CPL FAQs for Faculty
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, check out the Faculty CPL Checklist
Check out the: CPL Materials and Resources and the Faculty perspective on CPL
Frequently Asked Questions
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
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
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.
Canvas has an easy-to-use ePortfolio option that you and your students can use for portfolio assessment - check out this very helpful Palomar Teaching Excellence page on Portfolium ePortfolio
Create a portfolio rubric with this template: PC-CPL-RUBRIC-final v04
Here are two great Rubric examples from CFT and Graphics
Graphics Guidance on Prior Learning GCIP 141 Photoshop rubric 2
Cabinet and Furniture Technology CPL Rubric
Contact the Interim CPL Coordinator, Candace Rose, at cpl@palomar.edu or crose@palomar.edu