What is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Students’ knowledge and skills might be gained through experiences such as:
- Military training
- Industry training
- State/federal government training
- Apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, or other industry-based experiential learning
- Validated volunteer and civic activities (e.g. Peace Corps)
This CPL definition does not include knowledge and skills already assessed and awarded credit through formal education at regionally accredited in-state and out-of-state institutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each CPL eligible course will have different methods of assessment. These methods include:
- Military Transcript
- Credit by Exam
- Portfolio Review
- Industry Certification/Accreditation or License
- AP, IB, CLEP
Check out our CPL Course List!
If you have prior learning experience that you feel would qualify for CPL, but you don't see the discipline or course in our list, please email cpl@peralta.edu
We are still building our CPL database and will reach out to our faculty on your behalf to see if CPL is a good fit!
There is no cost for CPL, except for the Credit By Exam assessment method. Credit earned through the other assessments methods listed above are free to the student.
The Credit By Exam (CBE) cost is current tuition rates per unit for in-state, out-of-state, or international students depending on your student status. Click here to see the current Tuition and Fees.
So for example, if the CBE course is a 4-unit course, and you are an in-state resident, you will pay the in-state "enrollment" rate x 4 units.
If you are an out-of-state or international student, you will pay the "enrollment" rate plus the "tuition" rate x 4 units.
NOTE: This CBE cost is not covered by the Peralta Promise. Units acquired via examination might not be applicable to meeting such unit load requirements as Selective Service deferment, Veteran’s Benefits, or Social Security Benefits.
For more information, contact Heather Sisneros at cpl@peralta.edu.
Contact Heather Sisneros CPL Lead at hsisneros@peralta.edu
For students interested in CPL, contact Heather Sisneros at hsisneros@peralta.edu
For faculty and staff interested in learning more about CPL and potential opportunities for students within your disciplines, contact Heather Sisneros District CPL Faculty Lead, at hsisneros@peralta.edu.
Military students - follow the steps on your local college’s Veterans Services website to send your official military transcripts to Peralta.
- Berkeley City College Veteran Resource Center
- College of Alameda Veteran Resource Center
- Laney College Veteran Resource Center
- Merritt College Veterans Services
To begin, contact Heather Sisneros, our District CPL Faculty Lead, at hsisneros@peralta.edu to set up a meeting with a counselor.
