Credit for Prior Learning
Your life experience counts
Your expertise can save you time and money.
Credit for Prior Learning is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. As outlined in Cabrillo's Administrative Procedure 4235 you can earn credit toward your degree through our Credit for Prior Learning Program (CPL). There is a limit to how many CPL unit will apply, make an appointment with an Academic Counselor to see where your educational experiences or "prior learning" can be integrated into your Cabrillo Education Plan. There are several categories of Credit for Prior Learning:
AP, IB and CLEP scores can satisfy degree requirements
High school course work can clear prerequisites
College transcripts can clear prerequisites and satisfy degree requirements
Completing the Credit by Exam or the Student-Created Portfolio process can satisfy degree requirements
Nursing Advanced Placement opportunities for transfer students and military personnel
Military service and training can clear prerequisites and satisfy degree requirements
Industry-recognized credentials can clear prerequisites and satisfy degree requirements
Noncredit Students seeking credit to enter the for credit pathway to earn a certifacte or degree
ProTips:
For all categories, approved assessments and documentation is required. See each category for details.
CPL units shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours in residence toward an A.A./A.S. Degree, nor are they considered part of a semester load.
Credits acquired by examination are not applicable to unit load requirements for Selective Service deferment, Veterans, or Social Security benefits.
Eligibility Criteria
The course is listed in the current college catalog.
You have met with a an Academic Counselor, have an education plan on file, in good standing and are registered for the current term.
You have not already earned CPL credit for another course in the same department sequence (may be waived by the department).
A word about prerequisites:
perquisites are different than earning CPL
Unlike CPL, clearing a prerequisite does not earn units toward your degree, it only allows you to register in the course with the prerequisite. You will see this notated as an "EQ" in your Student Planning Timeline.