Credit for Prior Learning

Credit for Prior Learning

Credits acquired through credit for prior learning shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence required for Associate degrees. A maximum of 30 units may be earned through CPL.

Credit for Prior Learning may be obtained by one of the following methods: 

  • Advanced Placement (AP) Examination
    • Score of 3 or higher
  • International Baccalaureate (IB) Examination, High-Level 
    • Score of 4 or higher
  • College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
    • Score of 50 or higher. A maximum of 30 units may be earned through CLEP.
  • Credit by Examination 
    • ​Satisfactory completion as determined by discipline faculty of an examination administered by the college
  • Industry-Recognized Credential Documentation 
    • Evaluation and approval by the appropriate department chair or discipline faculty. Currency requirements for industry credentials will be determined by discipline faculty and notated with the course description. 
  • Military Credit
    • Submission of DD 214: Veterans may receive Monterey Peninsula College general education Area E credit towards the associate degree or certification for CSU-GE Area E requirements. DD-214 credit does not apply to the IGETC or as UC-transferable credit.
    • Evaluation of Joint Services Transcripts (JST): Credit will be based on the American Council on Education (ACE) recommendation and discipline faculty approval.
  • Student-Created Portfolio Assessment 
    • ​Evaluation and approval by the appropriate department chair or discipline faculty

Credit for Prior Learning may be awarded if: 

  • The course is listed in the current college catalog, and
  • The student’s prior learning consists of subject matter equivalent to the course material as documented in the official course outline of record.  

Credit may be awarded only for individually identified courses with subject matter similar to that of the student's prior learning, and only for a course listed in the college catalog. Award of credit may be made to general education, major requirements, or if necessary, electives, whichever best meets a student's goals.

See Administrative Procedure 4235 for information about eligibility for CPL; CPL limitations and transcription; and CPL grading policy.