What is CPAL and how do I begin?
Our Credit for Prior and Alternative Learning (CPAL) program is a pathway to earn S-graded transfer credit for learning that is not already documented as a credited and graded course on a U.S. regionally accredited college/university transcript.
Convert your learning into transferable credit by completing one of the officially recognized Prior Learning Assessments (PLAs) by selecting the exam option. PLA exams exist for a wide variety of subject areas at the undergraduate level and may be used to complete equivalencies, core requirements, and for general elective credits to apply toward graduation. CPAL credits are not eligible for financial aid.
What assessments are accepted?
Whether you want to convert a prior learning experience to credit or are looking for new learning opportunities available online, you鈥檒l need to document your learning with a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) grade report or transcript.
Credit Recommendation Services Assessments
National Exam Assessments
- : Advanced Placement Exams
- : International College Exams
- : Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exam
- : College Level Exam Placement
- : DANTES College Credit by Examination (DSST)
- : International Baccalaureate (High School Exam Program)
National Exams
If you have prior learning not documented by one of our national credit evaluators, then a national exam may be the right option for you. There鈥檚 a wide variety of exams offered in many subject areas that have been pre-approved.
The transfer guides below identifies specific exam information including exam title, credits that will be awarded upon transfer, and if the course transfers as an equivalency, core requirement or elective.
High school students may take AP exams to earn both high school and college credit. University credit will only be awarded when the final exam is taken and passed with an acceptable level.
For a list of exams accepted, score required, and credits earned, please see the AP Exam Guide.
In order to receive credit, all students completing an AP exam must provide an AP score report.
For more information, visit the AP Students website.
Similar to the AP program in the United States, these are international exams in subject areas that may be taken while in high school and are eligible for college credit with an acceptable exam score.
For a list of exams accepted, score required, and credits earned, please see the Cambridge Exam Guide.
To order your transcript or for additional information on the offerings, visit the Cambridge International website.
International exams offered in subject areas. Similar to the Cambridge Advanced Level exams. Subjects are identified as units and you can receive certification for a unit of study that can be reviewed for transfer.
To order your CAPE transcript or for additional information on the CAPE offerings visit the CAPE website.
The CLEP exams allow all adults the opportunity to earn credit for either educational or professional experiences by taking and passing subject tests.
For a list of exams accepted, score required, and credits earned, please check the CLEP Exam Guide.
To order your CLEP transcript or for additional information on CLEP exams, visit the Collegeboard website.
The DSST exams offer students the opportunity to earn credit for either educational or professional experiences by taking and passing subject area tests. Upper and lower level exams are available.
We accept ACE recommendations for credits earned.
For a list of exams accepted, score required, and credits earned, please check the DSST Exam Guide.
For transcript information & more, Military personnel may visit the DSST website.
Non-Military students can order a DSST transcript by visiting the DSST website.
The IB program offers high school students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credit by taking and passing subject area tests.
For a list of exams accepted, score required, and credits earned, please check the IB Exam Guide.
To order your IB transcript or for additional information on the IB program, visit the IB website.
Credit Recommendation Services (CRS)
American Council on Education (ACE) Credit recommendations for military courses and exams, ACTFL exams, and World Education Services (WES) credit recommendations for international college/university courses are eligible.