What is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for Prior Learning awards FREE college credit for training and learning gained outside a college classroom. Earn credits for your law enforcement training. You’re already doing the work – you might as well get the credit!
How does CPL work?
Your POST-Certified Basic Police Academy training has been evaluated by subject matter experts and aligned with college-level coursework in Administration of Justice. Through our Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) process, your official POST Profile (POST training record) is reviewed and college units are awarded for your completed law enforcement training.
These credits apply directly toward an Associate Degree in Administration of Justice and are transferable to many universities.
By receiving CPL credits, you may satisfy most — and in many cases all — core course requirements for the degree, reducing the number of required units by up to 30 credits. After completing your general education requirements, you will be eligible to apply for your associate degree.
Why This Matters
Earning college credit for your prior training provides meaningful career advantages:
- Accelerates eligibility for Intermediate and Advanced POST Certificates
- Qualifies you for education incentive pay offered by many agencies
- Strengthens competitiveness for promotions and specialized assignments
- Saves time and tuition by recognizing the training you have already completed
Your professional training has value — CPL ensures it counts toward your academic and career advancement.
How to get started
- Obtain your POST Profile (click here to find out how to access your POST Profile on the POST website)
- Follow our Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply for CPL Credits using your POST-certified police academy training
- Set up an appointment with a CPL Counselor to create an education plan
- Reach out to an AJ Discipline Expert at policecademy@palomar.edu or contact the CPL Coordinator at cpl@palomar.edu with any questions.
Not only does CPL credit satisfy requirements for an associate degree, it automatically qualifies you to earn the Palomar College Administration of Justice Certificate of Achievement with no extra coursework needed! Once your CPL credits are approved, submit a graduation petition for the Certificate of Achievement.
Useful Links
Palomar College Credit for Prior Learning
POST Professional Peace Officer Certificates
Administration of Justice Certificate of Achievement
Graduation Petition (for a Certificate of Achievement or Associate Degree)
CPL FAQs
How long will it take to complete the CPL petition?
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.
When may I apply for CPL credit?
Each semester has specific CPL petition deadlines for when you may apply.
How long does it take for approval of my CPL petition?
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.
How long does it take for my CPL credits to appear on my transcript after my CPL petition is approved?
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.
What is the Administration of Justice Certificate of Achievement (CA) and how do I use my CPL credits for this?
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!
What do I do next to complete my associate degree at Palomar?
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.
How do I apply for my POST Professional Certificates?
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.
What if I have more questions?
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!
