Credit for Prior Learning

How Credit for Prior Learning Works

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) gives you the opportunity to earn college credit for knowledge, skills and competencies you’ve already gained through work, military service, industry certifications or licenses, independent study and other life experiences. Instead of repeating what you already know, CPL can help you apply your previous learning toward your degree, diploma or certificate, saving you time and helping you reach your educational goals sooner. To get started, contact Kathy Hall at kathy.hall@rccc.edu to discuss your background and educational goals. Students may be asked to provide transcripts, certifications, licenses or other documentation that demonstrates prior learning. The College will review submitted materials and determine eligible credit that may be applied toward degree, diploma or certificate requirements.

Students may apply up to 75% of their required courses toward credential completion through CPL. If you are unsure whether your experience qualifies, we can help you understand your options and guide you through the process.

Advanced Placement (AP) Credit: Rowan-Cabarrus awards college credit for qualifying scores earned on Advanced Placement (AP) exams administered by the College Board. The minimum credit-granting score (MCGS) is 3, unless otherwise noted. Eligible AP exams may be considered for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), allowing students to apply their prior academic achievement toward their college credentials.

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) Credit: Students may earn college credit through qualifying scores on College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) exams offered by the College Board. A minimum score of 50 is required for most CLEP exams, unless otherwise noted. Depending on the exam, students may earn between 3 and 9 semester credit hours that can be applied toward their degree, diploma or certificate.

International Baccalaureate Credit (IB): Students may earn college credit through successful completion of International Baccalaureate (IB) Program exams at the Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL). Eligible IB exams may be considered for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL). Credit awarded is based on the score earned on the exam, with qualifying scores of 4, 5 or 6 to 7 eligible for college credit as outlined below.

DSST Examination: Students may earn college credit through qualifying scores on DSST exams offered by DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support). A minimum score of 400 is required to earn college credit for any DSST exams, and official transcripts from Prometric are required for credit consideration. The MCGS for DSST exams taken from 2008 to the present is 400. Minimum scores for exams completed prior to 2008 are listed in the DSST table.

Continuing Education to Curriculum Credit (CE to CU): Students may earn curriculum course credit for successful completion of eligible Continuing Education courses through an internal articulation agreement between the Continuing Education and Curriculum divisions. This opportunity is primarily available for approved Criminal Justice and Public Safety courses and allows students to apply earned credits toward graduation requirements in their curriculum program.

Professional Certification Credit: Students may be eligible to earn college credit for industry-recognized certifications, licenses and other professional credentials that demonstrate college-level knowledge and skills gained through work experience, training or professional development. The list of eligible professional certifications is reviewed and updated as new credentials are submitted and approved. See the table below for currently approved certifications and applicable course credit.

Please note: For Certifications to be eligible for CPL, any applicable expiration date must not have passed. Additional eligibility requirements and documentation may apply.