- Las Positas College
- Academic Services
- Credit for Prior Learning (Students)
Academic Services
Credit for Prior Learning
For Students
Students please note that not every discipline has courses available for CPL.
If you do not see your discipline below, please reach out to
lpc-priorlearning@laspositascollege.edu for assistance.
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. This CPL definition does not include knowledge and skills already assessed and awarded credit through formal education at regionally accredited in-state and out-of-state institutions.
Credit for Prior Learning at Las Positas College
A currently enrolled student in good standing with an educational plan on file may be awarded credit for prior learning with faculty consent. Request for credit may be made for general education, program, or elective coursework. Types of credit for prior learning include: credit by exam, credit by portfolio, credit by industry recognized training (IRT), and credit by military joint service transcripts (MJST).
Methods for awarding credit for prior learning are as follows:
- Credit through satisfactory completion of examination
- Faculty assessment of a portfolio or documentation of college-level knowledge/skills
- and/or college-level training not acquired at an institution of higher learning, such as industry recognized credentials or training (IRT)
- Evaluation of a Military Joint Service Transcript (MJST)
- Achievement of a satisfactory score on the Advanced Placement (AP) examination
- Achievement of a satisfactory score on a high-level International Baccalaureate (IB) examination
- Achievement of a satisfactory score on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
About the Methods of CPL
- Application and Administration
The petition must be approved by the appropriate discipline faculty, the Division Dean, and the Vice President of Academic Services. The assessment or examination will be scheduled and administered by the relevant faculty member. - Awarding of Credit
Upon completion of the assessment or examination, the administering instructor will verify the course and number of units to be received and will assign an appropriate grade. Students shall be offered a credit/ no-credit option if that option is normally available for the course. A student must achieve a “C” or better to be awarded credit. - Limitations
Coursework credit awarded through assessment or examination may not be counted as part of the 12-unit residency requirement necessary for graduation from LPC. The amount of credit that may be earned and counted toward a certificate or degree is no more than three-quarters of the units needed for completion. Credit for Prior Learning is transferable to California State University campuses. Students must pay the $46/ unit for credit-by-exams and portfolios, but not for industry-recognized training or JST. - Notations
The student's academic record will indicate that credit on microfilm after a five-year retention period. Grade changes shall not be made after that time.
Students who have achieved elsewhere an equivalent knowledge, understanding and experience that is required by regular college courses may receive units of credit based on successful completion of a comprehensive assessment of documentation, credentials, or an assessment designed and approved by LPC discipline faculty. A student may petition for courses available for prior learning assessment publicly listed on the LPC website.
Students who have achieved elsewhere equivalent skills, knowledge, understanding and experience required by regular college courses may receive units of credit based on successful completion of a comprehensive course exam or certification approved by the College discipline faculty.
- Credit may be earned by students who satisfactorily pass military courses on their Joint Services Transcripts (JST) and at the Community College of the Airforce (CCAF). Students wanting to petition for credit for prior learning with their Military Joint Services transcripts must do so by going through the Incoming Transcript Evaluation Process in the Admissions and Records office.
- Student may request their Joint Service Transcript on https://jst.doded.mil/jst/
- Students may upload their JST to the Military Articulation Platform to see if their
courses are approved for Credit for Prior Learning. https://veteransmapsearch.azurewebsites.net/default.aspx
- Students please note the "Summary" page at the end of your JST will need to be included in the upload for it to be processed through this platform accurately.
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To view the list of courses from other institutions that have already been determined to be equivalent to courses at Las Positas College please visit the CollegeSource website. These courses will apply towards certificate and degree programs at Las Positas College using the course equivalencies listed.
LPC grants academic credit for successful completion of examinations of the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) Program. Credit awarded based on passing AP scores of 3+ may be applied differently for the AA/AS degree and for transfer; therefore, students are advised to consult with a counselor for information on how AP scores will be applied based on their educational goals. Courses deemed equivalent to AP exams as determined by LPC faculty (see chart) may be used to clear pre-requisites as appropriate – see a counselor for details. Students may not receive duplicate credit for AP exams and equivalent courses taken at LPC.
The Advanced Placement Exams (AP) chart displays how credit is awarded for the following:
- Las Positas College AA/AS degree – Las Positas College AA/AS General Education pattern area and units, elective units, and course equivalency.
- CSU General Education-Breadth pattern area and units toward CSU transfer admission.
- IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) – GE pattern area for CSU and/or UC and units toward CSU and UC transfer admission.
In order to receive academic credit toward the AA/AS degree and/ or CSU GE Breadth/IGETC certification for AP exams, students must submit the official AP score report from the College Board. to the Admissions and Records Office and request the score report to be scanned into their student records. Scanning requests may be adfnitiated by meeting with an academic counselor. In cases where the AP exams are not listed on the AP Chart or do not earn credit, students may petition the academic discipline to consider credit.
LPC grants academic credit for successful completion of examinations of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program. Credit awarded based on passing IB scores may be applied differently for the AA/AS degree and for transfer; therefore, students are advised to consult with a counselor for information on how their IB scores will be applied based on their educational goals. Students may not receive duplicate credit for IB exams and equivalent courses taken at LPC.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Examinations chart displays how credit is awarded for the following:
- Las Positas College AA/AS degree – Las Positas College AA/AS General Education pattern area and units, and elective units.
- CSU General Education-Breadth pattern area and units toward CSU transfer admission.
- IGETC (Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum) – GE pattern area for CSU and/or UC and units toward CSU and UC transfer admission.
In order to receive academic credit toward the AA/AS degree and/ or CSU GE Breadth/IGETC certification for IB exams, students must submit the official IB score report to the Admissions and Records Office and request the score report to be scanned into their student records. The scanning request may be initiated by meeting with an academic counselor. In cases where the IB exams are not listed on the IB Chart or do not earn credit, students may petition the academic discipline for consideration of credit.
Las Positas College grants academic credit for successful completion of examinations of the College Board’s College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Credit awarded based on passing CLEP scores may be applied differently for the AA/AS degree and for transfer; therefore, students are advised to consult with a counselor for information on how their CLEP scores will be applied based on their educational goals. Students may not receive duplicate credit for CLEP exams and the equivalent courses taken at the college.
The College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) chart displays how credit is awarded for the following:
- Las Positas College AA/AS degree – Las Positas College AA/AS General Education pattern area and units, and elective units.
- CSU General Education-Breadth pattern area and units toward CSU transfer admission.
In order to receive academic credit toward the AA/AS degree and/or CSU GE Breadth certification for CLEP exams, students must submit the official CLEP score report from the College Board to Admissions and Records and request the score report to be scanned into their student records.Scanning requests may be initiated by meeting with an academic counselor. In cases where the CLEP exams are not listed on the CLEP Chart or do not earn credit, students may petition the academic discipline for consideration of credit.
Student Eligibility
Students may petition for Credit for Prior Learning if they meet the following:
- The student must be currently registered in the District
- The student must be in good academic standing in the District and have a student educational plan on file
- The student is not currently enrolled in the course to be challenged
- The course to be challenged is listed in the current College Catalog
- Pertaining to Credit by Examination: The student is registered in the District and not currently enrolled in nor received credit for a more advanced course in the same subject (may be waived by department)
Note: Credits acquired by CPL assessment shall not be counted in determining the 12 semester hours of credit in residence required for an Associate Degree.
Courses Available for CPL
AUTO A1 | Engine Repair |
AUTO A2 | Automatic Transmissions |
AUTO A3 | Manual Drivetrains |
AUTO A4 | Suspension and Steering |
AUTO A5 | Brakes |
AUTO A6 | Electrical/Electronic Systems |
AUTO A7 | Heating and Air Conditioning |
AUTO A8 | Engine Performance |
AUTO A9 | Light Vehicle Diesel Engine |
AUTO INTR | Automotive Service and Introduction |
AUTO L1 | Advanced Engine Performance |
AUTO L3 | Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicles |
FREN 1A | Beginning French |
FREN 1B | Elementary French |
MUS 10A | Music Theory and Musicianship 3 |
MUS 21A | Beginning Piano |
MUS 21B | Intermediate Piano |
MUS 8A | Music Theory and Musicianship 1 |
MUS 8B | Music Theory and Musicianship 2 |
FREN 1A | Beginning French |
FREN 1B | Elementary French |
APIS 51 | CompTIA's A+ Certification Computer Technician |
APIS 52 | Networking Fundamentals |
APIS 53 | Network Security; CompTIA Security + Certification |
APIS 54 | Red Hat Linux Administration I |
APIS 55 | Digital Forensics Fundamentals |
APIS 56 | Cisco CCNA2/3 Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (SRWE) |
AUTO A1 | Engine Repair |
AUTO A2 | Automatic Transmissions |
AUTO A3 | Manual Drivetrains |
AUTO A4 | Suspension and Steering |
AUTO A5 | Brakes |
AUTO A6 | Electrical/Electronic Systems |
AUTO A7 | Heating and Air Conditioning |
AUTO A8 | Engine Performance |
AUTO A9 | Light Vehicle Diesel Engine |
AUTO INTR | Automotive Service and Introduction |
AUTO L1 | Advanced Engine Performance |
AUTO L3 | Light Duty Hybrid/Electric Vehicles |
CIS 66 | Networking Fundamentals |
CNT 51 | CompTIA's A+ Certification Computer Technician |
CNT 52 | Networking Fundamentals |
CNT 68 | Digital Forensics Fundamentals |
CNT 69 | Network Security; CompTIA Security + Certification |
CNT 7401 | Red Hat Linux Administration I |
CNT 8002 | Cisco CCNA2/3 Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (SRWE) |
CS 41 | Red Hat Linux Administration I |
FST 20 CO 2A | Human Resource Management for Company Officers |
FST 21 CO 2B | General Administrative Functions for Company Officers |
FST 22 CO 2C | Fire Inspections and Investigation for Company Officers |
FST 23 CO 2D | All - Risk Command Operations for Company Officers |
FST 24 CO 2E | Wildland Incident Operations for Company Officers |
FST 25 | Instructor 1 |
AJ 50 | Introduction to Administration of Justice |
AJ 55 | Introduction to Correctional Science |
AJ 60 | Criminal Law |
AJ 61 | Evidence |
AJ 63 | Criminal Investigation |
AJ 64 | Patrol Procedures |
AJ 68 | Police Ethics and Leadership |
AUTO A6 | Electrical/Electronic Systems |
AUTO A9 | Light Vehicle Diesel Engine |
AUTO INTR | Automotive Service and Introduction |
CIS 66 | Networking Fundamentals |
CNT 51 | CompTIA's A+ Certification Computer Technician |
CNT 52 | Networking Fundamentals |
CNT 68 | Digital Forensics Fundamentals |
CNT 69 | Network Security; CompTIA Security + Certification |
CNT 7401 | Red Hat Linux Administration I |
CNT 8002 | Cisco CCNA2/3 Switching, Routing, and Wireless Essentials (SRWE) |
Students please be aware that not every discipline has courses available for CPL. If you do not see your course in any of the lists above, please reach out to lpc-priorlearning@laspositascollege.edu. In addition, please note that the process for getting courses approved and made available for CPL takes about a semester to complete.
Credit for Prior Learning Petition Request Forms
Students petitioning for credit by exam, portfolio, and industry recognized training may use the forms below to submit their petitions.
- Petition for Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by Exam or Portfolio
- Petition for Credit for Prior Learning: Credit by Industry Recognized Training
- Students petitioning for credit by industry recognized training will need to attach their industry recognized creditentials to their petition.
Students wanting to petition for credit for prior learning with their Military Joint Service Transcripts must go through the Incoming Transcript Evaluation Process in the Admissions & Records Office (1670).
Questions? Please contact lpc-priorlearning@laspositascollege.edu
Credit for Prior Learning
Contacts
Melissa Korber
CPL Coordinator
Danielle Bañuelos
CPL Administrative Assistant
For information regarding CPL please contact:
lpc-priorlearning@laspositascollege.edu