CPL can help you save time and money on your educational path. Students can now get credit for a course instead of just waiving a prerequisite.
What is Credit for Prior Learning?
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for validated college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of a college classroom. Students’ knowledge and skills might be gained through experiences such as:
- Military training
- Industry training
- State/ Federal government training
- Apprenticeships, internships, work-based learning, or other industry-based experiential learning
- Validated volunteer and civic activities (e.g. Peace Corps)
CPL does not award credit for knowledge and skills learned through college and university courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can CPL help me?
Who qualifies for CPL?
Eligibility Requirements (select all that apply)
I have a current Columbia College or MJC application on file.
I have a current Educational Plan from either college
I am in Good Academic Standing (not on Warning, Probation, or Dismissal).
I am not currently enrolled in the course for which Credit for Prior Learning is being sought.
I am not currently enrolled in nor have I received credit for a more advanced course in the same subject.
Students who hold industry credentials and certifications are graduates of service academies were trained for military occupations, or have work experience that can be demonstrated through an exam or portfolio review may qualify for credit for prior learning.
How do I demonstrate that I have prior learning?
Each CPL eligible course will have different methods of assessment. These methods include:
- Military Transcript
- Credit by Exam
- Portfolio Review
- Industry Certification/Accreditation or License
- AP, IB, CLEP
What courses at MJC are eligible for CPL?
A current list of approved CPL courses are listed above in the CPL Course list.
We are still adding to our CPL database and if you do not see a course you would like
to be considered, please reach out to our Coordinator to see if CPL is a good fit.
Coordinator: Tina Giron
Email: MJCCPL@yosemite.edu
Ph: (209) 575-6157
Does CPL cost anything?
There is no cost for CPL.
I have experience in a discipline or industry that is not listed.
Contact CPL Counselor at MJCCPL@yosemite.edu or at (209) 575-6157 to set up a “CPL counseling appointment.”
Do I need to be enrolled in a course at MJC to petition?
No, you can just start with an email to the CPL Coordinator, MJCCPL@yosemite.edu and the Coordinator will reach out to you for next steps.
Once determined if you qualify for prior learning credit, you will need to apply to
become a student at MJC.
Apply to MJC