Get Credit for Being You!

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) helps Californians turn what they've already learned — on the job, in the military, or through life — into college credit at California Community Colleges.

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Woman in graduation cap and gown celebrating her achievement

2 men in graduation cap and gowns, taking a picture to celebrate their achievement

What is Credit for Prior Learning?

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is the process for awarding college credit for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom.

California Community Colleges offer credit for prior learning to students like you who have gained skills and knowledge outside the classroom. If you earn credit through CPL, you'll receive course credit without having to take the class.

Jumpstart Your Degree

CPL can give you a jumpstart on completing your degree, with some students graduating 6 to 10 months faster.

How You Can Earn College Credit

Through the CPL Student Portal, adults like you can earn college credit for knowledge gained outside the traditional classroom.

Ways to demonstrate your Knowledge

There are several ways for you to demonstrate your prior learning:

Military Service/ Training

Colleges will review military training/occupational specialty from your Joint Service Transcript (JST) to align it for college credit.

Industry, State, and Federal Training

Professional credentials, certificates, and licenses can be worth college credit.

Standardized Exams

Earn credit through nationally recognized exams like CLEP, DSST, and AP tests.

Apprenticeships & Internships/ Workplace Training

Hands-on learning through employer training programs and internships can turn into college credit.

Volunteer Work & Civic Activities

Community service and volunteer programs (e.g. Peace Corps) could potentially be worth college credit.

Credit by Exam or Combined Evidence

If you don’t have military training or certifications, you can talk to a college counselor about how to best demonstrate your prior learning to benefit your academic and career goals.

How It Works

Our streamlined process makes it easy to document your learning and expertise:

Create Account

Build Profile

Add your work expertise, military and training information and upload your JST or certifications.

Review Suggested CPL Options

Visit the CPL Dashboard to review your CPL Opportunities.

Request CPL Review

Click Request CPL Review to connect with a counselor to find out if CPL is right for your academic career.

Veterans Can Receive Credit for Their JST

We understand the unique challenges veterans face transitioning to civilian education. Once you create a CPL Student Portal account, you can upload your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to see what credits you could receive for your military coursework and training.

Credits offered for military coursework and training

Speak with counselors who support veterans

MOS to career pathway mapping

Veteran in military uniform hugging family member at graduation ceremony — Marine Corp veterans Santiago Vega Jr. and Sr. both received 17 college credits after uploading the Joint Services Transcripts (JST)

Success Stories

Real students, real results, real impact on their lives and careers

Randy M.

21 Credits Earned

Industry Certification

Police Officer → Associate Degree in Administration of Justice

Randy received 21 credits for completing the Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Police Academy.

Bakersfield College

Matthew M.

12 Credits Earned

Military/JST Upload

Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class → College Student

After uploading his JST, Matthew earned 12 credits, saving him a full semester.

San Bernardino Valley College

April P.

12 Credits Earned

Portfolio

Childcare Worker → Child Development Center Manager

April was able to earn CPL credit from her Child Development training and experience.

"I had such a wonderful experience working with Barstow College. With all their help and persistence, I was able to make this promotion a reality."

Barstow College

Ready to Get Started?

Join over 40,000 Californians who have earned college credit with CPL and graduated faster!