Credit for Prior Learning

What is Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for college-level skills and knowledge you’ve already gained outside the classroom. This includes competencies acquired through:

  • Professional Work Experience

  • Military Training

  • Professional Certifications

  • Other specialized learning domains

According to UVU Policy 525, this credit is granted when a student demonstrates that their prior experience meets specific college-level standards.

 

Key Takeaways:

  • Save Time & Money: Earn up to 10 credits for Certificates, 30 credits for Associate degrees, and 50 credits for Bachelor’s degrees.

  • Protect Your GPA: CPL credits are recorded as "Transfer Credit" and do not affect your UVU GPA.

  • Affordable Credits: Most CPL pathways cost only $15 per course or $5 per credit hour, significantly less than standard tuition.

  • Eligibility: You must be an admitted UVU student with at least one credit already transcribed.

  • Flexible Pathways: Choose from Credentials Transfer, Challenge Exams, or Expert Portfolio Reviews.

What is Prior Learning Assessment (PLA)?

While CPL is the credit you receive, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) is the process used to earn it. During a PLA, UVU faculty experts rigorously evaluate your existing knowledge to determine if it aligns with specific course requirements.

 

Who is eligible for CPL?

To apply for Credit for Prior Learning at UVU, you must meet the following criteria:

  1. Admission: You must be a formally admitted UVU student.

  2. Current Progress: You must have at least 1 credit hour already completed and transcribed at UVU.

  3. New Coursework: You cannot request CPL for a course you have already attempted.

 

Are there residency requirements?

Yes. To earn a degree, diploma, or certificate, you must complete a minimum number of Residency Credits (credits taken directly through a UVU campus or distance education). The minimum Residency Credit hours can be found here.

Other Ways to Bring in Credit to UVU:

Send transcripts

Military Transfer Credit

Assessment Types:

 

Type of Assessment

Credits by Credentials

(Certificate Transfer Credit)

Credit by Examination

(Challenge Credit)

Credit by Expert Review

(Portfolio Assessment)

Residency Credit

(Certificate Required)
Appropriate Use Students with an earned license, certificate, or other credential that would like to receive course credit Students who would like to take an examination to prove mastery of course material Students who want to submit documentation of prior learning in industry for credit Students with accredited certifications who with to earn UVU Residency credit by enrolling in a corresponding UVU course
Courses/Cert List Credit by Credentials List Credit by Examination List Credit by Expert Review List UVU Residency Credit List
Counts to UVU Residency* No No No Yes
Certification Required Yes No Variable Credit   Yes
Registration in Course Required? No No No Yes, if approved students will register for corresponding course (415 section)

Additional Assignments/work

required?

 No Yes, students will need to complete an exam or submit documentation that will be reviewed by faculty who are subject matter experts.  Yes, students will need to submit documentation as specified on the course list to be be reviewed by faculty subject matter experts Yes, students will submit proof of accredited certification.
Cost per credit No cost

A non-refundable fee of $15 is charged to take a challenge examination.

(UVU Tuition & Fees Policy)

$15 per course

 $50 per credit
Max Credits

No limit

** See Financial Aid limits below**
  • No more than 10 credits toward a Certificate of completion
  • No more than 30 credits toward an Associate degree
  • No more than 50 credits towards a Bachelor's degree

 No limit

** See Financial Aid limits below**

 No limit

** See Financial Aid limits below **
Process Send your Certificates Here

Apply Here for Exam

 Apply Here for Expert Review

 Apply Here for Residency Credentials

 

Key Financial & Academic Policies for Transfer Credit

How does CPL and transfer credit affect Financial Aid?

When planning your degree, it is vital to monitor your total credit hours to remain eligible for federal funding. UVU follows these financial aid limits:

  • Bachelor’s Degree: Students are eligible for financial aid for up to 180 credit hours.

  • Associate Degree: Students are eligible for financial aid for up to 90 credit hours.

Note: Because Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) adds to your total transcripted hours, we recommend meeting with a Financial Aid counselor or and Academic Advisor to ensure you stay within these credit limits.

 

Which degrees accept Credit for Prior Learning (CPL)?

According to UVU Policy 525, CPL is specifically applied toward graduation requirements for the following programs:

  • Certificates of Completion

  • Associate Degrees (AA, AS, AAS)

  • Bachelor’s Degrees (BS, BA)

 

Will transfer credits affect my UVU GPA?

No. UVU does not factor transfer credits into your official GPA. While these credits help fulfill degree requirements and count toward your total earned hours, they will not negatively (or positively) impact your grade point average at UVU.