Credit for Prior Learning

A student smiling with the words credit for prior learning visibleWhat is Credit for Prior Learning?

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)is a practical and cost-effective way for adult learners to earn course credit for learning they experienced outside of the college. Students’ knowledge and skills might be gained and demonstrated through experiences such as:

  • Military Service and Training
  • On the job training in a specific industry
  • Apprenticeship work outside of a college classroom
  • Skills developed through volunteering with community or nonprofit organizations
  • And many more....

What do students and faculty say about Credit for Prior Learning? 

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): Guadalupe Menera, Graduate Palomar College (one minute) Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): Scott Klinger, Photographic Tech. Faculty, Palomar CCD (30seconds)

Credit for Prior Learning "Quick Questions"

Quick Question #1: What are the ways I can earn credit by demonstrating my prior learning?

Students can petition for CPL credit based on the following:

Prior Military Experience

A student submits their Joint Services Transcript to be evaluated by faculty and the Veterans Services office. More information for earning credit for military experiences are explained in the SWC Student Veteran & Military Handbook or contact the Veterans Resource Center for support

Credit by Examination

A student completes a comprehensive examination created and assessed by SWC faculty. 

External Examination (AP/IB/CLEP)
A student requests credit for a course based on their exam score after submitting scores to the Admissions Office. Your test scores must be mailed from the College Board directly to Southwestern College, Admissions. Contact the College Board at: (888) 225- for AP scores OR  (800) 257-9558 for CLEP scores OR visit the College Board Website.
Portfolio Assessment
A student submits a collection of documents or other required works (drawings, paintings, letters of reference, documents created at a workplace, etc.) that faculty agree demonstrate their ability to perform the skills they would be able to perform if they had taken a course. Portfolio requirements are determined by the faculty and students work directly with faculty to submit their portfolio for evaluation. 
Industry Certification/ License
A student submits verification of a certificate or license earned on the job that SWC faculty have determined is equivalent to having completed a course. 

Quick Question #2: Does Credit for Prior Learning cost anything? 

Students do not pay any fees to receive credit for a course using the CPL process. However, students should keep in mind that credits acquired by examination are not applicable to meeting unit load requirements of Selective Service deferment, Veterans, or Social Security benefits. Also, credits acquired by examination shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence required for an associate degree or to meet Cooperative Work Experience requirements.

Quick Question #3 What courses at SWC have a Credit for Prior Learning option?

 TBD

 

 

 

 

The list of courses that offer a CPL option continues to grow as faculty develop assessment methods. You can access the Credit for Prior Learning page in the SWC Catalog for a list of approved courses.   

Quick Question #4: Am I eligible for Credit for Prior Learning? How do I petition?

A student must be in good academic standing  with a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA in the College District to petition for credit for a course via CPL.  The student must have previously earned credit or completed a noncredit course from the District, or the student must have a current application on file with the College District. The final decision on eligibility will be determined by the discipline faculty. Current students must have an education plan on file. Take your first step toward earning credit for prior learning by reviewing the SWC Credit for Prior Learning Student Petition on the SWC Admissions and Records website. Here’s a short video showing you how to complete the petition: Completing the SWC Credit for Prior Learning. 

Quick Question #5: Do I have to enroll in a class to earn credit through Credit for Prior Learning?

A student must be enrolled in at least one class; however, a student may be eligible to petition prior to enrolling in a course if they are requesting a Credit for Prior Learning petition for a prerequisite course. The final decision on this eligibility will be determined by the discipline faculty. Contact the department chair for the course or contact Admissions and Records to confirm eligibility. Current students must have an education plan on file.

Quick Question #6: Can I earn credit for a course using an AP, IB, or CLEP score? 

Yes, the SWC Credit for Prior Learning Student Petition allows you to petition for credit using your external exam scores (Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or College Level Examination Program). In order to receive credit, students must submit a petition and must have official scores (transcripts) submitted directly to the Admissions and Records Office by the College Board or other agency.

logo for College Board

Logo for international baccalaureate program

College-level examination Program logo

Quick Question #7: I was in the military. Will Credit for Prior Learning work for me?

a soldier in uniformAbsolutely! In fact, CPL was designed with our current and former military students in mind. CPL honors the learning and experience our military students bring to the college based on an analysis of your Joint Services Transcript and the American Council on Education Military Guide. However, since units earned through CPL can impact your financial aid eligibility and monthly housing allowance for VA benefits, be sure to discuss your decision with the Office of Veterans Services. In order to receive credit, students must submit a petition and must have official JSTs submitted directly to the Veterans Services Office. For more information on your benefits as a current or former military student, contact the Veterans’ Services Office.

 

Quick Question #8: How do courses appear on my transcript if I earn credit through prior learning assessment?

California regulations require that any course credit earned by credit for prior learning must be indicated that way on your transcript. If your petition for CPL for a course is approved, the course and units will appear on your transcript along with a notation indicating that the credit was earned by CPL and the assessment method used. For example, you might earn four units for ENGL 115 by successfully completing a Credit By Examination process. All this information is included on your transcript. 

Quick Question #9: What if I need this course credit as a prerequisite to another course within the same semester?

If you need the CPL credits to meet a prerequisite requirement in order to enroll into an advanced class in the same semester, you can fill out a Requisite Challenge Petition form. This allows you to take the advanced class, while you are completing the CPL process – so you don’t have to delay your education. The Requisite Challenge Form is available in the Assessment Office. Students can email the Prerequisites Faculty Coordinator Ryan Lennon at rlennon@swccd.edu or Joni Ontiveros at jontiveros@swccd.edu for the appropriate forms and help in filing your challenge. Learn more about challenging a requisite on the SWC Prerequisites Website.

Quick Question #10: Can I decline credit if I change my mind? 

After you submit your petition and complete the requirements of the CPL process, you’ll be emailed and prompted to provide a final signature on your request petition prior to the Evaluations Office processing your credit for your transcript. This is your opportunity to reject the credit if you decide it’s not right for you. You’ll have 14 days to accept or deny your credit after you receive the email requesting your final signature.

Get In Touch

Have more questions about credit for prior learning? Check out the CPL pages in the Southwestern College Catalog or contact any of the SWC employees below. 

Prof. Randy Beach

Credit for Prior Learning Faculty Lead

rbeach@swccd.edu(619) 421-6700 ext. 5545

TBD

Credit for Prior Learning Project Clerk

mstavenga@swccd.edu(619) 421-6700