Credit for Prior Learning Overview
Get College Credit- for What you Already Know
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and
knowledge gained outside of a college classroom (Administrative Procedure AP-5235). Credit for prior learning may be earned for eligible courses approved by the faculty for students who satisfactorily pass an authorized assessment.
Authorized assessments may include:
- Evaluation of approved external Standardized Examinations:
- Achievement of a satisfactory score on an
Advanced Placement (AP) examination - Achievement of a satisfactory score on a higherl-level
International Baccalaureate (IB) examination - Achievement of a satisfactory score on the
College Level Examination Program (CLEP) - Achievement of a satisfactory score on DANTES
Subject Standardization Test (DANTES/DSST);
- Achievement of a satisfactory score on an
- Credit by Examination: satisfactory completion of an institutional
examination, administered by the college in lieu of completion
of an active course listed in the current college
catalog; - Evaluation of Military Transcripts;
- Evaluation of Industry Recognized Credentials; and/or
- Evaluation of Student-Created Portfolios.
Students should meet with a Counselor for specific information regarding
CPL and the petition process. Click here for the CPL Petition.
Additional details may be found in administrative procedure 5235.
Campus Contacts
City College: John De Lao at jdelao@sdccd.edu
Mesa College: Tonya Whitfield at twhitfie@sdccd.edu
Miramar College: Claudia Estrada-Howell at cestrada@sdccd.edu