Get Academic Credit for Your Life Experience

Students enter college with a variety of different skill sets and experiences, which may count toward college-level credit. Sierra College wants to recognize your knowledge by applying it toward a degree or certificate.

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) is college credit awarded for skills and knowledge you’ve acquired outside of the classroom. Examples of prior learning include:

  • Military training
  • State/federal government training
  • Apprenticeships, internships, certifications, licenses, and other industry training
  • Validated volunteer and civic activities (ex. Peace Corps)
  • Standardized examinations (ex. AP, CLEP, IB, DSST, DLPT)
  • Credit by examination

Use this form to request Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) for portfolio, industry certification, apprenticeship/internship, validated activities, other training, or requesting credit by exam.

The Benefits of CPL

Earning college credit through CPL can help you:

  • Save time and money. You can shorten the amount of time to obtain your degree or certificate and, therefore, lower the cost of tuition.
  • Accelerate your academic progress. You can take higher level courses sooner while increasing your motivation towards graduation.
  • Honor and appreciate the different ways you learn throughout life. Taking the opportunity to validate your knowledge increases self-confidence and self-esteem.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Admissions and Records — Rocklin

Rocklin

Building A

Fall: M-TR, 8am – 5:30pm, F: 9am – 1 pm; Summer: M-TR, 8am – 5:30pm

Admissions and Records — Nevada County

Nevada County

Building N1, Room 112

Fall/Spring: M-TR: 8:30am-5pm, F: 8:30am-12pm;

Summer: M-TR: 8:30am – 5pm