CPL Faculty Resources
CPL FAQs for Faculty
Credit for prior learning (CPL) is credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom—it's a strategy to grant students credit for what they already know and can do. Across the nation, individual institutions and systems of higher education are implementing comprehensive CPL practices to help working adults reskill and achieve quality credentials that increase their economic mobility.
How is Credit for Prior Learning defined in Title 5?
On September 16, 2019, the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges approved a revision to Title 5, Section 55050 that redesigns how students at California Community Colleges receive credit for prior learning. The new regulation aims to make the process more consistent and equitable for students who come to community colleges with college-level skills and knowledge acquired in a variety of non-classroom settings.
What are some benefits of CPL?
Research suggests that CPL benefits students and colleges by increasing completion and closing achievement gaps. In California, this means CPL can help the system achieve the goals outlined in the Vision for Success and increase college funding through improving measures on the Student Centered Funding Formula metrics.
CPL Research Source: CAEL Fueling the Race for Postsecondary Success
What is the Bakersfield College policy on Credit for Prior Learning?
Board Policy Policy 4C1 Credit for Prior Learning is a great resource to learn more about the different methods of assessment that Bakersfield College accepts for Credit for Prior Learning.
- AP - Advanced Placement
- IB - International Baccalaureate
- CLEP - College Level Examination Program
- Military Service/Training
- Industry Recognized Credentials
- Student-Centered Portfolio Assessment
- Credit by Examination from Within the District
Faculty and staff interested in learning more about CPL and potential opportunities for students within your disciplines, contact CPL@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
Is there a cost to students for CPL?
There is no cost for CPL, except for the Credit by Exam assessment method. Credit earned through the other assessment methods listed above are free to the student.
The Credit by Exam (CBE) cost is current tuition rates per unit for in-state, out-of-state, or international students depending on your student status. For current tuition rates per unit, see BC's Tuition Rates. Units acquired by examination might not be applicable to meeting such unit load requirements as Selective Service deferment, Veteran's Benefits, or Social Security Benefits.
5: (CCR, tit. 5, § 55050 (i)) A district may charge a student a fee for administering an examination pursuant to this section, provided the fee does not exceed the enrollment fee which would be associated with enrollment in the course for which the student seeks credit by examination (CCR, tit. 5, § 55050 (i)). [The use of the term “examination” draws a distinction between Credit by Examination and other methods of prior learning assessments. While districts may charge a fee for examinations, districts should keep student equity in mind when determining fees and ensure earning CPL does not place an undue financial burden on students or limit access to CPL].
Advise interested students to submit a student interest form. A CPL team member will contact them with further information about getting started.
What steps do I need to take to make my course CPL eligible?
Faculty interested in making their course CPL eligible, contact Kim Nickell knickell@bakersfieldcollege.edu.
