Credit for Prior Learning
What is Credit for Prior Learning?
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning refers to Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) as the process of earning college credit for college-level learning acquired from other sources, such as work experience, professional certification, or military training.
As the American Council on Education explains, "CPL awards credit for learning, not credit just for your experience. What is being evaluated for college credit is not your learning experience, but the knowledge you acquired and how that knowledge translates into specific college-level courses" (Information for Post-Traditional Learners)
Many academic departments at Kennesaw State University offer CPL options to fully admitted students. These options are described on the Credit for Prior Learning Department Plans page. Some common methods of assessing prior learning include the following below:
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Standardized Exams
Some KSU departments accept standardized exams for credit. Detailed information about standardized exams can be found on the KSU Testing Center website. - College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
- DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)
- Foreign Language Achievement Testing Service (FLATS)
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Departmental Challenge Exams for Advanced Standing
Some KSU departments allow students with prior learning to take an exam in order to verify learning achievement. These exams sometimes are the comprehensive final exams associated with KSU courses, and sometimes they are developed specifically for the purpose of assessing prior learning. -
Portfolio-based Assessment
Some KSU departments allow students with prior learning to provide evidence in the form of a portfolio. A portfolio might include work samples and a cover letter that describes competencies gained through work experience or training. Faculty subject matter experts evaluate portfolios and make credit recommendations.
