Apply for CPL

CPL Eligibility

To be eligible for Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), per AP 4235, an individual must:

• Have a current application with College of the Canyons.
• Be in good standing or have no standing.
• Request CPL for a course listed in College of the Canyon’s current course catalog.
• Have satisfied the prerequisites and other enrollment requirements for the course
• Not be currently enrolled in the course for which they request CPL or have prior credit for the course or an equivalent course at the District. for which CPL is requested.
• Not have requested CPL for the same course previously at the District (although the individual may enroll in the course in a future term for credit if the CPL assessment produced a substandard grade of D, F, or NP.)

Evidence of Learning Mastery

Students will be required to submit evidence of learning mastery. Evidence may include:

• The Advanced Placement (AP) score through official high school transcript or from the College Board.
• The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) official record.
• The International Baccalaureate (IB) program official record.
• The Joint Services Transcripts. Veteran students will be informed of the CPL policy.
• Proof of Industry Certification
• Other related evidence of experience or prior learning requested by the Department Faculty/Chair.

CPL Application Process

Students may initiate this process by completing one of the two forms below (In some circumstances the faculty may initiate this process on behalf of the student):

1. a CPL Request Form or
2. an AP Equivalency Request Form

Note: It is recommended that the student will first meet with a counselor to determine if CPL aligns with their educational plan. However, this is not required.

Process for CPL Request Form

After receiving students' Request Form:

1. The CPL Coordinator/faculty will review CPL evidence.
2. If needed, the student will be asked to meet with a discipline faculty member for assessment.
   
   • The faculty member will discuss the merits of CPL with the student and explain the assessment instrument used to determine course credit.
3. The completed form will be sent to the student's COC email, where they will indicate their acceptance, decline, or appeal on the CPL Form prior to its submission to the Admissions and Records office.
4. Signed form will be sent to Admissions for transcription. 

Process for AP Equivalency Request Form

After receiving students' AP Equivalency Request Form:

1. The CPL Coordinator will review CPL evidence.
   • CPL may only be awarded for a course listed in the District's current course catalog.
2. The faculty/CPL Coordinator will forward the final CPL Form to the Admissions and Records office.