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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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)

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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 $ 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.

9. 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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. Questions?