Credit for Prior Learning – Student Resources
You know stuff, so why not get credit for it? CPL awards you credit for things you’ve already done, experienced, or learned. Why not maximize that knowledge to save time and money?
To utilize CPL, you:
- must meet all admission requirements for the intended program of study and be enrolled in a curriculum program to which the credit will directly apply
- have to request a prior learning assessment consistent with the college’s CPL procedures and provide all documentation by the published deadlines
- must meet the minimum requirements to be awarded credit, including a documented understanding and mastery of course learning outcomes
- may incur costs in this process; if there are costs associated with your CPL review, they may not be covered by scholarships or financial aid
- cannot use CPL credit towards your college’s requirement to take a certain number of credits with the college
- have rights within the process, including timely and fair evaluation of coursework.
Always work with an admissions representative or academic advisor to learn more about Prior Learning.
Most Common Types of Prior Learning
Nationally-Recognized Exams
These exams let you test for knowledge learned in the high school classroom (AP, IB, etc.), or via studying (CLEP, DSST). They may be taken before you enroll or after your complete a certain number of credits at the community college. These will require official scores to be sent from the appropriate testing agency.
Challenge or departmental exams
For this method, you can place out of a class by taking the final exam without taking the actual course; you may get permission to take them after demonstrating some level of content knowledge, usually to a faculty member. This option may not apply to all courses.
Apprenticeship, License, Certificate or Credential
If you have earned some type of proof of knowledge from your job, like a plumbers license or a Google credential, you may earn credit from that achievement.
Apprenticeships and work-based learning may also earn you credit.
Military Occupation (MOS) or Service Experience
Knowledge and skills learned while being active-duty military may earn you credit; you'll need to submit your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to learn more. CCAF students should submit their official transcript for transfer credit.
High School Articulated Credit
If you took courses in high school that appear on our North Carolina HS Articulation Agreement, you may earn credit. Dual Enrollment is exempt from this review.
Portfolio Assessment
You may be able to demonstrate knowledge by developing a portfolio that will be reviewed by faculty to assess what you have learned. A portfolio may include a written paper, a graphic or work presentation, or hands on demonstrations.
