Credit for Prior Learning Resources

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) refers to the granting of credit for subject matter mastery that has been accumulated from outside the degree granting institution. Some examples include transfer credits, articulated high school credits, and learning through work or other non-classroom experience. CPL is described in more detail in the new Educational Services Manual, Chapter 10. Nine Principles for successful implementation of CPL have been derived from the recommendations of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning and are consistent with the Higher Learning Commission’s recommendations regarding prior learning assessment and reflect the current goals and direction of the Wisconsin Technical Colleges as we work to expand opportunities for adult students.

9 Guiding Principles for Expanding Credit for Prior Learning Opportunities

1. Credit for prior learning is verified by assessing competencies acquired outside traditional academic institutions.
2. Subject matter experts are essential to the process.
3. Assessment requires college resources as well as faculty time in development, updating and evaluation.
4. The WTCS presidents have agreed to a uniform fee for assessment of prior learning system-wide beginning July 1, 2017.
5. It is a best practice to provide a tool for potential students to confirm their readiness prior to paying for a prior learning assessment.
6. As agreed to by the WTCS Instructional Service Administrators group in December 2016, colleges recognize credit awarded by other WTCS colleges through prior learning assessment.
7. Colleges explain clearly to stakeholders how to get credit for prior learning and what prior learning assessments may currently be available.
8. Credit earned through PLA will be transcripted in a way that is informed by American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) best practices and is transparent.
9. Colleges are encouraged to conduct research to verify the success of students who are awarded credit for prior learning vs those who are not.

In addition to your system office contacts, college contacts for CPL are identified on the 2021-0901-CPL-Coordinators list under Documents (below).