Credit for Prior Learning Middlesex Community College Professor Robert Kaulfuss CPL Coordinator and Advisor August 2017

Topics Reference What & Why Typical Areas of CPL Types of CPL Transferability Limitations & Policies Suggestions for Advisors Steps for Evaluators Steps for Students CPL Data MCC Web Page MCC’s CPL Database Student Application Form Guidelines/Evaluation Form Examples MACareerInsight.com Questions & Answers

CPL: What & Why Definitions Granted for Benefit to Students & Colleges CPL: Credit for Life Experience PLA: Prior Learning Assessment Granted for Military training & education Work experience Training & education (outside of college) Licenses & credentials Professional/Life skills, knowledge, & competencies Benefit to Students & Colleges Validates experience Accelerates progress (saves time & money) Improves retention & completion

Typical Areas of CPL Military (through ACE) Business, Management, and Hospitality Computer Applications, CAD, IT, and Programming Biotech Education Art and Graphic Design World Languages Fire Science Limited or not done for: CJ, Paralegal, Health Careers, some General Education

Types of CPL Assessment (National) National Standardized Exams CLEP DSST American Council on Education (ACE) ACE Military Guide ACE National Guide to College Credit for Workforce Training CAEL National Portfolio Evaluation Service: LearningCounts.org (ACE Credit) Online Courses with Study.com (ACE Credit)

Types of CPL Assessment (Local) License, Credential, Training Verification Firefighter Recruit Training, EMT, ServSafe, etc. Challenge Exam or Exercise Portfolio Development and Review Interview Assessment Resume and Reference Checking

Transferability of CPL Nationally recognized and transferable CPL types AP CLEP, DSST, etc. ACE recommended Locally evaluated CPL transfer limitations Local CPL types (exams, portfolios, credential reviews, etc.) are generally not transferable to another college Unless the course is part of a completed MassTransfer program that matches the same program at a state college or university For example: Business Transfer program at MCC transferring to a Business program at UMass Lowell.

Limitations & Qualifications of CPL Must be an enrolled student. To complete a degree at MCC, students must complete: Minimum of 15 credits of regular classes (not CPL) Minimum of 9 credits in a major (not CPL) CPL credit is ungraded and listed as TR (transfer). Can’t use for a failed course (except CLEP) CLEP would not replace F or change GPA One-try, nonrefundable fees apply of $50-150 per course apply for an evaluation. (No fee for consultations) Limited or not done for: CJ, Paralegal, Health Careers, Education, some General Education MCC is not able to evaluate subject areas where the college has no matching courses or subject areas offered.

Suggestions for Advisors See MCC Web page General information, policies, contacts, links (CLEP, etc.) Provide CPL Overview Types: CLEP, local exams, portfolios, etc. Typical Areas: STEM, business, languages, etc. Transfer limitations Program prohibitions: CJ, Paralegal, some Health Use CPL Database For MCC staff reference only Make a Referral Veterans, Fire Science (separate guidelines and designated advisors) CPL Coordinator and Advisor (Rob Kaulfuss) MA CPL Website (MACareerInsight.com) wizard & registration

Step by Step for Evaluators Division Dean designates a faculty evaluator Evaluator prepares CPL Guidelines for a course Approved by Division Dean and CPL Coordinator Evaluator receives $50 stipend (one-time) CPL Coordinator or faculty evaluator sends Guidelines/Evaluation form to student Evaluator completes evaluation and returns signed Guidelines/Evaluation form to CPL Coordinator Evaluator receives $100 Stipend for each student/course (No stipends for credential verifications)

Step by Step for Students Contact CPL Coordinator to get started Check with assigned evaluator to discuss possibilities Obtain CPL Guidelines from evaluator to prepare Pay non-refundable fee at bursar’s office: $50 for credential reviews $150 for all others Meet with evaluator to complete assessment Remaining administrative paperwork takes 1-2 weeks Confirmation letter sent to student

Questions?