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Credit for Prior Learning

Get Credit For What You Already Know:

At Minnesota State, we recognize you have a wealth of skills and knowledge gained through life, work and community-based experiences. That’s why our colleges and universities offer opportunities to earn academic credit for the knowledge you already possess.

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

You Can Demonstrate Your Knowledge and Earn Credit

Are you serving or have you served in the military armed services? You have training and occupational experiences that could count toward your degree.
Have you completed training in the workplace or in the community?
Do you have current professional certifications, licenses, or certificates of completion? Here are some of the course equivalencies and credits that have been awarded at Minnesota State colleges and universities.

Have you successfully passed national examinations, such as the College Level Examination Program, DANTES Subject Standardized Test, or Advanced Placement
Do you have skills and knowledge that you gained through work experiences, civic activities, community volunteerism, independent study, or other informal learning experiences?

Learn More

Get Started on Your CPL Possibilities Now:

My Credit for Prior Learning (MyCPL) is a Minnesota State platform that helps students earn credit for demonstrating college/university level knowledge.

Are you a prospective or current student and would like to learn how you could use credit for prior learning (CPL)?
To get started, complete the student intake questions by going to MyCPL and clicking on "SIGN IN".
A MyCPL advisor will review your submitted responses and contact you about your credit for prior learning options.

Reference the glossary if you need additional clarification on a term.

For additional CPL information, select a Minnesota State college or university below:

Ask C-PLAN

If you are a current student, or thinking about enrolling at one of the 33 campuses, or if you serve students at a college or university in the Minnesota State system and have a question about CPL and how it works, Ask C-PLAN and we will respond within two business days. Thank you.

If you are a Minnesota State college or university interested in more information or participating in the network, additional information can be found on the Credit for Prior Learning Assessment Network page.