Credit for Prior Learning

Advanced Placement (AP) Program: The College Board AP Program is a series of college-level courses and exams that students can take while still in high school. Students may be eligible to be awarded college credit for CGCC course equivalencies by providing transcripts of test scores from a College Board AP exam. The table below lists the AP exam scores required and the CGCC course equivalencies associated with each AP exam. 

To apply for CPL credits through AP exam scores, please fill out this form for Non-Traditional Credit Request and submit the completed form with your AP exam scores by email to studentservices@cgcc.edu or in person to Student Services, The Dalles Campus, Bldg 3; or call 541-506-6011 (option 2) for assistance. 

College-Level Examination Program (CLEP): CLEP is a set of standardized exams that allow students to earn college credit for knowledge they already have, based on their prior education or experience. Students may be eligible to be awarded college credit for CGCC course equivalencies by providing transcripts of CLEP test scores. The table below lists the exams and minimum scores required to be awarded the corresponding CGCC course equivalencies. 

To apply for CPL credits through CLEP exam scores, please fill out this form for Non-Traditional Credit Request and submit the completed form with your CLEP exam scores by email to studentservices@cgcc.edu or in person to Student Services, The Dalles Campus, Bldg 3; or call 541-506-6011 (Option 2) for assistance. 

Challenge Exams provide an opportunity for students to earn credit for specific courses by passing a test.  You will work with your instructor or department chair directly for taking the exam or demonstrating proficiency in one or more of the subject areas listed below. The fee for challenge examinations is $60 per course. 

Please follow these steps when planning to take a Challenge Exam: 

• (1) Meet with your instructor to determine your plan for completing a Challenge Exam. 

• (2) Fill out a Non-Traditional Credit Request form with your instructor.

• (3) Submit the completed form by email to studentservices@cgcc.edu or in person to Student Services, The Dalles Campus, Bldg 3; or call 541-506-6011 (Option 2) for assistance. 

One way to qualify for college credit through CPL is through military training. Please fill out a Military Credit Request form, include all appropriate documentation (DD-214, training records, certifications, test scores, and/or transcripts), and submit directly to studentservices@cgcc.edu or in person to Student Services, The Dalles Campus, Bldg 3. Additional information can be found on our Veteran's Services webpage. 

The American Council on Education (ACE) guidelines will be used with discretion when considering military credit for courses (not occupations) documented on the DD214 and/or other official training documents. Typically, credit is considered only when it is equivalent to regular course offerings at CGCC, when it is not duplicated, and when it is applicable to a student’s degree requirements. CGCC will award two (2) credit hours toward PE requirements for Basic Training.

CGCC will award two (2) credit hours toward PE requirements for Basic Training. The fee will be waived for the PE credits. CGCC accepts a maximum of twelve (12) Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits toward electives. Students must submit documentation along with a Request for Awarding Military Credit form to Student Services.

Listed below are Crosswalk course articulations for Professional Industry Certifications and Licenses. A physical copy of the document(s) and/or test scores must be presented to a CGCC employee for verification along with a completed form.

Currently held professional certifications and licensures are accepted by CGCC as articulation for credits in the following courses:

Additional information regarding professional licensure and prior learning experience for credit awarding in the Emergency Medical Technician program is also available. Please submit an inquiry to studentservices@cgcc.edu or call 541-506-6133 for more information.

Additional information regarding professional licensure and prior learning experience for credit awarding toward completion of the Advanced Manufacturing and Fabrication program requirements is also available. Please submit an inquiry to Advanced Manufacturing Instructor, Robert Wells Clark rclark@cgcc.edu for more information. 

Additional information regarding professional licensure and prior learning experience for credit awarding toward completion of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program requirements are also available. Please submit an inquiry to Aviation Maintenance Instructor, Tyson Aldrich taldrich@cgcc.edu for more information. 

More coming soon! 

Additional information regarding professional licensure and prior learning experience for credit awarding in the Early Childhood Education program is also available. Please submit an inquiry to studentservices@cgcc.edu or contact Childcare Partners Professional Development Navigator, Ryan Brusco rbrusco@cgcc.edu or call 541-506-6133 for more information.

Interested in seeking to earn college credit based on prior non-traditional learning, employment training, or other life experience? Please submit an interest inquiry, to connect with a subject area faculty professional or department chair representative to determine if CPL through Portfolio is an option for you to further explore. 

Portfolio submissions, also known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), provide students with opportunities to accelerate their path to completion toward earning a credential, certificate, or degree. Students who are interested in furthering education or transferring to 4-year programs are advised to review transfer policies at your future institution when seeking to earn credit through Prior Learning Assessment. 

If a Portfolio is determined as a next step for you, students will be required to enroll in, and successfully complete, a one credit course offered online CG160, Credit for Prior Learning Portfolio Development. The course provides guidance and support for creating a Portfolio to submit for evaluation. CGCC permits students to submit one Portfolio for assessment of up to 10 course equivalent credits. A Portfolio must clearly indicate the course or courses to be challenged, and the intended credit equivalencies connected to currently offered CGCC courses. 

For additional questions, please contact: Sara Mustonen smustonen@cgcc.edu or call 541-506-6029.

Once a student is ready to submit a Portfolio, faculty assessment teams will review the completed Portfolio and determine if demonstrated proficiency has been met to award the number of credits requested to be challenged.