Credit for Prior Learning vs. Prior Learning Assessment
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is academic credit awarded for demonstrated university-level learning gained through learning experiences outside of university credit-bearing courses and assessed by academically sound and rigorous methods and processes.
Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the process and assessment methods used to determine whether students have met course learning outcomes to a level that is sufficient to award academic credit.
The terms are often used interchangeably. CPL is the action, PLA is the assessment.
The purpose of the CPL assessment is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate competence at the university-level from learning gained through learning experiences outside of the university or university credit-bearing course and to establish consistent processes among departments, schools, colleges, and the university for evaluating and awarding credit for prior learning.
CPL Options
Examples include:
- Independent Study
- Non-credit study programs
- Career education
- Online learning or instruction
- Training or certificate programs
Typically, the learning eligible for CPL occurs prior to the student’s request for CPL assessment. CPL awards credit based on the learning that occurs through experience, not the experience itself
Why Does It Matter?
CPL initiatives are especially advantageous for non-traditional students, as many enter the university with years of industry experience that have provided ample learning opportunities as a result of their professional development within their occupations.
CPL Eligibility - Students
Global Campus students interested in PLA:
- Must be admitted to NMU
- Need not be enrolled in a degree program
- Must meet course prerequisites
CPL Eligibility - Courses
Earning credit for prior learning is restricted to courses that:
- Appear in the current academic bulletin
- Are not special topics or directed studies courses
- Are not below the level of the course for which the student already has credit or which the student is currently enrolled (unless the approval is obtained through the department head or appropriate departmental committee).
- Student learns about CPL during orientation and/or talking with an advisor
- Student works with advisor and/or CPL coordinator on CPL idea or plan
- Student starts official process of challenging a course by completing a pre-approval form with assistance from CPL coordinator
- The academic department receives the pre-approval form from the student
- The departmental faculty evaluates the request
- If pre-approval is accepted, the student is notified to proceed with CPL process. If it’s not accepted, the student is notified (with possible opportunities to revise and resubmit pre-approval)
- Student engages in official challenge adhering to requirements of whichever CPL method is agreed upon.
- The departmental faculty received the PLA challenge documentation. If credits are awarded, the student is notified. The department completes the forms and forwards the Advanced Placement form to the Registrar’s office. If credits are not awarded, the student is notified (possible revisions can be requested and challenge may be resubmitted).
- The assessment determination occurs within the relevant department. The Global Campus and CPL coordinator are facilitators, not content experts
- The timeline for CPL is flexible and mutually agreed upon by both the relevant department and student
- Students can apply for CPL throughout their time at NMU
- Faculty are under no obligation to participate in CPL initiatives
- CPL benefits non-traditional students who possess relevant competencies as a result of their non-credit bearing learning through experience
- Students who engage in the CPL process often develop a more robust understanding of the significance of outcomes, competencies, as well as developing the skills for advocating for themselves in formal written contexts