Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Credit for prior learning may be earned for eligible courses approved by the faculty for students who satisfactorily pass an authorized assessment.
Authorized assessments may include the evaluation of approved external standardized examinations, military service/training, the evaluation of industry recognized credentials, student-created portfolios, and credit by examination.
Students
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. The credit that is earned through CPL must be approved by faculty through an assessment or proof of certification. Please review the 5 types of CPL that students can earn below. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions before completing any of the documentation.
Instructions for completing and submitting the petition form and application link for CPL are listed below for each type of CPL. Credit will be granted for the current semester in which the petition is approved. If after reading the instructions and the FAQs, you still have questions, please email @email
Effective April 9, 2025, no CPL applications or petitions will be accepted via email. All students must upload their completed CPL petition and required evidence via the online application found at the links under Industry CPL and Credit By Exam sections below.
Types of Credit for Prior Learning
Click on the links below and follow the instructions:
Industry Certifications
(Active Licenses, Certificates, etc..)
Credit by Examination
(Institutional Exam given by WLAC)
Standardized Exams
For students who have passed their most recent AP exam (score of 3 or higher) since 2018, visit https://www.collegeboard.org/ and submit your request for your Advanced Placement (AP) exam scores to be sent to West Los Angeles College (they provide a code). The courses for which AP Exam scores of 3 or higher correspond will appear when you click the Advanced Placement button below.
For students who passed one or more AP exams (score of 3 or higher) prior to 2018, visit https://apstudents.collegeboard.org/sending-scores/send-or-get-archived-scores and follow instructions and payment information.
Courses for which students earned credit through passing AP Exams should see them on their WLAC transcripts within ten business days. If you experience any delays or challenges with this process, please contact admissions@wlac.edu
College Level Examination Program
Military Service or Training CPL Instructions
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Students requesting CPL for military training and experience, please email @email or visit them at Admissions & Records (SSB-2nd floor) to request the download of your official JST transcript & upload into MAP.
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Make an appointment with a counselor, to occur at least one week after requesting your JST.
- Students who are chapter 31 or 33 or have a disability, should make an appointment with Cornelia Brandon at dsps@wlac.edu
- All other students should make an appointment with Eros Rice at cnseldsk@wlac.edu
Student Created Portfolio
Under construction
Eligible CPL for Transfer to UC and CSU
Type of Credit for Prior Learning |
University of California |
California State University |
| Standardized Tests: | ||
| AP | YES | YES |
| IB | YES | YES |
| CLEP | NO | CSU will evaluate after transferring |
| Industry Certification | UC will evaluate after transferring | CSU will evaluate after transferring |
| Military Training | UC will evaluate after transferring | CSU will evaluate after transferring |
| Portfolio Assessment | NO | CSU will evaluate after transferring |
| Credit by Exam | YES | YES |