Credit for Prior Learning at MSJC
Turn your experience into college credit through our Credit for Prior Learning program. We recognize that valuable learning happens outside the traditional classroom – through work experience, military service, industry certifications, and other life experiences. Our program evaluates and validates this learning, potentially saving you time and money on your educational journey. Whether through portfolio assessment, challenge exams, or evaluation of industry credentials, we help you accelerate your path to completion by acknowledging the skills and knowledge you've already acquired.
What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Credit for prior learning may be earned for eligible courses approved by the faculty for students who satisfactorily pass an authorized assessment.
Authorized assessments may include the evaluation of approved external standardized examinations, military service/training, the evaluation of industry recognized credentials, student-created portfolios, and credit by examination.
Students should meet with a Counselor for specific information regarding CPL and the petition process. Details may be found in Board Policy 4235.
Official transcripts from all previous colleges, universities, and CLEP tests must be submitted to MSJC for evaluation prior to the end of their second semester of attendance. It is mandated by the department of Veterans Affairs that MSJC evaluate and report all of the student's prior earned credit(s) from all colleges attended prior to the student's third semester. If all transcripts have not been received by the second semester, MSJC cannot and will not certify any courses to the Department of Veterans Affairs until the evaluation process has been completed.
Earn credit towards your degree or certificate with verifiable work-based learning, apprenticeship, or internship.
Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using industry recognized credential(s) shall receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee.
A portfolio is a collection of documents, supporting materials, and corresponding narrative that document student's ability to demonstrate their proficiency in learning objectives for a single course.
Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using a student-created portfolio shall receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee.
Computer Information Systems and Information Technology Certifications
- CompTIA
Emergency Medical Technician Licenses
- Verified California EMT License number
- Verified National Registry
Firefighter Academies
Peace Officer (POST) Academies
Corrections and Correctional Officer Academies