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.
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)
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.
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
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.
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)
Will CPL meet Transfer Requirements for CSU, UC, and Other Colleges?
If you are planning to transfer, please speak with a counselor to determine if 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. 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
How Does CPL Benefit Students?
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.
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-A81AB 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.
To earn other CPL eligible courses that fit your education plan and align with your prior military training, you will need to complete the CPL Assessment Petition.
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.
