Credit for Prior Learning

Apply for Credit for Prior Learning

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What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?

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. Students’ knowledge and skills might be gained through experience such as:

  • Military training
  • Industry training
  • State/federal government training
  • Volunteer and civic activities
  • Apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, or other industry-based experiential learning

CPL is not awarded for knowledge and skills already assessed and awarded credit through formal education at regionally accredited in-state and out-of-state institutions.

Please visit the college catalog for more information:

Frequently Asked Questions

CPL can help you save time and money on your educational path by earning credit for previously attained skills and training. Students can now get credit for a course instead of just waiving a prerequisite.

  • Credit by Exam
    • Internal
    • External – Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), College Level Exam Preparation (CLEP)
  • Industry Certification
  • Military Credit – Joint Service Transcripts (JST)
  • Portfolio

Methods of Assessment

Credit By Exam – Internal.

The following courses are eligible for Credit by exam.

Students can set up a counseling appointment (opens in new tab) to obtain a credit by exam petition.

CREDIT BY EXAM LIST

AIRC-121 Air Conditioning Principles
AIRC-122 Refrigeration Principles
AIRC-131 Intermediate Air Conditioning
AIRC-132 Refrigeration Service
AIRC-133 EPA Section 608 Refrigerant Recovery Certification Program
AIRC-141 Hydronics and Air Distribution
AIRC-145 Sheet Metal

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab) and department page

ARABC-001A Elementary Arabic

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

CA-005 Computer Literacy

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

CIS-041 Introduction to Computer Information Systems
CIS-111 Introduction to Cyber-Security
CIS-160 Introduction to Information Systems Security

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

CNSTR-101A Construction Tools, Materials, & Processes
CNSTR-101B Residential Construction Framing
CNSTR-102A Residential Plumb Systems
CNSTR-103 Roof Framing Systems
CNSTR-104 Interior/Exterior Finish
CNSTR-105 Concrete Construction
CNSTR-115 Blueprint Reading
CNSTR-116 Estimating
CNSTR-118 Project Management for Construction
CNSTR-120 Building Codes
CNSTR-125 Energy Efficiency Construction
CNSTR-128 National Electrical Code & Calculations

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

COS-010A Cosmetology Freshman Theory
COS-010B Cosmetology Senior Theory
COS-105A Cosmetology Freshman Laboratory
COS-105B Cosmetology Senior Laboratory

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

ELECT-153 National Electrical Code
ELECT-154 Blueprint Reading and Rigging
ELECT-155 Low Voltage Specialty Systems

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

FREN-001A Elementary French
FREN-001B Elementary French
FREN-002A Intermediate French
FREN-002B Intermediate French

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

FMT-100 Intro Facilities Operations
FMT-104 Electrical Concepts for FMT
FMT-105 Introduction to Industrial Electronics and Controls
FMT-120 Low/High Pressure Boilers
FMT-122 Introduction to Programmable Logic Controllers

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

HUMNT-001 Intro Visual & Performing Arts

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

IRON-100 Orientation and Trade Science
IRON-110 Mixed Base
IRON-120 Rigging
IRON-130 Reinforcing
IRON-131 Post-Tensioning
IRON-140 Precast Concrete and Metal Buildings
IRON-150 Welding I
IRON-151 Welding II
IRON-152 Welding III
IRON-160 Lead Hazard/Scaffold/First Aid
IRON-161 OSHA 30/COMET Training
IRON-170 Structural I
IRON-171 Structural
IRON-180 Architectural I
IRON-181 Architectural 2
IRON-195 Foreman Training, Ironworkers Union History, Qualified Rigger
IRON-500 American Welding Society (AWS) Code Welding
IRON-501 Ironworkers Preapprenticeship

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

JAPAN-001A Elementary Japanese
JAPAN-001B Elementary Japanese 2

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

LASER-100 Introduction to Photonics

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

MACH-100 Shop Math & Drawing
MACH-101 Introduction to Machine Technology
MACH-109 Introduction to Coordinate Measurement Machine
MACH-110 Precision Measurement
MACH-120 Basic CNC Machining Center
MACH-123 CNC Turning Center
MACH-126 Advanced CNC Machining Center
MACH-129 CNC Operator Fundamental
MACH-153A Operator/Programmer I
MACH-153B Operator/Programmer II
MACH-154 Intro CAD/CAM Operations for Machinists & Operators
MACH-158 Advanced CAD/CAM Operations
MACH-159 Intro CNC Programming Macros

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

MATH-021 Precalculus Algebra
MATH-022 Trigonometry
MATH-025 Precalculus Algebra and Trigonometry
MATH-051 Mathematics for General Education
MATH-070 Discrete Mathematics
MATH-071 Calculus I with Analytic Geometry
MATH-071H Honors Calculus I with Analytic Geometry
MATH-072 Calculus II with Analytic Geometry
MATH-073 Multivariable Calculus
MATH-078 Differential Equations
MATH-079 Linear Algebra
MATH-080 Discrete Structures for Computer Science

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

MUSIC-050A Beginning Piano I
MUSIC-058A Beginning Guitar I

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

SL-001A Introduction to ASL
SL-001B Intermediate ASL
SL-010A American Sign Language (ASL) 1
SL-010B American Sign Language (ASL) 2

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

SPAN-001A Elementary Spanish

TRANS-101 Public Service Transit Workers

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

VIET-001A Elementary Vietnamese 1

For course descriptions visit the course catalog (opens in new tab)

Credit by Exam – External

The following External exams are currently accepted:

Industry Certification

Students may earn course credit by using an industry-recognized credential(s) as recommended by the appropriate department Dean or faculty designee.

  • CNSTR 117 – OSHA Construction Safety Standards
  • CNSTR 110 – Building Information Modeling (BIM) 101
  • ECE 017 – Literacy Development in Children

Military Credit – Joint Service Transcripts (JST)

Military personnel and veterans may receive course credit for prior military education and training. Request your online transcripts at https://jst.doded.mil (opens in new tab).

If you would like to use your JST transcripts, please send an email to maria.plancarte@sjcc.edu.