Credit for Prior Learning
Tell us about your experience and training!
What is Credit for Prior Learning?
With Credit for Prior Learning, or CPL, you can earn college credit for knowledge and skills you have already acquired outside of the traditional classroom setting. Take a moment to start here by answering a few questions about your previous training or lived experience to see if you may qualify for Credit for Prior Learning.
Credit for Prior Learning is a program that allows students to demonstrate their mastery of subject matter through various means such as exams, portfolios, and other assessments. This means that students can earn college credit for prior learning experiences, including work experience, military training, volunteer work, and independent study. Speak with an academic advisor today to learn more about CPL if you've already started your college journey.
By participating in this program, students can save time and money by accelerating their degree completion and reducing the number of courses they need to take. If you have already had contact with an advisor, or if you know you are ready to apply for earning CPL, click here to create an account in Credit Predictor Pro.
Whether you are a working adult, a military veteran, or a student who has taken a gap year or pursued independent study, this program can help you achieve your educational goals and set you on the path to success.
We're always here to help you learn more about the Credit for Prior Learning grant and how it can benefit you. Contact us to get started on your journey to earning college credit for your prior learning experiences. Lead: Sara Mustonen email phone: 541-506-6029.
Credit by Exams
An excellent option to prove your capabilities in a more academic-inclined setting.
Advanced Placement (AP) Program: The AP Program is a series of college-level courses and exams that students can take while still in high school. If a student earns a high enough score on an AP exam, they may be eligible to receive Columbia Gorge Community College Credit. The chart below lists the AP exam scores required and the CGCC courses associated with each AP exam.
Individuals should forward their official AP transcripts to the CGCC Registrar.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP): The 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. The table below lists CLEP examinations and the score an individual must achieve in order to earn the associated CGCC credits.
Individuals should send their official CLEP transcripts to the Registrar.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Program: The IB Program is a comprehensive curriculum for students in grades K-12 that emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and global awareness. Students who complete the program and pass the exams may be eligible to receive college credit or advanced standing at many colleges and universities. The program offers courses in a variety of subjects, including English, math, science, history, and foreign languages.
Challenge examinations provide an opportunity for students to earn credit for specific courses by passing an examination. Content area faculty prepare the examination based upon the established course learning outcomes. The fee for challenge examinations is $60 per credit. For more information on which classes may qualify for credit for prior learning through a challenge exam, contact Student Service.
| Challenge Courses Examinations | |
|---|---|
| ATH 102 | Introduction to Archeology and Pre-History |
| ATH 208 | Introduction to Ethnography |
| ATH 237 | Native Americans of the Northwest |
| BA 228 | QuickBooks for Business |
| BI 231 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I |
| BI 232 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II |
| BI 233 | Human Anatomy and Physiology III |
| COMM 111 | Public Speaking |
| ENG 253 | Survey of American Literature to 1865 |
| ENG 254 | Survey of American Literature since 1865 |
| HST 228 | American Indian Studies |
| HST 225 | History of Women, Sex, and Family |
| HST 104 | History of the Middle East |
| HST 270 | History of Mexico |
| MTH 95 | Intermediate Algebra |
| MTH 98 | Quantitative Math |
| MTH 110 | Technical Math |
| MTH 111 | College Algebra |
| MTH 112 | Elementary Functions |
| MTH 251 | Calculus I |
| STATS 243Z | Statistics I |
| PS 204 | Comparative Political Systems |
| PS 205 | Global Political Conflict and Cooperation |
| PS 211 | Peace and Conflict |
| PS 220 | U.S. Foreign Policy |
| PSY 201A | General Psychology |
| PSY 202A | General Psychology |
Credit for Experience and Training
There are several ways to qualify for college credit through the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) program, which evaluates an individual's college-level knowledge and skills gained outside of the traditional classroom setting.
One way to qualify for college credit through CPL is through military training. 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 accepts a maximum of twelve (12) Career and Technical Education (CTE) credits toward electives.
Another way to qualify for college credit through CPL is through certifications and licenses, whether obtained through your career or the community. Many vocational and technical programs offer certifications and licenses that demonstrate an individual's mastery of a particular skill or set of skills. These certifications and licenses can often be evaluated by higher education institutions for college credit.
Finally, an individual can qualify for college credit through CPL by submitting a portfolio with in-depth explanations of their prior learning experiences. Individuals can enroll in CG 160, Portfolio Development where they will document the knowledge and skills gained through training, work experience, and life experience. Faculty teams will assess the completed Portfolio and determine the college credits the student has earned.
This method is known as Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) and evaluates an individual's knowledge and skills gained through work experience, life experience, formal and informal education, and training from in-state and out-of-state schools.