Policies & Procedures

Policy 3.17 Credit for Prior Learning

Policy Statement

It is the policy of Anoka Technical College to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate competence at the college level from learning gained through learning experiences outside of a college credit-bearing course and to establish consistent practices for evaluating and awarding credit for prior learning.

Definitions

Credit for prior learning (CPL): Academic credit awarded for demonstrated college level learning gained in non-credit or experiential settings and assessed by academically sound and rigorous methods and processes.

 

Credit for prior learning (CPL) – External Assessment: Assessment methods that could result in credit for prior learning achieved and assessed through a nationally recognized third-party assessment organization, accredited post-secondary institution, or noncredit instruction. Students demonstrate a level of proficiency that is recognized through curriculum, instruction, program, or a standardized exam. CPL external assessment types may include, but are not limited to, AP, IB, CLEP, and other national standardized assessments, world languages seals and certificates, industry recognized credentials, licenses, and certifications, and noncredit instruction in programs such as registered apprenticeships, work-based training, continuing education, and customized training.

 

Credit for prior learning (CPL) – Internal Assessment: College assessment methods and processes used by faculty members to assess students’ demonstrated learning and/or competence. Such assessments determine course equivalency. CPL internal assessment types may include, but are not limited to, portfolio assessment, interview, skills and/or knowledge demonstration, individualized subject-area assessment, group or seminar assessment, credit by exam, and competency-based assessment.

 

Military courses: Curriculum with measurable outcomes, rubrics, and validated student assessment instruments. Courses may include lectures, small group work, case studies, skills lab, clinical work, practical exercises, computer-based delivery, and discussion boards.

 

Military occupations: A service member’s job(s) while in the military.

 

Prior learning: Learning gained in life, community and/or work-based settings, and through experiences outside of the college credit-bearing course, including but not limited to independent study, life experience and reflection, non-credit study programs, career education, continuing education, online learning or instruction, and training or certificate programs.

 

Opportunities for Students

Anoka Technical College shall provide current, comprehensive, and accessible information on opportunities to obtain credit for prior learning to prospective and admitted students as part of degree planning and advising. ATC shall provide opportunities for enrolled students to demonstrate college-level learning achieved through prior learning experiences outside of the college credit-bearing course that is applicable to their program requirements. Students are not eligible to request Credit for Prior Learning for a course or courses they are currently or have previously enrolled in. Credit for prior learning opportunities may include CPL external assessments, CPL internal college assessments, and/or military courses and military occupations.

 

Awarding Credit for Prior Learning

Anoka Technical College shall determine the credit award for students who demonstrate prior learning consistent with system procedures and through processes and methods of external assessment, internal college assessment, and/or for military courses or occupations. Credit shall be awarded as a course equivalency.

 

College Transfer of Credit for Prior Learning

Credit awarded for prior learning by a college or university shall be accepted in transfer by Anoka Technical College in accordance with System Procedure 3.21.1 undergraduate Course Credit Transfer.

 

Credit for Prior Learning Appeals

Anoka Technical College has an appeal process that may be used by students who are denied credit requested for prior learning.

 

Related Documents:

History:

05.2017           Adopted

12.2024           Added definitions, revisions to comply with MinnState Board Policy 3.35