Credit For Prior Learning

Credit For Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is a set of well-established, researched, and validated methods for assessing previous learning and applying for college credit. This policy addresses the specific processes and tasks involved in credit for prior learning and is informed by standards set by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), the American Council of Education (ACE), American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO), and the Council on Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).

Definition: The learning addressed in this policy is defined as college-level knowledge or skills that have been attained outside of a traditional academic environment and that have not been previously evaluated for or awarded college credit.

Standards for Awarding Credit for Prior Learning

• CPL may be awarded if the following standards have been met
  • Student has been admitted to the university
  • The learning is college level
• CPL may be applied toward an undergraduate or graduate-level degree program or certificate.
• All work assessed for Credit for Prior Learning must meet or exceed minimum grade requirements level work for the program the student is pursuing. Credit for Prior Learning is awarded as Transfer Credit (TC) on the student’s transcript and does not calculate in the student’s grade point average.
• Once Credit for Prior Learning is posted to the transcript, it cannot be removed. If a student changes a program of study, the credit will remain on the transcript, but may no longer count toward a degree or certificate requirements.
• The credits awarded for Prior Learning are not included as a part of the student’s semester enrollment/course load.
• Credit for coursework already completed at Midland University may not be awarded, nor can duplicate coursework or course equivalencies.

Credit for Prior Learning Pathways

Any of the following are approved methods to evaluate students’ potential for Credit for Prior Learning. Additional assessment resources may be available to provide a standardized review process.

• Transfer of Credit: Official transcripts from institutions attended prior to Midland University will be evaluated for transfer of credit.
• Standardized Exams: CLEP, AP, IB, DSST/DLPT, and UExcel Examinations. Other exams may be used but must be evaluated by faculty subject matter experts for cut scores and Midland program crosswalks. Standardized exams may include evaluations developed by Midland faculty.
• Third-Party Evaluated Learning: These include published guides such as the American Council on Education (ACE) National Guide to College Credit for Workplace Training, the ACE Military Guide, and the National College Credit Recommendation Service (NCCRS). Examples of Third Party Evaluated Learning are the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) certification, and Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate. Essentially, these are certifications and defined learning programs that can be easily verified for content and rigor.
• Employment-Based Learning/Faculty Evaluated Local Industry and Workplace Credit: Faculty evaluate training in local business and industry to identify credit for prior learning (CPL) opportunities for workers seeking higher-level degrees or certification. Examples include workplace-provided training for leadership development or technical skills that can be verified through a review of curriculum and other program elements that qualify for college-level learning.
• Portfolio/Individualized Assessment: A compilation of verifiable artifacts and evidence that demonstrate the student’s mastery of Midland course competencies. This evidence may include any of the other prior learning methods, individual skills demonstrations, and/or narratives documenting learning.