Faculty FAQs

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Credit for prior learning (CPL) is credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom—it’s a strategy to grant students credit for what they already know and can do. Across the nation, individual institutions and systems of higher education are implementing comprehensive CPL practices to help working adults reskill and achieve quality credentials that increase their economic mobility.

On September 16, 2019, the Board of Governors approved revisions to Title 5, §55050 to provide a more consistent and equitable process for students to earn credit for college-level skills and knowledge gained outside the classroom. Click here for more information. 

Faculty are at the center of CPL. Per Title 5 Regulation, the nature and content of the CPL assessment are determined solely by discipline faculty who normally teach the course. Those faculty decide the assessment method(s) and confirm that the assessment demonstrates mastery of the course content and learning outcomes as specified in the official Course Outline of Record (COR).

For details, see Title 5, §55050 (Credit for Prior Learning) and our local CPL procedures, AP 4235.

Research shows CPL boosts student success, advances equity, and supports California's System Goals.  Highlights of the CPL benefits to students and institutions include:

  • Higher completion, faster time-to-degree.  In a 48-institution study, adult students who earned CPL were far more likely to earn a certificate or degree (56% versus 21%) and, on average, finished months sooner depending on credits earned;
  • Equity impact. Additional analysis found the CPL boost in completion applies across all student groups. Research highlights the need to expancd access among historically underserved students to close gaps.
  • Alignment with California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CCCCO) Vision for Succes.  By increasing completions and transfer, reducing excess unit, and closing equity gaps, CPL directly support the CCCCO Vision 2030's continued emphasis on equity and completion.
  • Strengthens Student Centered Funding Formula (SCFF) Outcomes.  CPL helps students reach Student Centered Funding Formula student success allocation milestones such as earning an associate degree, certficate of achievement, bachelor's degree, completion of transfer-level math and English in the first year, nine or more CTE units, success transfer, and achieving a regional living wage.  This improves student outcomes and college funding.

    Research Source: 

    CAEL Fueling the Race for Postsecondary Success

SDCCD college's follow Board Policy 5235 and Administrative Procedure 4235. Together, they establish how students may earn credit for college-level learning gained outside the classroom and set the standards for faculty assessment. 

The policy covers:

  • Who qualifies and when students should be advised about CPL options.
  • Accepted methods of assessment; 
  • Faculty roles and standards;
  • How CPL appeards on transcripts and how credits may apply to certificates, degrees, and transfer; and
  • Student process details including timelines and appeals

Campus Contacts  


City College: Angela Merkens amerkens@sdccd.edu  
                     Julius Alejandro jalejandro@sdccd.edu  

Mesa College: Monica Romero  mdromero@sdccd.edu  

Miramar College: Maryam Tartoussia mtartoussia@sdccd.edu  

District: Dr. Shelly L. Hess shess@sdccd.edu 

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