3.35 – Credit for Prior Learning – Lake Superior College

Part 1: Purpose

The purpose of Credit for Prior Learning is to provide students with opportunities to demonstrate college level learning gained in non-credit or experiential settings.

Part 2: Policy

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) may be achieved through one of the following options: Advanced Placement (AP) Test, International Baccalaureate Program (IB), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST), Credit by Exam, Prior Learning Assessment (PLA), veteran’s military training or service in compliance with Subd.2 of Minnesota Statute 197.775 Higher Education Fairness, training programs, and nationally recognized examinations recommended by The American Council on Education (ACE).

Credit for Prior Learning credits count toward graduation requirements but are not counted in minimum semester credit completion calculations with the exception of PLA credits. PLA credits will be recorded on a LSC transcript with a grade of “P” (Pass). Only LSC faculty–assessed credit, earned through Credit by Exam or PLA, will count towards the program residency requirement. Occupational course credits earned more than five years prior to the time of request need program faculty approval to fulfill current program requirements. If occupational credits more than five years old are not approved to fulfill program requirements, students may demonstrate course content mastery by utilizing the CPL process.

Note: While LSC and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities accept credits for prior learning, other colleges to which the student may subsequently transfer may not accept them. It is the responsibility of the student to maintain communication with the receiving institution.