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Credit for Prior Learning

Earn college credit for knowledge and experience you have acquired outside of a traditional college setting.

This includes learning gained through work experience, volunteer work, military service, professional training and personal interests. Up to 75% of your program credits can be earned through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL).

Benefits of Credit for Prior Learning

  • Reduce your course load and take just the classes you need. 
  • Avoid unnecessary costs, so you can invest in your future.
  • Reach your program goals on time or ahead of schedule!
  • Build upon your CCBC credentials seamlessly. 

Assessment Options

Find the assessment type that works with your experience.

Credit by Exam

You can complete an external exam or arrange a departmental exam with CCBC faculty.

Credit by industry or apprenticeship

If you have a state or federally-recognized certification (such as an HVAC Technician certificate) or have completed an apprenticeship, it may count toward your program!

Credit by portfolio assessment

Prefer to write? You can also create a comprehensive portfolio of your experience and arrange a review with CCBC faculty.

Credit by military experience

If you've served in the military, you can send us your military transcript (JST), ACE recommendations, or documentation of training or work experiences as credit toward your program.

Getting Started

The cost and process will vary for each assessment type, but for the best experience, we recommend that you first:

Contact us.

Credit for Prior Learning

Policy Guide