active. The steps provided in our step-by-step guide make it easy to complete the CPL petition in just a few minutes.
Each semester has specific CPL petition deadlines for when you may apply.
The CPL petition goes through a multi-step review and approval process with the CPL Coordinator, academic counselor, discipline expert, and department chair. The timeline varies slightly with each case, but most petition approvals are completed within 1-2 weeks of submission.
Approved CPL petitions are sent to the Evaluations Office. CPL credits are processed and appear on a transcript by the end of the semester when the petition was approved.
Once your Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) units have been awarded, you are eligible for your Administration of Justice Certificate of Achievement — an official credential that recognizes your professional training and academic progress.
By submitting your Graduation Petition before a posted semester deadline, you will:
- Earn a Certificate of Achievement recorded on your official college transcript
- Receive a formal certificate mailed to you after the semester concludes
- Gain a recognized academic milestone earned after completing 18 units
Your CPL credits don’t just reduce coursework — they help you earn a valuable credential that demonstrates your commitment, experience, and advancement in the field.
This certificate is more than a document — it’s a stepping stone toward your associate degree, future promotions, and continued professional growth. It does not cost you anything and is an academic award you may receive using your law enforcement training. Don’t leave it unclaimed!
Palomar College has dedicated CPL academic counselors who are available to help you create a clear, personalized plan to complete your degree. The college offers three different Administration of Justice associate degree options, allowing you to choose the path that best fits your goals.
If you’ve completed coursework at other institutions, those credits may apply toward your degree requirements. With a wide range of online and in-person classes available, you can complete your general education and major requirements in a format that works with your schedule.
Your CPL credits put you halfway to earning your degree — you’ve already built the momentum. Now is the time to keep moving forward and finish what you started.
Talk to your agency’s training manager to verify if your department can assist you with the application for an Intermediate or Advanced POST Certificate. Certificate applications are submitted online through the POST Website. Visit the POST Professional Certificates FAQs page for more information.
Contact an Administration of Justice Discipline Expert at policecademy@palomar.edu or the CPL Coordinator at cpl@palomar.edu with any questions. We are here to help!