Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level
skills and knowledge gained outside the traditional classroom. CPL enables students
to earn credit for what they already know and can do, helping them reach their educational
goals more efficiently.
Faculty play a central role in the CPL process by assessing whether a student鈥檚 prior
learning meets the outcomes of a course and determining if credit should be awarded.
This ensures academic integrity and alignment with curriculum standards.
For state and local resources, including guidelines, policies, and professional development
tools, visit our:
CPL Materials and Resources
On September 16, 2019, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges
approved a revision to 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.
Research shows that Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) benefits both students and colleges
by increasing degree and certificate completion and helping to close equity gaps.
At the state level, CPL supports the goals outlined in California鈥檚 Vision for Success
and can positively impact college funding by improving performance on Student-Centered
Funding Formula (SCFF) metrics.