Credit for Prior Learning: it’s credit for what you know!
Virginia Western Community College recognizes that college-level learning doesn’t always occur in the classroom. We understand that your knowledge and skills may have been obtained from workplace learning in the military, in an office setting, a daycare or preschool or through various other life activities. And we believe you should be awarded college credit for that college-level learning. That’s where our Credit for Prior Learning Program can help.
The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) found that overall, adults who earn credit for prior learning are 17% more likely to graduate than adults who do not. The CPL completion benefit is 25% for adults at community colleges, 24% for Hispanic adults, 13% for Black adults, and 19% for Pell Grant recipients.
Credit for Prior Learning is the process of awarding a student credit for competency in subject matter that has been achieved through previous academic study or occupational experience. At Virginia Western we provide convenient options to request credit for college-level learning and experience. These options provide you the opportunity to earn college credits more efficiently and at a reduced cost. This may include credit for non-traditional learning such as:
- Proficiency credit by professional certifications and licensures
- Educational/training programs (military, law enforcement, industry, state and federal government)
- Evaluated program credit by ACE and NCCRS
- Credit by examinations such as CLEP, DSST, or departmental challenge exams
- Portfolio Credit that showcases knowledge, skills and experience
- External advanced placement credit for AP, IB and A/AS examinations
- Transfer Credit from other colleges or programs
Discover how you can save time and money on your path toward a degree or credential that may add value to your skill set, develop your resume, and improve employability and job mobility. For more detailed information about CPL, click on one of the topics in the column on the right.
Virginia Western Community College has been granting credit for prior learning and has been awarding such credit for decades. Credit for Prior Learning at Virginia Western is intended to encourage degree completion, and in many cases, CPL can help students save time and money by reducing the number of courses a student must take to earn a degree.
Click here to download the Credit for Prior Learning booklet. (PDF)
General Information
Credit for Prior Learning policies at Virginia Western are consistent with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) principles and with Virginia Community College System (VCCS) policy.
Students desiring to earn college credit through one of the above Credit for Prior Learning methods can request an appointment with an advisor. Click here to request an appointment with an advisor.
Credits2Career: Credit for Prior Learning Predictor Tool
Whether you learned a skill during your service in the military, earned a certification on the job or aced an exam, you’re already on your way to earning a degree or credential. Find out how many college credits you have earned by compiling all your experience into one place using the Credit2Careers Credit for Prior Learning Predictor Tool.