Credit for Prior Learning
What is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is curriculum credit awarded for college-level learning obtained through prior learning experiences other than curriculum coursework. This definition does not include curriculum credit transferred from another accredited US institution of higher education.
CPL encompasses knowledge, skills, and competencies that students have obtained as a result of their prior learning experiences. The evaluation of CPL is an academic evaluation process through which students document verifiable college-level learning acquired outside of the traditional learning environment for academic credit. This is an academic process, and the procedures must maintain the same quality, integrity, and equity as any other academic program. This chapter applies to all current and prospective community college students.
The following procedures were developed to provide guidance for North Carolina Community Colleges to ensure the fidelity of the CPL process. These procedures and the policy set forth in 1D SBCCC 800 represents a minimum standard for all NC community colleges. However, colleges may have supplemental policies that may lead to awarding additional credit opportunities. Local policies may not supplant state policy.
Types of Credit for Prior Learning Colleges may choose which types of CPL to award credit for and may elect not to offer each type; however, each will be described in this policy.
- Apprenticeships
- State or Industry Recognized Credentials/Continuing Education to Curriculum Credit
- Courses Listed in the High School to Community College Articulation Agreement
- Military Education and Training
- Standardized Examinations
- Challenge Examinations/Proficiency
- Portfolio Assessment
- Public Safety Training (PST) Courses
