Credit for Prior Learning

Get Credit For What You Already know

At Minnesota State, we recognize that you already have a wealth of learning and knowledge gained through your life experiences. That’s why many of our colleges and universities provide opportunities to receive credit for the knowledge you already gained.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is academic credit that is awarded to students who can successfully demonstrate college or university-level learning achieved through informal or experiential learning outside of the classroom. You could have your learning evaluated for academic credit, saving you time and money towards earning your degree.

Are you a candidate for credit for prior learning?

Find out by contacting your advisor. Advisors and many faculty play a role in helping you recognize and identify your learning that might have potential for college-level assessment.

Minnesota State colleges and universities may have different guidelines and processes for granting credit for your prior learning through standardized CLEP examinations, military training or service, Advanced Placement exams, International Baccalaureate diplomas, and (in some cases) college course credit by examinations, individualized assessments, portfolio reviews, or competence demonstrations. Our Veterans Education Transfer System (VETS) shows how many academic credits you can receive for military occupations prior to admissions.

Select a college or university below for additional information: