Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for prior learning (CPL) values the lived experiences of diverse adult learners. It saves them time and money by awarding credit for college-level learning acquired outside of the classroom. A pioneer and expert in this area, CAEL has been an advocate for CPL for half a century and has helped hundreds of colleges and universities establish and enhance their CPL programs. 

Credit for prior learning (CPL) is a term for the various methods that colleges, universities, and other education/training providers use to evaluate and formally recognize learning that has occurred outside of the traditional academic environment. It is used to grant college credit, certification, or advanced standing toward further education or training. Other common terms for this process include prior learning assessment (PLA) and recognition of prior learning.