Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for Prior Learning
RCC recognizes that many students gain valuable learning experiences outside of the traditional classroom setting. Riverside City College embraces Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) as an opportunity to validate students’ prior learning and apply it towards certificates, degrees, or transfer requirements.
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge acquired outside of a college classroom. CPL allows students to earn college credit for knowledge and skills they have already gained through work experience, military service, industry certifications, apprenticeships, or independent learning.
Students may earn CPL for eligible courses approved by faculty by successfully completing an authorized assessment. Authorized assessments may include the evaluation of approved external standardized examinations, military service or training, industry-recognized credentials, student-created portfolios, or Credit by Examination.
- CPL can save time and money towards educational goals.
- CPL can jumpstart paths to completing degrees and certificates.
- CPL honors the knowledge and skills obtained outside of a college classroom.
To qualify for Credit for Prior Learning, students must meet the following criteria:
- The student must be currently enrolled and in good standing in the District and have completed not less than 12 units or 50% of certificate coursework at Riverside Community College District with an overall grade point average of at least 2.0 (C). This requirement does not apply to Advanced Placement and other approved standardized examinations.
- The student must have previously earned credit or noncredit from the District or be currently registered in the District.
- The course(s) to be considered are listed in the current college Catalog of the student’s home college
- The student is not currently or previously enrolled in the course(s) to be considered or challenged.
- A maximum of 45 units may be granted for Credit for Prior Learning.
- Students shall be given the opportunity to accept, decline, or appeal the determination of Credit for Prior Learning.
- Credits acquired by examination shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence (or 50% of certificate coursework) required for an Associate degree.
- Credits acquired by examination are not applicable to meeting unit load requirements such as Selective Service deferment, Veterans, CalWORKS, EOPS (and other special programs), or Social Security benefits.
- Credit for Prior Learning may not be available for all course offerings and is contingent upon discipline curricular decisions as approved by the Office of Academic Affairs.
For additional information refer to: BP/AP 2235: Credit for Prior Learning
- Grading shall be according to the regular grading system in accordance with Administrative Procedure 2230 Grading and Academic Record Symbols.
- Students shall be offered a “Pass & No Pass" option, in accordance with Administrative Procedure 2230[A] Pass & No Pass Grading Option, if that option is ordinarily available for the course.
- Students shall be given the opportunity to accept, decline, or appeal the grade assigned by the faculty, and in cases of Credit by Examination, pursuant to AP 2230 Grading and Academic Record Symbols and AP 2231 Grade Changes.
Types of CPL
Standard Examinations
- Advanced Placement (AP)
- The International Baccalaureate (IB)
- College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Advanced Placement Exam (AP)
Riverside Community College District recognizes the Advanced Placement Program of the College Entrance Examination Board. Students will be granted credit for Advanced Placement examinations with a score of 3, 4 or 5 in specified subject areas. Advanced Placement subject credit is granted for the fulfillment of Riverside Community College District programs only. Other colleges or universities may have different policies concerning Advanced Placement. Therefore, the transfer institution will reevaluate the Advanced Placement scores based upon their own college policies.
Students who have successfully completed AP exams with scores of 3, 4 or 5 may earn credit towards GE, graduation requirements, and Cal-GETC certification. Please refer to the RCCD AP Credit Chart for specific information on how AP credits are applied to each of these categories Official AP Scores must be sent to the Admissions and Records office for official evaluation. Course credit and units granted for AP exams at Riverside City, Norco, and Moreno Valley Colleges may differ from course credit and units granted by a transfer institution. For Cal-GETC certifications, AP unit and area credit is awarded as approved by the CSU and UC systems (see Cal-GETC columns on the RCCD AP Credit Chart). This is not always the same area or units for Cal-GETC certification as our own equivalent course would receive.
Students should always see a counselor to review the applicability of AP credits towards the different academic requirements.
International Baccalaureate (IB) Credit
Students who have successfully completed IB exams with scores of 5, 6 or 7 may earn credit towards RCCD GE, graduation requirements, and Cal-GETC certification. For Cal-GETC certifications, IB unit and area credit is awarded as approved by the CSU and UC systems. Check with a counselor for more information. Please refer to the RCCD IB Credit Chart for specific information on how IB credits are applied to each of these categories
Credit for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Credit is not allowed if coursework in the subject area has been completed or AP credit has previously been granted. CLEP exams will not be used to certify Cal-GETC requirements at this time. Students planning to transfer should check the policy on CLEP in the catalog of the college to which they will transfer. An official transcript is required. For further information, contact the Counseling office.
RCCD General Education Credit for CLEP Tests
Students may earn credit for College–Level Examination Program (CLEP) tests. CLEP credit can be used to meet RCCD general education (GE). UC does not award units for CLEP credit. Students must have the College Board send CLEP results to the Admissions Office for use on the degree or the RCCD GE patterns. Course credit and units granted at Riverside Community College District may differ from course credit and units granted by another college or transfer institution.
Credit by Exam (Cx)
Satisfactory completion of a local college examination administered by the college in lieu of completion of an active course listed in the current college catalog.
Application Process for Credit by Exam
- Please review Credit by Exam to be sure you meet the requirements before submitting your petition.
- Contact Discipline Faculty to determine if Credit by Exam is offered for the course.
- Follow procedures outlined on form.
- Note: The World Languages Department has different requirements for receiving credit; ask for information at Admissions or at the World Languages Department.
Joint Services Transcripts (JST)
- The Joint Services Transcript (JST) is a synchronized transcript presenting data for the United States Army, Marine Corps, Navy, and Coast Guard.
- ACE Credit Recommendations shall be considered to award CPL.
*CCAF is regionally accredited and has its own transcript
If you are an active service member or veteran, you may qualify for credit toward your program of study. Riverside City College is dedicated to ensuring the success of our active duty and veteran students. If you attended a military service school, received training, or served in an occupation specialty you may be able to earn credit toward your program at RCC.
Five units will be awarded towards fulfillment of RCCD GE area E: Health Education and Self Development upon presentation of an official Joint Services Transcript or Community College of the Air Force Transcript as evidence of completion of basic training. Military transcripts are evaluated based on the recommendations of the ACE Military Guide. Credit may be used to fulfill RCCD GE, area of emphasis, certificate or elective degree requirements.
To request credit for your military training:
- Contact the Veterans Counselor at Riverside City College. Please see the RCC Veterans Center webpage for hours and contact information.
- Submit your official JST transcript directly to Riverside City College.
- a) Active-duty members of the armed forces can submit a Joint Services Transcript (JST). You may request your JST through the Department of Defense at https://jst.doded.mil
- b) Military service members of the Air Force can submit an official transcript from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) to receive Basic Training and traditional transfer credit. CCAF is an accredited college, therefore course enrollment is considered as transfer credit, rather than credit for prior learning.www.Airuniversity.af.edu/registrar/transcript-requests/
- To submit your request for additional credit, you will need to ensure your official transcripts have been received by RCC and submit the completed CPL Assessment Petition to Evaluations@rcc.edu to initiate the review process.
Please visit the RCC Veterans Center for more information.
Student Created Portfolios
A student-created portfolio is a compilation of a student's work, achievements, and reflections assembled for the purpose of showcasing their skills, growth, and accomplishments.
Portfolios can take various forms and may include a range of artifacts, such as writing samples, projects, artwork, presentations, and other evidence of the student's learning and development.
A portfolio is a collection of documents, supporting materials, and corresponding narrative that document student’s ability to demonstrate their proficiency in learning objectives for a single course. Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using a student-created portfolio shall receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee.
To request review of a student-created portfolio:
- Meet with a counselor for more information and to determine applicability towards educational goal.
- To submit your request for credit, you will need to ensure completion of a portfolio that demonstrates proficiency in learning objectives for a single course listed in the catalog at either Norco College, Riverside City College, or Moreno Valley College. You will need to meet with the department chair or faculty discipline designee.
- To request a review of a student-created portfolio, please contact the department chair of the relevant department.
Department chairs are listed on the program pathway webpages. Please contact CPL@rcc.edu for more information.
Industry Recognized Credentials/Documentation
Industry-recognized credentials or documentation are certifications or qualifications that are widely acknowledged and valued within a specific industry.
These credentials typically indicate that an individual possesses the necessary skills, knowledge, and competencies to perform well in a particular profession.
Examples:
- Peace Officers and Standards and Training (POST)
- Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Earn credit towards your degree or certificate with a current, verifiable industry certification or licensure. Students interested in Credit for Prior Learning using industry recognized credential(s) shall receive credit as recommended by the appropriate department chair or faculty designee.
To request a review of industry-recognized credentials:
- Meet with a counselor for more information and to determine applicability towards educational goal.
- Submit your current, verifiable industry certification or licensure, a copy of your government issued photo identification and the completed CPL Assessment Petition to evaluations@rcc.edu to initiate the review process.
For more information please contact: CPL@rcc.edu
Application Process for CPL at RCC
- Apply to the Riverside City College or have a current application on file.
- Meet with a RCC Counselor.
- Complete the Credit for Prior Learning Assessment Petition along with supporting documentation and email to Evaluations@rcc.edu
- Click on specific type of CPL for additional information about the application process.
RCC Approved CPL Courses
The following courses have been approved for CPL. We are continually building our database of approved courses, if you feel you have prior learning experience that would meet the rigor of a college course offered at RCC, but you do not see the course listed – please meet with a counselor to discuss the possibility of CPL.
- RCC CPL Industry Credential Approvals – Link to Spreadsheet with all RCC CPL
- TES – Transfer Evaluation System - Keep what is on current website for TES
- Military Credit for Prior Learning – please view the RCC public TES site and select American Council on Education to review approved military courses and occupations at RCC. You can also view the public TES site for Moreno Valley College and Norco College for courses specific to those colleges.
- Industry Certification for Prior Learning – please view the public TES site and select Credit for Prior Learning to review approved industry credentials/certifications.
RCC PUBLIC TES SITE MVC PUBLIC TES SITE NORCO PUBLIC TES SITE
Mapping Articulated Pathways (MAP)
To view a list of approved CPL opportunities, visit the RCC MAP platform.
Contact for CPL
For general information and questions about CPL, please email: cpl@rcc.edu
CPL Veterans Counselor
Veteran's Certifying Officer
Evaluations Office
Email
Frequently Asked Questions
Students who hold industry credentials and certifications, are graduates of service academies, were trained for military occupations, or have work experience that can be demonstrated through an exam or portfolio review may qualify for credit for prior learning.
Each CPL eligible course will have different methods of assessment. These methods include:
- Military Transcript
- Credit by Exam
- Portfolio Review
- Industry Certification/Accreditation or License
- AP, IB, and CLEP exam scores
There is no cost for CPL at RCC.
A maximum of 45 units may be granted in total from one or more of the following:
- CLEP
- Military training
- AP
- IB
- Credit for Extra Institutional Learning (including portfolios, industry credentials, and experience)
Units are determined by faculty in the district-wide discipline.
No, you do not need to complete the petition form to earn HES-1 and KIN-A81A/B for your basic training in the military.
Send in your official JST to Riverside City College, and these credits will be automatically added to your transcript.
You can order your official JST through the JST website. Air Force Members – please submit your Community College of the Air Force transcript to RCC Admissions Office.
To earn other CPL eligible courses that fit your education goal and align with your prior military training, you will need to complete the CPL Assessment Petition. Contact the Veterans Counselor at Riverside City College to explore these options further.
If you are planning to transfer, please speak with a counselor to determine if the CPL review process is beneficial to your specific academic goals.
Some colleges may not accept all methods of CPL Assessment. The UC’s will only accept Credit by Exam.
