Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Students’ knowledge and skills might be gained through experiences such as:
- Military training
- Industry training
- State/federal government training
- Apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, or other industry-based experiential learning
- Validated volunteer and civic activities (e.g. Peace Corps)
This CPL definition does not include knowledge and skills already assessed and awarded credit through formal education at regionally accredited in-state and out-of-state institutions.
To help facilitate the process and act as a point of contact, the college created a Credit for Prior Learning Coordinator position. Please contact the Credit for Prior Learning Coordinator at CPL@collegeofthedesert.edu if you have questions regarding the process, the steps of approval, or about CPL in general.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each CPL eligible course will have different methods of assessment. These methods include:
- Military Transcript
- Credit by Exam
- Portfolio Review
- Industry Certification/Accreditation or License
A course list is currently being created, but you may apply for CPL for courses in the college catalog.
If you have prior learning experience that you feel would qualify for CPL, please email the Credit for Prior Learning Coordinator at CPL@collegeofthedesert.edu
We are still building our CPL database and will reach out to our faculty on your behalf to see if CPL is a good fit!
Contact the Credit for Prior Learning Coordinator at CPL@collegeofthedesert.edu or contact your counselor to help prepare you for the application process.
When a student applies for CPL that has not been previously approved, the CPL coordinator will route the application to the appropriate discipline faculty. The discipline faculty will have final approval and if it is determined to award credit, the application will be routed to Admissions and Records for transcription.
After a student applies for CPL and submits documentation, the approval process will follow one of two paths.
If a student applies for CPL that has been previously approved in a crosswalk, the CPL Coordinator can approve and route the request to Admissions and Records for transcription.
If a student applies for CPL that has not been previously approved, the CPL coordinator will route the application to the appropriate discipline faculty. The discipline faculty will have final approval and if it is determined to award credit, the application will be routed to Admissions and Records for transcription.
