Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) refers to college-level learning acquired through non-college experience. CPL is granted for the learning that is acquired through non-college experiences, not for the experience itself. CPL provides students the opportunity to earn credit through many methods that demonstrate students’ college-level knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Students interested in pursuing credit through prior learning assessment should consult with their academic advisor to evaluate the possibility of earning credit that may be applied toward their degree requirements. The academic advisor will assist the student in determining whether to proceed with the assessment process and in identifying the most appropriate credit-for-prior-learning options.

Credit for Prior Learning Options at Spalding University:

Credit by Examination: Prior learning credit may be awarded by examination through:

• DSST/Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
• College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
• Advanced Placement (AP)
• International Baccalaureate (IB)
• Credit for Prior Learning Exams (CPLE)

Further information on: 

Credit by Examination: CLEP
Credit by Examination: DSST
Credit by Examination: AP
Credit by Examination: IB
Credit by Prior Learning Exams: CPLE

Spalding University faculty members have provided a unique opportunity for students wishing to receive credit for what they already have learned. CPLE are used to determine if a student’s subject matter proficiency is equal to or greater than the corresponding proficiency the student would have achieved had they completed the corresponding course.

Credit for Prior Learning Examinations (CPLE) are available for currently enrolled Spalding students. The exams listed below are available to take and a grade of pass (P) will be assigned for the successful passage of a CPLE examination. Awarded CPLE credit will not replace any prior earned class credit.

Portfolio Assessment: Prior learning credit may be awarded through Portfolio Assessment. Portfolio Assessment allows students to demonstrate an alignment between their experiential learning and college curricula by allowing faculty subject matter experts to determine if the student’s learning is comparable and equivalent to college-level learning. This process results in an assessment that yields a “credit or no credit decision.”

American Council on Education Non-Collegiate Sponsored Instruction (ACE): Credit may be awarded based on educational programs offered by many large corporations or nonacademic institutes. Programs approved and recommended by the ACE will be considered for credit. Students must send an ACE transcript to the Registrar for consideration.

Industry Credentials: Spalding awards credit for passing certain professional licensure examinations.

Credit for Prior Learning Policies and Procedures

Only students enrolled in Spalding University may earn CPL through the institution. No more than 40% of any program may be completed through CPL. Credit for Prior Learning is not a requirement for admission into any academic program at Spalding University

CPL is capped at up to 40% of credit hours regardless of what kind of CPL is accepted/transcripted. For example, if a student earns credit for CLEP and a Challenge Exam, they can only have up to 40% credit hours awarded in total. Not up to 40% hours in each option.

Credit awarded for prior learning may not be considered institutional credit; therefore, it cannot be included in the minimum required total credit hours that must be completed at the constituent institution granting the degree.

Credits assessed by credit for prior learning will be recorded in institutional student records as "Credit for Prior Learning."

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