Credit for Prior Learning

Did you know you may be able to earn college credit for what you already know? Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) allows eligible students to earn college credit for skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom, helping you save time and make progress toward your educational goals.

You may qualify for CPL through military training and experience, industry-recognized certifications, standardized exams, a portfolio demonstrating your knowledge and skills, or a college-approved exam.

Interested in earning credit for your experience? Meet with a counselor to explore your options, determine your eligibility, and learn how to request CPL.

Eligibility Requirements

You may be eligible to earn college credit for skills and knowledge you already have! Here’s what you need to know:

Your experience or prior learning must match an eligible course listed in the current college catalog.
Credit may be awarded through approved methods, including military training, industry certifications, standardized exams, portfolios, or credit by examination.
If you are requesting credit by examination, you must be registered at the college and in good academic standing.

Interested in earning credit for what you already know? Meet with a counselor to explore your options and learn how CPL can help you reach your educational goals.

Ways to Earn CPL

You may be able to earn college credit for skills and knowledge you gained outside the classroom through:

Credit by Examination: Demonstrate what you already know by successfully completing a college-approved examination.
Industry Certifications and Licenses: Professional certifications or licenses earned through recognized industry organizations.
Military Training and Experience: Education and training completed during military service, including learning documented on your Joint Services Transcript (JST).
Standardized Exams: College-level exams, including Advanced Placement (AP), College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), International Baccalaureate (IB), and Defense Language Proficiency Tests (DLPT).
Student-Created Portfolios: A collection of documents and examples of your work that demonstrate your knowledge and skills.
Work Experience: Skills and knowledge gained through employment, apprenticeships, internships, or other work-based learning.

How to Apply for CPL

Step 1: Apply to Norco College for the current semester and retrieve your Student ID number from your admissions email you will receive once you have been admitted to the college.

Step 2: Meet with a Counselor

Schedule a counseling appointment and bring any documentation of your prior learning, such as official exam scores, military transcripts, industry certifications, training records, or a portfolio demonstrating your skills. Your counselor will help guide how your prior learning may count toward your degree, certificate, or transfer goals and assist you with the CPL submission process. You will have the opportunity to accept, decline, or appeal your CPL credit determination.

Mapping Articulated Pathways (MAP)

To view a list of approved CPL opportunities, visit the Norco College MAP platform.