Nearly seven million working Californian adults have yet to earn a college credential but already possess the knowledge needed to pass credit-bearing courses. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) honors that knowledge and allows working adults the credit they deserve to accelerate the completion of a college credential, opening doors to higher wage careers.

What is Credit for Prior Learning?

Credit for prior learning (CPL) is credit awarded when a student demonstrates sufficient mastery of the outcomes of a catalog course through an approved faculty assessment of prior learning. 

Awarding CPL

CPL may be awarded for course credit, general education area credit, and/or elective credit. CPL offers are subject to review and may be affected by many variables such as: Academic standing, residency requirements, educational goals, transfer plans, financial aid, veteran benefit eligibility, and college requirements. It is crucial that colleges provide guidance to students prior to accepting and transcribing CPL.

Methods of Assessing CPL
Local Assessment 
  • Credit By Examination/Portfolio Review 

Military Training 
  • Joint Service Transcripts (JST) evaluation 

Industry Credentials 
  • Industry recognized certification evaluation 

Exams 
  • Standardized exams

Chancellor's Office Credit for Prior Learning Initiative

The Credit for Prior Learning Initiative (formerly the MAP Initiative supports California Community Colleges to build sustainable, equitable CPL programs for working adults, apprentices, and veterans, through the CPL Initiative team support, work groups and the MAP platform.

Review the CPL Initiative Fact Sheet. Contact map@rccd.edu with questions.

CPL Demonstration Project

To increase equitable college access, completion, and career attainment the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office (CO) is leading an effort to expand Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) opportunities across the state through three goals.

  • Goal 1

    By 2030, expand CPL Opportunities and Boost Student Success for at least 250,000 Californians, including 220,000 working adults and apprentices, and 30,000 veterans

    .

  • Goal 2

    By 2030, build a Unified, Statewide CPL System that creates CPL-embedded outreach pathways.

  • Goal 3

    By 2030, establish Clear CPL Policies, Sustainable Resources, Professional Development, and Best Practices.

Additional Resources

CPL Regional Convening - Sacramento

Monday, April 20, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Hyatt Regency Sacramento
Book a room at the Hyatt

Last date to book at this rate: March 30, 2026

Register

Visit the Mapping Articulated Pathways Resource Library for introductory and technical training videos.

Title 5 Regulations

Get details about § 55050. Credit for Prior Learning.

CPL Education Code

Get details about the legislation that established the CPL Learning Initiative and the California Code, Education Code - EDC § 66025.7.

California Code, Education Code - EDC § 66025.71, CPL and Joint Service Transcript evaluation (military training) 

California Code, Education Code – EDC § 75001, CPL and CalBright

California Code, Education Code – EDC § 88821, CPL and non-credit workforce training programs

CPL and Transfer level English/Math:
CPL and apprenticeships:

Contact Us

For general assistance, contact CPL@CCCCO.edu.

Name Title Phone Number
Sam Lee Senior Advisor to the Chancellor 951.217.1751
Mari Estrada Dean of Academic Affairs 916.327-5353
Riley McFall Program Analyst 916.455.4755