CPL Faculty Resources

CPL FAQ for Faculty

Credit for prior learning (CPL) is credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside 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.

To get started, please submit a faculty interest form.

Please review the CPL petition work flow process and check out the Faculty CPL Checklist

To learn more or if you have any questions, please reach out to the CPL Faculty Lead about the CPL petition process, at cpl@smc.edu

Check out the: CPL Materials and Resources and the Faculty perspective on CPL from Palomar College.

To see what other colleges are offering as CPL student opportunities, please visit the California Community Colleges CPL Opportunities Dashboard

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How is Credit for Prior Learning defined in Title 5?

On September 16, 2019, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges approved a revision to Title 5, Section 55050 that redesigns how students at California Community Colleges receive credit for prior learning. The new regulation aims to make the process more consistent and equitable for students who come to community colleges with college-level skills and knowledge acquired in a variety of non-classroom settings.

What are some benefits of Credit for Prior Learning?

Research suggests that CPL benefits students and colleges by increasing completion and closing achievement gaps. In California, this means CPL can help the system achieve the goals outlined in the Vision for Success and increase college funding through improving measures on the Student Centered Funding Formula metrics.

CPL Research Source: CAEL Fueling the Race for Postsecondary Success

What is Santa Monica College's policy on Credit for Prior Learning?

Policy AP4235 Credit for Prior Learning is a great resource to learn more about the different methods of assessment that Palomar accepts for Credit for Prior Learning.

AP - Advanced Placement
IB - International Baccalaureate
CLEP - College Level Examination Program
Military Service/Training
Industry Recognized Credentials
Student-Centered Portfolio Assessment
Credit by Examination from Within the District

Is there a cost to students for Credit for Prior Learning?

There is no cost for CPL, except for Credit by Exam. Currently, our policy states the following for Credit by Exam:
A fee commensurate to the enrollment fee for the course (by number of units) will be charged. Students eligible for the California College Promise Grant are exempt from paying this fee.

What steps do I need to take to make my course CPL eligible?

Congrats on taking the first step to make your course CPL eligible, and helping your students earn credit for the knowledge and skills they may have gained through experiences such as military training, industry training, state/federal government training, volunteer and civic activities (e.g. Peace Corps), apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning or other industry-based experiential learning!

Please review the website and resources to familiarize yourself with CPL. Once you are ready to make your course eligible for CPL, follow the Faculty CPL Checklist.

Fill out the Course Eligibility form

Who do I contact for more information?

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) Faculty Interest Form

Thank you for your interest in Santa Monica College’s Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program. CPL provides students with opportunities to earn college credit for college-level knowledge and skills acquired through work experience, military training, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and other eligible learning experiences.

Whether you are simply interested in learning more or would like to participate in developing CPL opportunities within your discipline, we encourage you to complete this brief form.