What is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a way for students to earn college credit for knowledge and skills gained outside the traditional classroom. CPL is sometimes also called Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or Credit for Experiential Learning (CEL).
What is Prior Learning Assessment? (by SUNY)
Every CPL pathway at MVCC is guided by one thing — your goals.
Your experience has value. If you've learned skills through work, military service, professional training, or other life experiences, some of that learning may count toward your MVCC degree, saving you time and money.
CPL may be a good fit if you have experience in any of these areas:
- Work experience
- Military service
- Professional licenses or certifications
- Workforce or non-credit training
- Volunteer work
Your prior learning is eligible for CPL consideration regardless of when your learning took place; i.e., whether your experience is recent or from years ago, you are still eligible to apply.
CPL opportunities may be available across all programs and disciplines at MVCC. Whatever you’re studying, your prior learning may count toward your program.
You don't need to be enrolled at MVCC to explore your options or meet with the CPL Office.
Ways to earn CPL at MVCC
Credit by Examination
If you already know the material, you may be able to earn credit by passing a nationally recognized or in-house exam. A passing score is all it takes to apply that knowledge toward your degree. CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) CLEP exams cover a wide range of college subjects. MVCC awards credit to students who meet the minimum qualifying score. For more information and information on scheduling an exam, visit the CLEP Testing page. In-house challenge exams Some courses at MVCC can be challenged through in-house exams or Skill Demonstrations created by MVCC faculty. Contact the CPL Office to find out if an in-house challenge exam is available for your course.
CLEP (College-Level Examination Program)
CLEP exams cover a wide range of college subjects. MVCC awards credit to students who meet the minimum qualifying score. For more information and information on scheduling an exam, visit the CLEP Testing page.
In-house challenge exams
Some courses at MVCC can be challenged through in-house exams or Skill Demonstrations created by MVCC faculty. Contact the CPL Office to find out if an in-house challenge exam is available for your course.
Military credit
MVCC awards credit for military education and training based on recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE). Submit your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to the Registrar’s Office to get started. For JST instructions, visit the Veterans Education Services page.
Credit for Experiential Learning (CEL) portfolio
A CEL portfolio is a written document that connects your work or life experience to the learning outcomes of specific MVCC courses. Faculty review each portfolio and make a credit recommendation. This is a good option if you have deep hands-on experience in a field but don’t hold a formal credential. Every portfolio is reviewed by a faculty expert in your field — so the credit you earn is real, recognized, and backed by academic oversight.
How it works
- Meet with the CPL Office to discuss your experience and identify potential course matches.
- Develop your portfolio with assistance from the CPL Office. The CPL Office serves as a liaison between you and the faculty evaluator to ensure your portfolio is on the right track before submission — there is no cost at this stage.
- When your portfolio is ready to submit, it goes to faculty review.
There is a $500 fee per CEL course evaluation, paid to the Business Office prior to the award of credit. May be covered by SUNY Reconnect funding. Not covered by other forms of financial aid.
Professional licenses and certifications
If you hold a professional license, certificate, or credential, it may qualify for direct course credit at MVCC. Some credentials have already been evaluated by MVCC faculty and approved for credit without a full portfolio review.
| Credential | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CompTIA Network+ Certificate | CI112: Networking Fundamentals | 3 |
| ServSafe Manager Certificate | FS150: Safety and Sanitation | 2 |
Don’t see your credential listed? Contact the CPL Office — it may still be eligible for evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
These terms are often used interchangeably. CPL (Credit for Prior Learning) and PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) refer broadly to any method of earning credit for learning outside the classroom. CEL (Credit for Experiential Learning) is MVCC’s specific portfolio-based pathway.
No. You can explore your options and meet with the CPL Office before enrolling. Students are encouraged to explore CPL options before registering for courses to see how credit may apply to their program.
A combination of CPL and transfer credits may not exceed 75% of required program credits. Contact the CPL Office for guidance on how this applies to your specific program.
No. Contact the Financial Aid Office with questions about your situation. Some CPL fees may be covered through SUNY Reconnect.
PL credits may transfer to other institutions and may stack toward further credentials. Transfer and stackability are at the discretion of the receiving
institution. For example, students transferring to SUNY Oswego should confirm how CPL credits will apply with an advisor at that institution.
CPL may be applied toward major requirements, general education, and other degree requirements as determined by your academic program. Visit MVCC Academic Programs (https://www.mvcc.edu/academics/index.php) to explore how CPL may apply to your specific program
There are some restrictions on how CPL credit may be applied to your program. To see if CPL is the right fit for you, contact the CPL Office.
Appeals
Students who wish to appeal a CPL credit decision should first contact the CPL Office. If the matter is not resolved, students may escalate to the Dean of the Academic School responsible for the course, then to the Executive Dean of Academic Development and Innovation. For further escalation, students may follow MVCC’s Academic Complaint Policy.
This page is subject to ongoing review and updated to reflect the most current CPL pathways and equivalencies available at MVCC.
Contact Us
Jess Zavaro
Coordinator of Experiential and Justice-Involved Learning
jzavaro@mvcc.edu | 315-792-5337