Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Frequently Asked Questions
There are two ways to earn CPL credit: Credit by Evaluation (CBE) or Credit by Portfolio. Learn about both ways to earn credit here.
Credit is awarded for the demonstration of college-level learning and not experience alone, so you submit your training transcripts, and develop a portfolio. Talk with your adviser about the best option for you.
The CPL Assessment Coordinator will advise you on the timelines and assessment fees twice throughout your assessment: when you first decide to take the project on, and again when your portfolio has been submitted for evaluation. Because a content expert is needed to assess your portfolio, timelines, and costs may vary based on availability and area of expertise.
Take the self-assessment to see if you may be eligible for CPL credit at www.govst.edu/CPL-Assessment.
Many academic programs at GovState, both undergraduate and graduate, accept credits evaluated through CPL. CPL students commonly enter programs such as Business, IT, Computer Science, and Interdisciplinary Studies.
Because CPL credit can count toward elective credit, you may be eligible to transfer it to a program that is not directly related to the subject matter. Exceptions do occur when programs do not have elective credits available.
Yes. GovState Policy 36 states, “Graduate level credit for life experience may only be applied under special circumstances, upon the recommendation of the program faculty and approval by the Dean and Provost.”
You must take a minimum of 30 hours of GovState courses—online or in-person—to complete your residency requirements for a bachelor’s degree.
Yes. The fees covering the cost of the assessment are required regardless of the assessment outcome.
In some instances, you may be able to petition for CPL credit in place of college credits that were not transfer-worthy. Please speak with the GovState CPL coordinator to learn more.
Contact Us
- 708.534.4099
- ContinuingEd@govst.edu