Credit for Prior Learning

About CPL

Utah Valley University offers credit for prior learning (CPL) to enable students to enrich or accelerate their programs of study. CPL is inclusive and validates the prior learning of students, making education more affordable and accessible.

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What is Credit for Prior Learning?

Credit for prior learning is credit awarded by an institution to a student who demonstrates, through a prior learning assessment, that the student's prior learning meets college-level competencies, skills and abilities acquired through work, professional training, military training, and other learning domains.

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How Are Credits for Prior Learning Applied?

CPL is determined by each department within the context of their mission, roles, student needs, and academic program. The number of credits earned through prior learning awarded may be limited. Limitations may be imposed by the student degree plan. 

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How is Credit for Prior Learning Awarded?

Credit for Prior Learning is awarded through Proficiency Credit (Training, Certifications, 3rd party evaluations, Standardized exams, Institutional Exams, Individualized Assessments, and Portfolios).

CPL is ideal for:

  • Displaced workers
  • Military veterans
  • Working professionals
  • Stay-at-home parents
  • Returning students

Benefits of Prior Learning:

  • Save time: Shorten the time for you to graduate.
  • Save money: Take advantage of significant savings on tuition costs.
  • Gain understanding: Recognize the value of your acquired learning through your non-academic knowledge.
  • Value knowledge: Earning credit through CPL helps you find value in lifelong experiential learning.

You may receive credit based on:

  • Work experience and job skills
  • Employer training programs
  • Volunteer or community service
  • Open-source courses or self-study
  • Military education and occupations

More about Prior Learning

  • Credit earned for prior learning at a Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) institution is transferable to Utah Valley University on the same basis as if the credit has been earned through regular study at the awarding USHE institution.
  • Credit for prior learning is recorded on a Utah Valley University transcript as Transfer Credit awarded as Challenge/Experience and will receive a CR or credit grade. This grade does not affect the Grade Point Average (GPA).
  • Transfer credit and Proficiency credit will incur a service fee charged through a Challenge Credit Fee. Proficiency credits of prior learning may incur an associated exam or portfolio review fees. Federal financial aid and employee tuition reimbursement may not cover prior learning assessment fees.
  • If a student’s PLA is unsuccessful, the student may request the opportunity for a second attempt within six months. Students are limited to no more than two attempts at credit for prior learning within one program of study. A program of study may limit students to one attempt.  
  • A student shall not receive credit for prior learning for a course in which they are currently enrolled or have been previously enrolled and received a grade, including a “W” grade. 

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Questions?
Contact the Credit for Prior Learning Specialist at [email protected]