CAEL, ACE Publish Report, Interactive Online Database Based on 50-State Analysis of CPL Policies

CAEL and the American Council on Education (ACE) have partnered to produce a comprehensive national survey of state and system policies aimed at increasing credit for prior learning (CPL) opportunities. The National Landscape of Credit for Prior Learning: Effective State and System Policies for Success and Equity, released today, analyzes more than 360 CPL policies identified in an inventory the organizations completed of all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia. The report can be viewed at the ACE website.

Search the Interactive Database Tool. A new interactive online database, also announced today, allows users to query the reporting data to review and create customized comparisons of state and system CPL policies. The report and database, accessible to the public, are designed to help policymakers, institutional leaders, accrediting bodies, and industry, military, and veterans' affairs offices better track trends that can help inform their own CPL work.

Watch for the Accompanying Webinar. CAEL and ACE will discuss the report and database during a webinar Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. ET. During the event, which is open to the public, experts from both organizations will highlight the report’s key findings. The discussion will focus on recommended strategies and their ramifications as well as how to use the database. 

The report’s analysis covers 362 CPL policies. Its primary sources were legislation, state boards, systems, agencies, and administrative code, and governor’s offices. The policies are categorized within 11 themes, such as affordability, transferability, transparency, assessment methods, and data tracking.

More than 40 million Americans have completed some college but no credential. Another 84 million have never enrolled. The urgency to close the educational attainment gap has prompted more states to enact policies, including those supporting CPL, to accelerate credential completion.

Receiving CPL boosts completion rates among adult learners by 17%. CPL also saves students significant time and money. Because CPL students persist and complete at greater rates, they also complete more traditional credit hours.